Speculative watchers should slow down and let United and JetBlue test the partnership waters

United Airlines and JetBlue Airways set the US aviation abuzz after reports surfaced that the two airlines were plotting a partnership, with some speculation bandied about that eventually a merger could ensue.

It could be a defining moment if that speculation materialises into another Chapter of M&A in the country's aviation sector; but the reality is - in the short term, the arrangement will mirror typical airline partnerships that are a mainstay of the sector.

Recent messaging by United indicates that the airline sees advantages with JetBlue; yet, on the surface, committing to a complex merger integration to regain lost ground at New York JFK doesn't appear to be a major priority for the airline.

But - in the evolving US market, sometimes priorities could shift quickly.