JetBlue-Spirit $3.8 Billion Merger Blocked by Judge
Skift Take
The decision is the first time a major U.S. airline merger has been blocked in nearly 20 years.
A U.S. District Court judge on Tuesday blocked the proposed $3.8 billion merger between JetBlue and Spirit Airlines.
Massachusetts District Court Judge William Young wrote the merger would lead to less competition in the airline industry, since Spirit is the largest ultra-low-cost carrier. Young called Spirit "a uniquely disruptive competitor" for its ability to drive down airfares whenever it enters the market.
"Spirit is a small airline. But there are people who love it," Young wrote. "To those dedicated customers of Spirit, this one's for you. Why? Because the Clayton Act, a 109-year-old statute requires this result — a statute that continues to deliver for
