JetBlue Airways is in ongoing talks with United Airlines to forge a strategic partnership, according to three industry insiders familiar with the situation, Reuters has learned. This move comes as JetBlue, headquartered in New York, seeks alternative alliances after a federal court halted its Northeast Alliance (NEA) with American Airlines.
Insiders emphasized that the potential partnership with United would take a different form from the defunct NEA. Rather than coordinating on pricing and flight schedules, this alliance is expected to center around expanded travel connectivity and shared frequent flyer benefits—allowing passengers to earn and redeem loyalty points across both networks.
Details of the partnership remain fluid, and the sources cautioned that plans are not yet finalized and could still shift.
When approached for comment, a JetBlue representative referred to earlier remarks made by President Marty St. George during a conference call discussing the company’s latest financial results. St. George confirmed negotiations with a larger U.S. airline were underway and hinted at a formal announcement later this quarter, without naming the carrier.
United, based in Chicago, declined to comment, citing a policy of not addressing industry rumors.
JetBlue has faced an uphill battle returning to consistent profitability in the post-pandemic era, having reported a profit in only two of the last nine quarters. Investor confidence has waned, with the airline’s stock dropping roughly 47% this year and short interest surging 35% since February.
Compounding JetBlue’s challenges is a decline in travel demand amid economic uncertainty, worsened by the residual effects of former President Donald Trump’s trade policies. Earlier this week, JetBlue pulled its 2025 financial forecast due to ongoing market unpredictability.
Still, the airline sees growth potential in its loyalty program revenue, which it hopes to boost through new collaborations. After failed talks with American Airlines to reestablish a new partnership, American filed a lawsuit for damages following the collapse of the NEA, according to a company memo from executive vice chair Steve Johnson.
Amid its weakened market position, JetBlue has also become the subject of takeover rumors. In January, United had to formally notify the SEC that it was not involved in any merger or acquisition discussions, following speculation about a possible bid for JetBlue.
Although United has expressed interest in expanding its presence at New York's JFK Airport, CEO Scott Kirby has voiced skepticism over the regulatory complications that would come with acquiring an airline outright. “The idea of buying an entire airline just to operate out of JFK—it’s a heavy lift,” Kirby said last month.