United Airlines and JetBlue Airways set the US aviation abuzz after reports surfaced that the two airlines were plotting a partnership, with some speculation bandied about that eventually a merger could ensue.
It could be a defining moment if that speculation materialises into another Chapter of M&A in the country’s aviation sector; but the reality is – in the short term, the arrangement will mirror typical airline partnerships that are a mainstay of the sector.
Recent messaging by United indicates that the airline sees advantages with JetBlue; yet, on the surface, committing to a complex merger integration to regain lost ground at New York JFK doesn’t appear to be a major priority for the airline.
But – in the evolving US market, sometimes priorities could shift quickly.