Merger between JetBlue and Spirit Airlines would be a win for region
On January 31st, the Greater Washington Board of Trade hosted a small delegation from JetBlue at our office in downtown, Washington, D.C. Joanna Geraghty, president and chief operating officer of JetBlue sat down with a group of member business leaders to discuss the planned merger between JetBlue and Spirit Airlines, and the positive effects this deal would have for Greater Washington.
JetBlue’s proposed acquisition will create a highly competitive national low-fare challenger to the Big Four US Airlines – American, Delta, Southwest and United. Those four airlines together control about 80 percent of the US market today, while JetBlue and Spirit each represent less than five percent.
The combined airline will expand its footprint in our region with operations at both Reagan National Airport (DCA) and Baltimore Washington International (BWI), bolster additional workforce opportunities especially from a company that has a commitment to no furloughs, provide more career growth options, and broaden travel benefits for employees. Further benefits would be seen through their social impact initiative “JetBlue For Good” which supports dedicated community organizations, promotes healthy environments throughout communities, and inspires next generation youth education.
While the completion of the merger is subject to regulatory approval, the benefits to the Greater Washington region seem clear – adding more high paying/highly skilled jobs to our area, improving our global competitiveness through expanded competition, and providing expanded travel opportunities with affordable pricing – are all measures the Board of Trade supports.
