JetBlue Pushes for Fair Access to US Airport Slots
JetBlue Airways is pressing the US government to reform airport slot allocation rules to help new entrants compete more effectively against the country’s four dominant airlines. Speaking at the US Chamber of Commerce aerospace summit in Washington, CEO Joanna Geraghty said policies must be created to “increase competition” and allow carriers like JetBlue equal access to key airports.
Geraghty expressed optimism that changes could happen under President Donald Trump’s administration, particularly around enforcing Open Skies agreements with foreign governments. JetBlue has already signaled possible legal action against Portugal, claiming its authorities have blocked the airline’s planned operations at Lisbon Airport.
She also noted that 2025 has been a challenging recovery year for JetBlue, but the airline is in a stronger position than some low-cost competitors struggling to attract premium travelers. JetBlue’s focus on customer experience and a growing transatlantic network has positioned it as a unique hybrid carrier.
President Marty St. George said the company is “very bullish” on the Atlantic market, citing a strong mix of European routes in the summer and fall with sun destinations in the winter. This seasonal balance, he said, has created a profitable portfolio for JetBlue.
In the domestic market, JetBlue is expanding into Spirit Airlines’ key routes as the rival carrier navigates Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. In November, JetBlue will launch nine new nonstop services from Fort Lauderdale to destinations including Cali, Aruba, Grand Cayman, Guanacaste, New Orleans, Pittsburgh, San Pedro Sula, Cartagena, and St. Maarten.
Related News: https://airguide.info/?s=JetBlue, https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/airline-finance/
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com