United Airlines to Return to JFK Airport in Partnership with JetBlue
United Airlines is set to make a comeback at New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in two years, marking a new chapter in collaboration with JetBlue Airways.
According to the agreement announced by both parties in May, JetBlue will provide flight slots at Kennedy Airport for United Airlines, allowing them to operate up to 7 round-trip flights per day starting in 2027. This signifies United Airlines’ return to the airport after a five-year absence since 2022.
The collaboration, named the “Blue Sky Agreement,” will not only see cooperation at Kennedy Airport but also involve the exchange of 8 flight slots at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. Some of the collaborative efforts are set to take effect by the end of this year.
While United Airlines currently holds a hub status at Newark Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently announced an extension of flight restrictions until June due to shortages in air traffic control personnel and technical issues at the airport. As a result, United Airlines has already reduced some of its flights at Newark earlier this month.
JetBlue Airways currently operates approximately 180 daily flights at Kennedy Airport and previously collaborated with American Airlines in operating routes in the Northeast region, although the partnership ended in 2023.
As per the agreement, both airlines will open up their frequent flyer programs to each other. Passengers will be able to book flights on each other’s websites and apps, as well as accumulate and redeem miles.
Both companies emphasized that they will continue to independently manage their respective route networks and pricing strategies, including adding new routes, adjusting flight frequencies, and conducting promotional activities.
Following the announcement, the stock prices of both airlines rose before the opening of trading on Thursday, May 29th.