JetBlue asks US to reject Boeing in Bombardier trade dispute

JetBlue Airways is urging US regulators to reject Boeing’s fair-trade complaints against Bombardier as the New York-based airline considers adding new planes to its fleet. Boeing’s claim that Bombardier sold its C Series jets in the U.S. at less than fair value thanks to Canadian government subsidies presents “a threat to JetBlue’s ability to continue to innovate and provide benefits to the flying public,” CEO Robin Hayes said in a letter filed Monday with the US International Trade Commission. JetBlue plans to decide by the end of the year on changes to its fleet, including whether to replace its Embraer SA E190s, possibly with the C Series. The airline has held talks off-and-on with Bombardier, Bloomberg reported last year. In his letter, Hayes urged the commission "to reject the petitions and permit free and unfettered competition in the aircraft manufacturing sector." The C Series is the only aircraft offering five seats abreast, aligning it with JetBlue’s “history of product differentiation,” he said, and has potential to reduce operating costs in line with JetBlue’s low-cost model. Boeing makes no comparable aircraft, the letter said.<br/>