American and JetBlue Win More Time to Unwind Alliance

Key Points

• American Airlines and JetBlue Airways have been granted more time to unwind their alliance after it was found to violate antitrust laws.
• The U.S. District Court Judge deemed the Justice Department's 30-day timeline request as too short and the airlines' 120-day request as too long.
• American and JetBlue have until 21 days after the final judgement to end their partnership in the Boston and New York markets.

Summary

American Airlines and JetBlue Airways have been given additional time to either appeal or dissolve their partnership, which was found to violate antitrust laws in the northeastern U.S. The U.S. District Court Judge found the Justice Department's 30-day timeframe to be too short and the airlines' 120-day request too long, instead setting a deadline of 21 days post-final judgement for the alliance's dissolution. The airlines argue that a rapid unwinding could disrupt consumers, citing JetBlue's technology limitations and the need for time to address potential appeals.