American Airlines has taken legal action against JetBlue Airways following the dissolution of their Northeast Alliance (NEA), filing a lawsuit to recover over $1 million in damages. This move comes after the two carriers ended their partnership negotiations, reflecting turbulence in their business relationship. Reuters reported on this latest development that highlights growing tensions between the former partners.
The NEA, beginning in July 2020 and officially approved in January 2021, was designed to enable American Airlines and JetBlue to coordinate flights and share revenue, particularly to enhance competitiveness in the lucrative New York market. However, this alliance faced significant legal challenges, with a federal judge in May 2023 declaring the NEA in violation of federal antitrust laws, which ultimately led to its termination.
In the aftermath of the NEA's collapse, American Airlines swiftly moved to seek over $1 million in damages through their lawsuit, excluding legal fees, further complicating the path forward for both airlines. Meanwhile, JetBlue has yet to respond to the lawsuit but has expressed interest in continuing to explore partnerships with other carriers as part of its strategy to bolster its loyalty program.