American and JetBlue: Northeast Alliance appears to be heading towards a sunset

American Airlines and JetBlue are still likely recovering from the shock from the decision by a US judge ordering the airlines to dissolve their alliance.

When American and JetBlue launched their Northeast Alliance (NEA) in early 2021 it was an unprecedented tie-up in the US domestic market. Indeed, in his lengthy ruling that sided with the US Department of Justice (DOJ), District Judge Leo Sorokin concluded that airlines in the US "have not historically attempted arrangements that intertwine their operations so broadly with other domestic airlines".

But American has vowed to file an appeal, sticking to its belief that the alliance produces meaningful benefits.

There is no easy outcome or resolution for the Northeast Alliance (NEA) now that the judge in the antitrust trial has rendered a decision. And neither airline has an alternative for the partnership as the promise to bolster their positions in a key US market is fading fast.