economy
JetBlue is full steam ahead on Fort Lauderdale, regardless of Spirit's fate
JetBlue, United, Frontier and others added service to airports Spirit services after the carrier filed for bankruptcy for the second time in less than a year.
TL;DR
- JetBlue is proceeding with expansion plans at Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport.
- Spirit Airlines, the airport's largest carrier, is in talks for a potential government bailout.
- Other airlines, including United and Frontier, have also added flights at airports where Spirit has a significant presence.
- JetBlue has doubled its capacity at Fort Lauderdale, taking advantage of gate availability from Spirit's capacity reductions.
- JetBlue's president expressed confidence in the airline's value proposition in South Florida.
- The Association of Value Airlines is seeking $2.5 billion in government aid for fuel costs.
- JetBlue's CEO is open to aid if terms are favorable but is focused on the JetForward strategy for profitability.