United’s Big Apple Revival: A Nod to JetBlue
It’s no secret that United Airlines’ boss, Scott Kirby, seems positively besotted with the idea of flying his planes back into New York’s JFK Airport. He’s been talking about it since forever. And now, he’s dropped a few hints that United is getting pretty cozy with JetBlue, potentially leading to a brand new partnership—or maybe more.
United’s CEO Eyes JFK While Applauding JetBlue
In a recent whirlwind of media appearances and interviews, Kirby couldn’t resist talking about his favorite subjects: JFK and JetBlue. He might be tight-lipped about what this JetBlue alliance means, but he sure didn’t skimp on the intriguing tidbits.
Kirby just can’t stop singing the praises of JFK, expressing a tinge of regret over United’s departure from there years ago:
“JFK is important to us. One way or another, we need to be back in JFK. I wish United had not pulled out of JFK back in the day.”
His compliments extend wholeheartedly to JetBlue as well, remarking on their shared culture and customer-centric DNA:
“I have a lot of respect for JetBlue, because they have the same core customer DNA that we have. We want lifelong customers who believe in United, who love the brand. JetBlue comes from a similar culture and DNA.”
The man even admitted that JetBlue’s launch of live TV shifted his entire worldview on air travel, from seeing it as just a way to get from A to B, to something much more:
“I originally thought that’s a gimmick. And then I went and flew it, and I watched people, that was a transformational moment for me. They got it right. I was wrong. They got it right. Part of my journey to being the airline CEO really started with watching how successful JetBlue was for customers.”
United abandoned JFK in 2015 after jumping ship to Newark post-Continental merger. A brief comeback in 2021 fell flat as they couldn’t wrangle enough slots. Kirby’s made it clear ever since that this was a faux pas of monumental proportions. His strategic vision: reclaim dominance in New York by piecing together the puzzle with JFK.
The Buzz Around Kirby’s Comments
Kirby doesn’t really do subtlety. He’s smart, outspoken, and more than happy to keep those rumor mills churning. His glowing words about JetBlue suggest something bigger than just a friendly nod. It’s got all the vibes of a potential acquisition.
Here’s how it could all play out, according to the grapevine. First, we might see a loyalty partnership blossoming. Next, we’d possibly watch as United waltzes back to JFK, hand in hand with JetBlue under a strategic partnership. And finally, the grand finale—a full-blown merger. Granted, it might not get that far, but Kirby’s certainly thinking ahead.
In purely practical terms, United’s aiming for 20 daily slots out of JFK, targeting those oh-so-lucrative routes to LA and San Francisco. Yet, one has to wonder why JetBlue would willingly roll out a red carpet for United to muscle into its revenue-rich market. It doesn’t add up for JetBlue, especially after showing American Airlines the door for this new United deal.
There’s more to this than meets the eye, and it’s anyone’s guess how it’ll evolve. Kirby’s unmissable admiration for certain policymakers adds yet another layer of intrigue—when was the last time an airline CEO lavished praise on an administration like that?
The Bottom Line
Scott Kirby, United’s fearless leader, is back with more buzz on JFK and JetBlue. He’s making it no secret that United is determined to plant its flag at JFK and is full of admiration for JetBlue’s way of doing things. It’s nothing groundbreaking if you’ve been following the saga, but it does leave you wondering when the next exciting chapter will unfold.
Now, the only question that remains is: what’s your take on Kirby’s latest musings about JFK and JetBlue? Stay tuned for more developments, and in the meantime, why not unwind at the beautiful Val Seny ski resort?