Connect with us

Airlines

Biden administration moving toward blocking JetBlue-Spirit merger

Biden administration moving toward blocking JetBlue-Spirit merger

According to Politico on Friday, which cited five people with knowledge of the situation, the Justice Department is expected to file a suit to block the proposed $3.8 billion merger of JetBlue Airways Corp and Spirit Airlines Inc.

According to the article, the DoJ may file a lawsuit as early as March. It also stated that different individuals in the department’s anti-trust section had differing views over whether to initiate a case or not.

American Airlines CEO defends JetBlue alliance in antitrust trial(Opens in a new browser tab)

In a statement sent through email, JetBlue stated, “We continue to work through the regulatory process to explain how this merger will promote competition in the airline market.” In Friday’s extended trading, shares of JetBlue and Spirit were unchanged. As the DoJ continued its anti-trust investigation earlier this week, JetBlue representatives responded to inquiries and provided depositions.

This week, Spirit Airlines Inc. stated that it anticipates U.S. antitrust authorities would decide within the “next 30 days or so” whether to approve the low-cost carrier’s $3.8 billion merger with JetBlue Airways Corp. Spirit CEO Edward Christie stated on an investor call that the company was “now waiting to see whether the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed suit to halt the deal or enables us to proceed.”

Biden says airlines can’t treat kids like ‘piece of baggage’(Opens in a new browser tab)

JetBlue has proposed to sell Spirit’s assets in New York, Boston, and some Florida locations in order to satisfy the DOJ and the Transportation Department, which is providing advising input on the merger clearance process. However, DOJ antitrust chief Jonathan Kanter has criticized utilizing settlements to address competition issues in mergers, preferring to litigate to stop problematic deals entirely.

Source:

Airlines

PIA Reinstates Manchester and Paris Routes After EU Ban Lift

PIA Reinstates Manchester and Paris Routes After EU Ban Lift

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced plans to resume flights to Europe starting in January, beginning with Paris as its first destination.

The decision follows the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) removal of a long-standing ban on the airline. PIA’s inaugural flight to Paris is scheduled for January 10, with bookings opening on December 9.

DOT Proposes New Passenger Compensation Rules for Flight Disruptions

In an official statement, PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan confirmed that the first flight schedule has been approved, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s recovery efforts. The EU ban had previously cost PIA approximately Rs40 billion ($144 million) annually in lost revenue, compounding its financial struggles.

With European operations restarting, PIA is now setting its sights on the United Kingdom. The airline plans to seek approval from the UK Department for Transport (DfT) to resume flights to major British cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

Top 10 Best Airlines in the World by AirHelp Survey

These routes are anticipated to see high demand once necessary clearances are obtained. The lifting of the EU ban represents a key achievement for PIA as it works to rebuild its international network and regain its standing in the global aviation market.

By restoring flights to Europe and aiming for UK destinations, PIA is taking critical steps toward recovering lost ground and improving its financial outlook.

Continue Reading

Trending