United and JetBlue Announce Collaboration on Flights and Frequent Flyer Programs
As expected by the market, United Airlines and JetBlue announced on Thursday a broad partnership that aims to offer passengers of both airlines ease in purchasing tickets and using frequent flyer programs.
The “unique collaboration” between the two U.S. carriers will not be a code share, as they stress, but an interline agreement, in which flights will be sold by both, as well as points and mileage redemption.
“This collaboration with United is a bold step forward for the industry — one that brings together two customer-focused airlines to deliver more choices for travelers and value across our networks,” said Joanna Geraghty, CEO of JetBlue.
“The JetBlue brand is tied to a great product and under Joanna’s leadership the airline continues to deliver for customers,” added United CEO Scott Kirby.
The plan is for the two airlines to leverage their complementary route networks to increase sales and make passengers’ lives easier.
Although each will maintain its own flight numbers, both systems will be able to offer the available routes.
The effects of the partnership will begin to be felt soon and should increase as the synergy work progresses.
Slot swap in New York
JetBlue will also make its Paisly online platform available to United for planning and booking travel and holiday packages.
United will offer its partner Kinective Media, an online advertising system on board its aircraft.
In addition, the two airlines will exchange slots at their New York hubs.
Jetblue will take eight United flight slots from Newark Airport while transferring up to seven daily round-trip flights from JFK International Airport.
The switch comes as United Airlines struggles with the limitations of its international airport in New Jersey.
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