JetBlue Airways, based in New York, has been collaborating with advisers to assess the feasibility of selling itself to competing airlines.

As reported by Semafor, the airline has a scenario-based plan on how it could work with United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, or Southwest Airlines. This proposal would also look to understand how it would fare with support from Washington. 

Low-cost carrier JetBlue was blocked from acquiring Florida-based ultra-low-cost-carrier Spirit Airlines in 2024; since then, the airline has seen its share price drop around 40% since the beginning of 2025.

While the airline remains a low-cost carrier, it competes head-to-head with higher-end airlines with its unique product offering, such as free WiFi and Mint (Business class). 

 Exploring How A Potential Merger Could Look 

 Should JetBlue merge with one of the country's bigger airlines, the deal would face antitrust scrutiny to the highest degree. While the current US President, who is open to consolidation, would likely support a merger, MAGA lobbyists would still face criticism from other senators.

At this stage, the idea of merging with a larger carrier is in the early stages, and JetBlue is not currently pursuing talks with any of its major rivals. The airline also did not acknowledge whether the carrier has received any indications of interest. 

As these considerations continue, JetBlue in the meantime looks to a strategy that will see the airline restore profitability, and add value for current shareholders and crewmembers. As the airline's spokesperson explained: “We’ve made meaningful progress on our multi-year JetForward strategy and are focused on executing the plan. We’re confident JetForward is the right strategy to restore profitability and create value for our shareholders and opportunities for our crewmembers.”

Who Is Interested In JetBlue 

While no carrier has officially indicated that it is interested in acquiring JetBlue, the most likely scenario would be Chicago-based United Airlines. The two carriers have already launched their own partnership called Blue Sky, which enables customers to book flights and earn or redeem miles across both airlines. Reciprocal boarding and seat perks are set to take off from February this year.

As part of the Blue Sky deal, this allowed United Airlines access to seven daily round-trip slots from the hotly contested New York (JFK) airport. United has for some time flirted with the prospect of purchasing JetBlue, which would immensely increase its presence in states such as New York and Florida.

For United, its main focus currently has been achieving an investment-grade debt rating, and the price disciplines any decision to pursue a deal with JetBlue. Following the story by Semafor, JetBlue's share value rose around 12%. While any deal looks likely off the table in the short term, no airline appears to be writing the possibility off, with even UA CEO Scott Kirby indicating he would be interested in acquiring assets from 'struggling carriers'. 

Source: Simple Flying