JetBlue could triple New York LaGuardia flights with controversial American alliance

JetBlue Airways could triple the number of flights it offers at New York’s sought-after LaGuardia airport under its new alliance with American Airlines. New York-based JetBlue plans as many as 50-60 peak day departures from LaGuardia with the northeast alliance in place, airline spokesperson Philip Stewart told Airline Weekly. This would represent a more than three-fold increase for the airline from 18 departures in 2019. JetBlue could also add as many as 50 departures for up to 240 at Boston, 45 for up to 80 at Newark, and 65 for up to 240 at New York JFK, according to Stewart. US authorities signed off the alliance that some say borders on a joint venture in January. American and JetBlue are allowed to collaborate on flights from Boston and New York, including the former leasing some of its slots at JFK and LaGuardia to the latter. The DOT is requiring the carriers divest seven slot pairs at JFK — plus up to 10 more if growth targets are not met — and six pairs at Washington’s Reagan National airport. If all the slot shifts occur, JetBlue could leapfrog competitors at key New York airports. <br/>