JetBlue Airways Corporation and Spirit Airlines, Inc. responded to the filing of a complaint by the U.S. Department of Justice (the “DOJ”) seeking to block the companies’ merger.

JetBlue and Spirit will continue to advance plans to create a compelling national challenger to the Big Four airlines, which control about 80% of the market after years of industry consolidation that the DOJ itself approved. By coming together, it will expand JetBlue’s unique offering – where customers do not have to choose between a low fare and a great experience – to boost competition nationally.

Biden administration moving toward blocking JetBlue-Spirit merger(Opens in a new browser tab)

JetBlue has proven its ability to force legacy carriers to react to JetBlue’s low fares and award-winning service. The DOJ itself said that “In the face of consolidation, JetBlue has provided an important and steadfast source of competition” and that “JetBlue’s reputation for lowering fares is so well known in the airline industry that it has earned a name: the ‘JetBlue Effect.’

settlement Resolves Concerns About Florida; Ensures New Jobs and Additional Flights

They are extremely pleased to secure a settlement with the State of Florida supporting the merger between JetBlue and Spirit. The agreement ensures that the merger will deliver new jobs in Florida as JetBlue adds its low-fare flights in airports across the state.

• The combined JetBlue and Spirit will increase seat capacity by at least 50% in both Fort Lauderdale and Orlando and will increase its aggregate seat capacity at all other Florida airports in which JetBlue or Spirit currently operate by at least 50%.
• These commitments will bring hundreds of new daily flights to Florida, additional frequencies in over 35 markets, and service to nearly 50 new routes that are not currently served by either JetBlue or Spirit.
• JetBlue will bring at least 1,000 new jobs to South Florida, at least 500 new jobs to the Orlando region, and at least 500 new jobs to support JetBlue’s expanded operations at airports throughout Florida.
• JetBlue will extend its “no furlough” policy and provide increased compensation to Spirit Team Members.
• JetBlue will maintain all Florida facilities currently in use by either JetBlue or Spirit, including Spirit’s planned future headquarters in Dania Beach, at their current or planned employment levels or greater for at least five years following the merger.

In fact, all JetBlue crewmembers and Spirit Team Members will benefit from a larger, more competitive airline:

• Once combined, the airline will have more aircraft, a bigger network, more jobs, and more opportunities.
• JetBlue has committed to strong protections for crewmembers and Team Members, including extending its 23-year no-furlough commitment, committing to no displacements, and providing assurances around seniority protection.
• By combining airlines, crewmembers and Team Members will have the opportunity to open the collective bargaining agreements and discuss topics important to them, including pay scales and benefits. JetBlue is incentivized to complete this process as fast as possible so the airline can receive a single operating certificate and begin functioning as one airline.

The benefits of a JetBlue and Spirit combination have been widely recognized by consumer advocates, labor leaders, legislators, local government officials, industry experts, and academics. In addition, thousands of JetBlue crewmembers and Spirit Team Members have submitted letters of support to the DOJ and the U.S. Department of Transportation.