United Airlines will soon return to Kennedy International Airport through a partnership with JetBlue Airways. The deal involves swapping flights at two New York airports and selling tickets on each other’s planes, providing United with a new option in the New York area.
The partnership, called Blue Sky, will start as early as 2027 and include seven flights between J.F.K. and Newark Liberty International Airport. Customers will also be able to earn and use United’s MileagePlus loyalty points on most JetBlue flights and vice versa.
United Airlines has a dominant position at Newark airport but struggled with long delays due to air traffic control problems. The airline hopes the partnership will provide relief from these issues.
JetBlue, which serves about 23% of passengers at J.F.K., sees the partnership as an opportunity to expand its network and increase competition in the market.
While some partnerships have raised concerns over safety and competition, United Airlines executives say customers will benefit from the wider range of flights provided under their agreement.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/29/business/united-airlines-jetblue-jfk-newark.html