JetBlue asks DOT to review Delta JV competition concerns

JetBlue Airways has renewed its call for the US DoT to review concerns that a proposed combination of transatlantic joint ventures between Delta, Virgin Atlantic and Air France-KLM could negatively affect competition and slot allocation at London Heathrow Airport (LHR). In a Dec. 17 motion to the DOT, lawyers for JetBlue called on DOT to compile a “complete and up-to-date” analysis of current market conditions before granting the airlines antitrust immunity (ATI) application, adding that such a move would be “consistent with past precedent.” JetBlue said that new issues have arisen since its most recent motion that further support the need for DOT to review the possible anti-competitive implications of the proposed tie-up. Among those issues is the status of UK carrier flybe, which has received competition remedy slots at LHR, and is looking for a buyer. In early December, Virgin CEO Craig Kreeger confirmed the carrier is considering acquiring flybe. In addition, Italian flag carrier Alitalia is seeking to join the Delta-Virgin-Air France-KLM JV, prompting JetBlue to call on DOT to review what those changes would mean for slot allocation at LHR and other slot-constrained airports, including Amsterdam Schiphol, Paris Charles de Gaulle and London Gatwick.<br/>