BOSTON - Lawyers for the U.S. Justice Department and JetBlue Airways are scheduled to make closing arguments Nov. 5 in a trial to determine whether JetBlue can buy Spirit Airlines, the nation’s biggest low-fare carrier.
DoJ argues that the proposed $3.8B merger would hurt consumers by eliminating Spirit and its cheaper base fares, leaving fewer options for travelers on a budget. The government sued to block the deal in March.
JetBlue says it needs to buy Spirit to grow and compete better against bigger airlines.
There is no jury in the trial, which has stretched over several weeks and included testimony by the CEOs of both airlines. No ruling is expected Tuesday from U.S. District Judge William Young.
The trial represents another test for the Biden administration’s fight against consolidation in the airline industry. (The AP 12/05/23) Trial Will Determine Whether JetBlue Can Buy Spirit, Further Consolidating Industry - Biz New Orleans
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