Last week, rumors circulated online that United Airlines was looking to possibly merge with JetBlue Airways or buy some of its assets. On Friday, the Chicago-based airline issued a statement denying the merger rumors.
In a securities filing, United said, “It has come to the company’s attention that there may be rumors spreading among certain of our investors regarding United’s involvement in a potential strategic transaction with another airline.”
It added, “The Company is not in negotiations or discussions with any other airline regarding a merger, acquisition or similar strategic transaction and has not been in any recent discussions with any airlines regarding the same.”
Northeast Alliance
The rumor started when JetBlue executives expressed their interest in reviving a domestic partnership similar to the Northeast Alliance.
JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty said Tuesday, “So we’re having conversations with a number of carriers right now to discuss the potential for future partnership.” She added, “The judge in Massachusetts obviously laid out a framework that would be acceptable under at least the prior administration. So that’s what we’re looking at, but there’s nothing to announce now.”
A federal judge shut down the Northeast Alliance with American Airlines calling it anticompetitive.
Relaxed Outlook on Mergers?
Executives from different airlines are hopeful that the Trump administration will have a more relaxed outlook on mergers. For instance, the Northeast Alliance was approved during the first term of US President Donald Trump. On the other hand, the Biden administration went after the Northeast Alliance and the JetBlue-Spirit merger.
JetBlue struggled financially since the Northeast Alliance and its proposed merger with Spirit didn’t move forward. The New York-based airline had a dim outlook in the first quarter while United reported a 64% increase in profit during the fourth quarter and a positive outlook for the rest of the first quarter of 2025.
In a statement, United said, “As indicated by United’s strong earnings results and outlook provided on Jan. 21, 2025, the company has great momentum and a bright future ahead.”
