JetBlue's Acquisition of Spirit Airlines: Trial Ends, Fate Awaits
The antitrust trial between JetBlue and Spirit has concluded, with closing arguments from the Department of Justice and lawyers for the airlines. The trial will determine the fate of the two airlines and potentially impact the broader U.S. airline market. The DOJ argues that the merger will harm price-sensitive consumers, while JetBlue claims that absorbing Spirit will allow it to compete more effectively with the major U.S. airlines. The trial's central question is whether the risk of raising fares on some routes through Spirit's exit is worth the potential to lower average airfares by putting more pressure on the major carriers. The judge has asked both sides about the possibility of a conditional ruling that would allow the merger with certain requirements. A decision is expected soon.