by Donald Wood
Last updated: 8:50 AM ET, Tue June 13, 2023
The federal judge who ruled against the Northeast Alliance
between American Airlines and JetBlue Airways has provided the carriers with more
time to end their partnership.
According to The
Associated Press, United States District Judge Leo Sorokin from Boston
ruled on Monday that American and JetBlue would have “21 days after he issues a
final judgment” to end their alliance.
While it remains unclear when the final judgment imposing
terms on the airlines would be issued, both carriers were facing a deadline
next week, just 30 days after the judge’s original decision on May 19.
Monday’s ruling from Judge Sorokin came after American and
JetBlue asked that some aspects of their partnership be permitted to continue,
including code-sharing and reciprocal frequent-flyer benefits.
The U.S. Department of Justice sued to break up the deal
initially, but said the carriers should be allowed to honor tickets they have
already sold on each other’s flights to avoid impacting travelers.
The government claimed the deal reduced competition and
would cost “consumers an additional $700 million a year.”
In May, American CEO Robert Isom said the carrier would appeal
the ruling. While JetBlue declined to comment on the case, Isom said,
“We've got a legal system that allows for appeal, and we're going to do that.”
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