The JFK Airport in New York is one of the largest airports in the United States. After a decade, the airline company United Airlines returns to New York after years of losses. Return after creating a partnership with JetBlue by creating BlueSKy. This fusion of air lines will result in new air routes, new and better benefits for premium passengers and greater coverage.
United Airlines
More known as United, is an American airline with origin in Chicago. Present on all continents, it first landed at the JKF Airport in New York in 1959 where it remained until 2015, due to the fierce competition and low profitability achieved then. Gradually began to stop using JFK as a base, and opted to expand more and more to other airports such as Newark and La Guardia, increasing their flight schedules in these areas. They made a feint to return in 2021, but the stay only lasted 18 months for exact same reasons.
United and JetBlue: from rivals to allies
After seven years without flying on JFK, this week we have seen the new alliance between the big airlines: JetBLue and United. After years of rivalry, both companies have decided to join forces to compete with the other airlines through a strategic union. This alliance has resulted in Blue Sky. This agreement will allow both companies to sell their seats and the other one, and allows points accumulated by travelers to be equally valid in both companies.
BlueSky
According to the CEO of United, Scott Kirby, statements, We’re always looking for ways to give our MileagePlus members even more value and benefits and this collaboration gives them new, unique ways to use their hard-earned miles and find options that fit their schedule”. Both companies have agreed to keep intact the benefits and advantages offered to first class and premium passengers, such as priority boarding and the possibility of choosing seats where you can stretch your legs. Therefore, all the TrueBlue and MileagePlus members will still benefit for every single advantage the had before the agreement.
This strategic unification aims to unify the forces that have not been able to overcome the competition separately. Airlines such as AirEuropa, Vueling, American Airlines, TAP Portugal, Air China, Air France, Lufthansa and many others that make up a list of more than 90 companies, work to offer the largest number of flight schedules and routes covered. The aim is not to leave any market niche, route or timetable uncovered in order to prevent another airline from taking advantage of it.
United returns to JKF
After 7 years, the union of both airlines has led to United having slots at JFK again. Within 2 years, starting in 2027, United will be able to resume operations from the airport terminal 6, averaging 7 daily round-trip flights, sharing 8 flight schedules with JetBlue at Newark.
With an agreement that undertakes to maintain all the advantages and benefits of premium passengers, the willingness to advertise their flight schedules on both websites being able to choose it in any of them, and responding under one name, Blue Sky promises to become an interesting alternative for travelers but above all, a competitive threat for the rest of airlines, which will not only have to deal with United and JetBlue separately, but also with the merger of them.
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