United Airlines is planning a return to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport in 2027 as part of a new strategic partnership with JetBlue Airways. The agreement, named Blue Sky, enables both airlines to sell seats on each other’s flights and offer reciprocal frequent flyer perks, including priority boarding and access to premium seating for elite-status travelers.
Under the deal, United will secure up to seven daily round-trip slots at JFK, expanding its footprint in the New York City market. JetBlue will receive eight flight slots at Newark Liberty International Airport, United’s largest hub in the region. Both carriers described the slot swap as a “net neutral exchange.” The partnership is still subject to regulatory approval, and while some elements will begin rolling out in the fall, full JFK operations will not commence until at least 2027.
United’s CEO Scott Kirby has long expressed interest in returning to JFK after the airline exited the airport in 2015, a move he later called a mistake. United briefly resumed operations at JFK in 2021 due to reduced traffic during the pandemic but exited again in 2022 when it couldn’t secure permanent takeoff and landing rights. Kirby noted that the renewed presence at JFK will help the airline regain competitive ground in transcontinental travel, especially on key routes like Los Angeles and San Francisco.
The collaboration also strengthens the combined network of both airlines, giving JetBlue customers access to United’s extensive international routes and allowing United to tap into JetBlue’s strong presence in Florida and the Caribbean. JetBlue’s leadership has emphasized the need for partnerships to better compete with larger airlines and bolster its standing in key markets such as Boston.
This deal comes amid increased scrutiny of airline alliances. A previous Northeast partnership between JetBlue and American Airlines was dissolved by a federal court citing antitrust concerns, and JetBlue’s attempt to acquire Spirit Airlines was blocked by a judge. Unlike that former alliance, the Blue Sky partnership stops short of coordinating flight schedules, potentially making it more palatable to regulators.
