JetBlue and Spirit Airlines have vowed to push ahead with their proposed merger despite the US government's attempt to block the move, which would create the country's fifth-biggest carrier.
"We believe the DOJ [Department of Justice] has got it wrong on the law here and misses the point that this merger will create a national low-fare, high-quality competitor to the big four [Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines] carriers," said Robin Hayes, JetBlue's chief executive,.
"JetBlue and Spirit will continue to advance our plan to create a compelling national challenger to the big four airlines, which control about 80% of the market after years of industry consolidation that the DOJ itself approved," the two carriers said in a joint statement released shortly after the DOJ petitioned a Massachusetts court to stop the deal.
“Customers deserve a competitive airline marketplace and we will pursue this merger to ensure they get it, continuing to disrupt the legacy airlines with low fares and award-winning service that even the DOJ has applauded. There is too much at stake for the DOJ to prevent us from bringing the JetBlue difference to more customers in more markets," Hayes added.
“We will vigorously defend our position that a combined JetBlue and Spirit will be a game changer for customers nationwide, creating the most compelling national low-fare challenger to the dominant US carriers. Together, we intend to democratise flying for travellers across the country – a goal we believe is worthy of the government’s support," said Spirit chief executive Ted Christie.