A strategic partnership which will create seamless connectivity for travelers in the northeastern United States was announced using the same press release from both JetBlue Airways Corporation and American Airlines Group Incorporated — and it is also expected to bring a greater number of choices and options for customers across complementary domestic and international networks.
Strategic Partnership Announced Between American Airlines and JetBlue Airways
Moreover, the new relationship will accelerate the recovery of both airlines as the travel industry adapts to new trends as a result of the current 2019 Novel Coronavirus pandemic.
JetBlue Airways is not joining the oneworld Alliance or the Atlantic Joint Business Agreement between American Airlines and International Airlines Group — which is the parent company of British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, and Vueling — and JetBlue Airways will continue with plans to independently launch and operate transatlantic flights to London in 2021.
The partnership includes an alliance agreement that proposes codeshare benefits and loyalty benefits that will enhance the offerings of each carrier in New York and Boston, provide strategic growth, and drive value for customers and team members of both airlines. Customers will experience a number of benefits from the new partnership.
New and Expanded Routes From the Northeast
The partnership between American Airlines and JetBlue Airways enables new strategic and sustainable international growth for customers in the northeastern United States from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, which will continue to complement the international service from Philadelphia for even more options.
Upon the implementation of the alliance agreement, American Airlines intends to launch international service between New York and Tel Aviv — as well as new seasonal service between New York and Athens is expected to be introduced next summer — in order to meet the strong local demand. The new nonstop service to Tel Aviv and Athens from New York will be the first long-haul international flights which American Airlines has launched from New York in greater than four years.
Additionally, American Airlines will operate daily seasonal service to Rio De Janeiro beginning in winter 2021 during the peak summer travel period in the second most populous city in Brazil — as well as continuing to serve popular long-haul destinations such as London and Madrid as only two examples.
The new partnership is expected to facilitate the addition of new long-haul markets in Europe, Africa, India, and South America by American Airlines — once the current 2019 Novel Coronavirus pandemic ends.
The number of flights at the three major airports which serve the greater New York metropolitan area is expected to be increased by JetBlue Airways — including LaGuardia Airport and Newark Airport — as its growth and increasing presence at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York will be aimed at offering even more seamless connection opportunities to the expanding international network of destinations of American Airlines.
Additionally, service from both New York and Boston is expected to be enhanced by JetBlue Airways to strategic markets — including those on the east coast, west coast, and in the southeastern United States — which will further build on the growth between Newark and nine markets which was recently announced by JetBlue Airways. This includes Mint service to Los Angeles and San Francisco.
More Choices and Loyalty Benefits: Codeshare Creates More Options for Customers
JetBlue Airways and American Airlines will operate a new reciprocal codeshare relationship through their integrated networks, which will give customers seamless access to more destinations — including international service — as well as new options with improved schedules, competitive fares and nonstop access to more domestic and international destinations.
The codeshare will introduce JetBlue Airways customers to greater than 60 new routes operated by American Airlines and will introduce customers of American Airlines to greater than 130 new routes operated by JetBlue Airways. Codesharing allows customers to book a single itinerary combining flights from both airlines, which will result in a one-stop check-in experience and seamless flight connections from origin to destination.
This means that JetBlue Airways will gain connectivity to more destinations within the United States, a broad global network, and an improved frequent flier loyalty program proposition; while American Airlines will complement the improved and expanded service of JetBlue Airways with new international routes.
Members of the frequent flier loyalty programs of JetBlue Airways and American Airlines will also enjoy new benefits; while the carriers explore additional premium experiences for customers.
Exceptional Seamless Experience: Products and Enhancements to Existing Service
Both leisure and corporate customers will enjoy a seamless experience across both airlines — including the ability to book a single itinerary on either Internet web site, convenient connections, and an improved overall experience on the ground.
JetBlue Airways and American Airlines will offer customers — who seek more comfort and more options in transcontinental service between New York and the west coast — access to both the popular three-class Transcon service on the Airbus A321T aircraft by American Airlines and the Mint premium experience and thoughtful core seating by JetBlue Airways.
The premium experience will also be expanded to the fleet, as more dual-class regional aircraft featuring first class are expected to be operated by American Airlines beginning next year.
Summary
The implementation of the alliance agreement and other arrangements described within this article is subject to governmental review; but it will likely be approved.
I am not a member of JetBlue Airways TrueBlue frequent flier loyalty program because the airline does not offer enough service in the region of the United States where I am based; but as a member of the American Airlines AAdvantage frequent flier loyalty program, I may be more compelled to try out the service offered by JetBlue Airways in the future.
Consumers usually win as a result of strategic partnerships between airlines because they usually give customers more options and choices. This partnership between American Airlines and JetBlue Airways should prove to be no exception.
All photographs ©2013, ©2014, ©2018, and ©2019 by Brian Cohen.
