The aviation industry is abuzz with news that United and JetBlue are engaged in discussions to form a strategic partnership.
This development was first reported by Reuters on 29 April, citing multiple internal sources. Neither airline has confirmed the report.
A potential partnership comes at a critical time for both carriers. For JetBlue, it’s a chance to rebuild after the collapse of its Northeast Alliance with American Airlines. At the same time, for United, it could signal a strategic push into New York’s fiercely competitive John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
Background: JetBlue’s Search for a New Ally
JetBlue has been on the hunt for a domestic partner since a federal judge blocked its proposed Northeast Alliance with American Airlines in 2023, deeming it anti-competitive. The fallout was messy: American Airlines confirmed this week that it recently filed a lawsuit seeking damages after negotiations to revive the partnership collapsed. This announcement came on 28 April. Just one day later, JetBlue hinted at a new domestic partnership, raising eyebrows about the timing.
The New York-based carrier has struggled in 2025, with its stock plummeting 47% year-to-date amid economic uncertainties. JetBlue withdrew its full-year outlook during its Q1 earnings call, citing volatile market conditions. A partnership with a “large” network carrier—widely speculated to be United—could provide a lifeline by expanding JetBlue’s reach and enhancing the value of its TrueBlue loyalty program.
The United and JetBlue Partnership: What We Know So Far
According to Reuters, the potential United and JetBlue alliance would focus on two key areas: improved passenger connectivity and frequent flier mile reciprocity. Unlike the Northeast Alliance, which involved schedule and pricing coordination, this partnership would avoid such integration to avoid antitrust concerns. Customers could earn and redeem TrueBlue points on United’s extensive network and vice versa with United’s MileagePlus program, creating a seamless experience across both carriers.
JetBlue’s Marty St. George emphasized the customer benefits during the earnings call with the following explanation:
“I need to make sure I reserve my comments based on what we have said publicly. And what we have said is we are looking at, and we’re talking to multiple airlines about domestic partnerships. I think we’re getting very close to making an announcement and expect to make the announcement this quarter. And as far as the benefits that we expect to offer to our customers, now the most important thing is number one, a significantly higher network opportunity for earn and burn of TrueBlue points, which we think greatly improves utility of TrueBlue.
Marty St. George, JetBlue President
Today, if you are a customer in the Northeast and you love JetBlue for leisure, but, you know, twice a year, you have to go to Omaha or Boise, these are places that you can’t earn through Blue points on now. And when this partnership goes forward, you will be able to. And the second thing is I’m really excited for just the overall broadening of the network opportunities, you know, not just connectivity, but also just sort of better opportunities for our customers to fly more places with more frequency.”
However, sources caution that no deal has been finalized, and negotiations remain fluid. St. George indicated an announcement is expected within Q2 2025, suggesting progress is happening.
United’s JFK Ambitions: A Bigger Play?
While a potential United and JetBlue partnership’s stated goals are connectivity and loyalty program integration, United’s motivations may extend further. CEO Scott Kirby has expressed his desire for a more substantial presence at JFK. Delta Air Lines dominates with nearly 30% of seat capacity, followed by JetBlue at 24.5% and American at 12%. United, notably absent from JFK, operates out of Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and LaGuardia (LGA).
Kirby’s comments, reported by Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, reveal his strategic thinking.
“I would like to have a presence on the other side of the river at JFK,” Kirby stated. “But man, all the headache, all the brain damage of buying a whole airline to get there. That’s a lot to do.”
Reports suggest United is eyeing 20 slot pairs (enabling 40 daily flights) and access to two of JetBlue’s gates at JFK. With no slots currently available at the slot-constrained airport, a partnership—or even an acquisition—could be United’s ticket to challenging Delta in one of its key hubs.
United’s history at JFK adds context. The carrier exited the airport in 2015 to focus on EWR but briefly returned in February 2021, operating two routes (SFO and LAX) using slots freed up during the pandemic. It withdrew again shortly after, unable to secure permanent slots. A partnership with JetBlue could provide a foothold without the logistical and regulatory hurdles of re-entering JFK independently.
Speculation and Denials: Acquisition on the Table?
Rumors of a United and JetBlue tie-up first surfaced earlier in 2025, prompting United to issue a carefully worded denial:
“The Company is not in negotiations or discussions with any other airline regarding a merger, acquisition, or similar strategic transaction.”
United Airlines
Notably, the statement left room for non-merger partnerships, fueling speculation that the current talks were already underway.
Sources indicate that “all options are on the table,” including a potential acquisition of JetBlue. Such a move would be a bold play for United, granting immediate access to JetBlue’s JFK slots, gates, and customer base. However, Kirby’s reluctance to endure the “brain damage” of acquiring an airline suggests a partnership is the more likely outcome—at least for now. United’s official stance remains cautious, with a spokesperson declining to comment on “industry speculation.”
Implications for Customers and the Industry if United and JetBlue Form an Alliance
If finalized, a United and JetBlue partnership could reshape the competitive landscape in the US aviation market. Customers would be able to earn and redeem miles across JetBlue and United’s networks, unlocking new travel opportunities. JetBlue’s leisure-focused customers in the Northeast could access United’s extensive domestic and international routes, while United’s business travelers could benefit from JetBlue’s strong JFK presence and premium Mint product.
The partnership would also bolster the Star Alliance, of which United is a founding member. JetBlue’s TrueBlue members could potentially connect with other Star Alliance carriers like Lufthansa and Air Canada. However, the lack of schedule coordination means travelers shouldn’t expect the seamless codesharing often seen in other alliances.
For JetBlue, the partnership could stabilize its financial outlook by driving loyalty program revenue and attracting new customers. For United, it’s a low-risk way to reenter the waters at JFK while strengthening its domestic network. However, the shadow of American Airlines’ lawsuit and the Northeast Alliance’s failure looms large, reminding both carriers of the regulatory scrutiny such partnerships attract.
With an announcement expected soon, clarity is on the horizon. For now, JetBlue’s beleaguered shareholders and United’s ambitious leadership share a common hope: that this alliance could be a watershed moment in an industry where partnerships often define success.
