JetBlue & British Airways Want To Partner

JetBlue and British Airways have launched an application to enter a codeshare agreement to enhance connectivity.

The pair hope to travel to many destinations from New York, Boston, and London as part of a request to the U.S. Department of Transport (DOT).

While approval needs to be granted for this to move forward, such a coming together would substantially enhance both airline’s ability to offer services in both directions.

Thanks to the addition of the A321neo family, JetBlue has begun flying towards Europe in recent years and has enjoyed this significantly. As part of a European expansion, the airline believes partnering with British Airways will provide more opportunities for transatlantic travel, whether for leisure or business.

British Airways Extending U.S. Presence

British Airways, if approved, would put its code on select flights from New York to Buffalo, Burbank, Richmond, Orlando, Miami, San Diego, Seattle, and Tampa, among many others.

Meanwhile, there are also prospective routes from Boston, including other significant markets such as Austin, Miami, Nashville, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Salt Lake, among many others.

If approved, this extensive codeshare agreement would allow British Airways customers greater connectivity across the United States. Moreover, thanks to the significant travel options available, booking services from Europe would be easier when building itineraries.

How JetBlue Will Enhance European Connectivity

As part of Jetblue adding its code to British Airways flights, it would look towards London to Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Budapest, Copenhagen, Zurich, Paris, Oslo, Lyon, and many others, making up 17 cities in total.

Airlines such as JetBlue know that they cannot serve 17 destinations themselves from markets on the East Coast of the United States. However, leveraging British Airways’ existing network through a codeshare partnership is a fantastic way for JetBlue to enhance its European connectivity.

JetBlue Looks To Collaborate

JetBlue has been looking to expand and foster new relationships with airlines. Most recently, the airline faced a rejection for a merger with Spirit Airlines that was meant to enhance growth. Additionally, the U.S. carrier battled to retain a partnership with American Airlines as part of a Northeast Alliance.

Partnering with British Airways is another important step for JetBlue to continue enhancing its connectivity. Further, such a relationship should benefit the airline as it looks toward long-term profitability without the ability to acquire another existing airline.

However, this prospective partnership will be reviewed like all previous codeshare partnerships, mergers, and others. As part of the review, regulators must determine if the relationship harms consumers and existing airlines. Once this review occurs, a verdict can be handed down.