JetBlue Airways and United Airlines have formed Blue Sky as their new alliance to provide better connectivity and reward benefits to customers while keeping their operations separate.
The airlines announced the agreement on Thursday and expect regulatory approval before starting the new partnership in the fall. The partnership enables passengers to collect and redeem their frequent flyer points between both airlines which provides substantial benefits to dedicated travelers.
The airline industry will benefit from this bold partnership between United and JetBlue according to JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty. United Airlines extends its global flight network through its partnership with JetBlue East Coast routes to provide travelers with additional flight options and benefits.
Through this partnership airlines can offer their passengers the ability to purchase seats on flights operated by their partner airlines which expands travel options for customers. United Airlines plans to return to JFK Airport with seven daily round-trip flights during 2027 after a six-year absence from the hub. The airline will introduce additional flights at United’s Newark Liberty International Airport base.
The Blue Sky alliance provides its members with the following essential features:
TrueBlue members from JetBlue and MileagePlus members from United can earn and redeem points through both airline programs.
The booking process for flights functions identically between both airlines through their websites and mobile applications.
Travelers will find expanded flight options through this partnership especially when traveling between the East Coast and across the country.
The partnership provides business and leisure passengers with enhanced flexibility and better value. The return of United Airlines to JFK Airport will benefit corporate travelers who require straightforward access to Manhattan. JetBlue customers now access international flights through United Airlines’ extensive worldwide network.
The airlines emphasize this partnership does not constitute a merger but demonstrate the rising trend of strategic alliances which boost competition and customer satisfaction in the changing aviation industry.
