JetBlue Challenges Delta-SAS Codeshare Amid EU Regulatory Dispute

JetBlue Airways has filed a formal objection with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) against the proposed codeshare partnership between Delta Air Lines and SAS Scandinavian Airlines. The objection arises amid regulatory discrepancies involving JetBlue’s own codeshare proposal with Air Serbia, which has faced denials from European Union, Italy, and Croatia.

The filing, dated August 6, requests that the DOT withhold approval for the Delta-SAS codeshare on routes that include Italy and Croatia until a satisfactory explanation is provided for the rejection of JetBlue’s codeshare with Air Serbia. This includes routes that would pass through Serbia, an open-skies partner and a member of the European Common Aviation Area (ECAA). The European authorities contend that the ECAA agreement does not permit the type of codesharing arrangement proposed by JetBlue.

JetBlue argues that there is an inconsistency in how codeshare agreements are being handled, pointing out that several U.S. and EU carriers currently engage in codesharing in Serbia and other similar ECAA member countries. The airline contends that this represents a lack of reciprocity that needs to be addressed by the DOT to ensure fair treatment in international aviation agreements.

The objection underscores JetBlue’s stance that if the EU’s interpretation of traffic rights under the ECAA is upheld, then the DOT should reevaluate not only the pending Delta and SAS application but also existing codeshare licenses that involve ECAA routes. JetBlue suggests that such an evaluation might necessitate amendments to ensure reciprocal treatment across transatlantic aviation markets.

Delta and SAS’s application seeks permission for Delta to place its designator code on flights operated by SAS within the EU, Norway, and other ECAA countries, including Croatia, Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, and Montenegro—areas where open skies agreements are in effect. This application highlights the ongoing complexities and strategic maneuvers in international airline partnerships and the regulatory landscapes they navigate.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com