JetBlue CEO defends Spirit deal, says passengers will save money

JetBlue (JBLU.O) CEO Robin Hayes defends the airline's $3.8 billion plan to buy Spirit Airlines (SAVE.N) despite the Justice Department's lawsuit. JetBlue will still serve Spirit customers. The deal could eliminate half of the ultra-low-cost capacity in the US, leading to higher fares and fewer seat

March 9, 2023 . 10:37 AM

1 min read

JetBlue (JBLU.O) Chief Executive Robin Hayes strongly defended the airline’s $3.8 billion plan to buy ultra-low cost carrier Spirit Airlines (SAVE.N) despite the Justice Department's lawsuit Tuesday.
Hayes said that JetBlue will still serve Spirit customers buying very low-cost tickets after a merger and rejected the idea that fares will go up.
The Justice Department said the deal would eliminate half of the ultra-low-cost capacity in the United States, resulting in higher fares and 10%-15% fewer seats to airplanes and 'harming millions of consumers on hundreds of routes'.
JetBlue reached a deal with the Florida Attorney General Monday to boost seats on flights to the state by 50% over seven years.