Tuesday January 16, 2024, late morning the JetBlue Airways Spirit Airline dela was dead. The judge assigned to the hearing last year decided to block the deal. Now both airlines have shown signs of struggle since that happened.

Back in January 2015 JetBlue Airways welcomed British American Businessman Robin Hayes as President. He served that position until February 2016. Since then, he has held the position as C.E.O. of JetBlue Airways. Announcement January 8, 2024, came about of his departure come February 12, 2024. During his tenure, a number of accomplishments were made along with the introduction of JetBlue mint. Most of the aircraft operate the transatlantic routes.

Incoming C.E.O. Joanna Geraghty has a challenging battle ahead of her as she takes this position February 2024. An appeal from the blocked deal by the judge will take place. In addition, wall street analysts do not think the airline can break even by the end of 2025. Slim chance if any but there are many factors to be taken into consideration.

After the announcement nine days ago about the block deal Mr. robin Hayes made the announcement its all about making money. Since then, this week’s decisions to drop routes have included not so great ideas like Baltimore. At Auston airport Texas alone there is a bare number of flights operated at the very end of the terminal. Thus far other routes from New York, also on the chopping block. This is not what the airline needs to do in certain markets.

For example, Delta Airlines was the smartest in making choices with increasing flight capacity and thus increasing the cost up to three times former flight fares. American Airlines decided to cut capacity to Austin which for other reason still not the right decision. JetBlue and Spirit airlines have one gate each assigned at the very end of the terminal.

Meanwhile Spirit Airlines also has made major cutbacks and recently pulled out of Denver all together. There have been some press sources that have not been so kind to Spirit Airlines this past week stating they are on the verge of bankruptcy. That is not the case for Spirit Airlines. Cutbacks and business decisions must be made accordingly. As far as JetBlue the older Airbus A320 aircraft do need to be sold. Some aircraft have been operating for 25 years in service. Personally, JetBlue Airways need to turn things around like the earlier days when Davis Neeleman was on board.

Editorial Fire and Aviation TV 01/25/24