JetBlue Airways is preparing to announce a significant partnership with a major U.S. airline in the coming weeks, aiming to expand its national reach and enhance its customer loyalty program. The airline’s president, Marty St. George, shared during a recent earnings call that the agreement is expected to be finalized this quarter. The move comes as JetBlue seeks new strategies to stay competitive after the collapse of previous ventures, including its blocked merger with Spirit Airlines and the court-ordered termination of its Northeast alliance with American Airlines.
The upcoming partnership is set to connect JetBlue’s loyal customer base—especially in the Northeast—to a broader network of destinations, including cities currently underserved by the carrier. “If you are a customer in the Northeast and you love JetBlue for leisure, but twice a year you have to go to Omaha or Boise, these are places that you can’t earn TrueBlue points on now—and when this partnership goes forward, you will be able to,” St. George said. The collaboration will allow customers to earn and redeem JetBlue’s TrueBlue points across the larger airline’s network.
While JetBlue has remained tight-lipped on which airline it plans to partner with, industry speculation has pointed toward United Airlines as a possible candidate. United declined to comment on the matter directly. Other major carriers have distanced themselves from potential deals: Delta stated there are no pending partnership announcements, Alaska Airlines is focusing on its recent merger with Hawaiian Airlines, and Southwest Airlines chose not to comment.
Attempts to revive a modified partnership with American Airlines were unsuccessful. American recently revealed it has sued JetBlue following failed negotiations, citing irreconcilable operational and financial differences. JetBlue’s leadership has emphasized that a new partnership is essential for growth and long-term competitiveness in an industry dominated by larger carriers.
The airline was recently recognized as the top-ranked U.S. carrier for customer satisfaction in both first and business class, and it aims to build on that success by offering travelers greater flexibility and rewards. With the formal announcement expected soon, JetBlue is positioning itself for a strategic shift that could significantly reshape its role in the national air travel market.
