American Moves Doha Route to Philadelphia After End of JetBlue Alliance
Key Points
- American Airlines is shifting its Doha route from New York JFK to Philadelphia, enhancing connectivity through its Philadelphia hub.
- The move follows the dissolution of American's northeast alliance with JetBlue, which previously supported international flights from New York.
- Philadelphia may gain from this shift, as it strengthens its position as a transatlantic gateway despite a slow recovery of long-haul routes post-pandemic.
Summary
American Airlines is relocating its Doha route from New York JFK to Philadelphia starting in October, following the end of its northeast alliance with JetBlue. This strategic move leverages Philadelphia's connectivity as a transatlantic hub, potentially benefiting the airport despite previous slow recovery in long-haul routes. The partnership with Qatar Airways remains robust, supporting flights between the U.S., Qatar, and beyond.
New York's loss is seemingly Philadelphia's gain at American Airlines. The carrier will begin new daily flights between Philadelphia and Doha, home to Oneworld partner Qatar Airways, in October, replacing New York JFK as the gateway for the route.
The announcement comes weeks after American began unwinding its alliance with JetBlue Airways. That pact, known as the northeast alliance, allowed the two airlines to coordinate schedules in Boston and New York. JetBlue acted like a domestic feeder to American's long-haul international flights in both cities, including from New York to Doha.
An American spokesperson did not mention the alliance in a statement, saying only that the move to Philadelphia was part of a "continuous evaluation" of the airline's network. They cited the additional connecting opportunities available to Doha travelers over American's Philadelphia hub.
American and Qatar Airways also partner on flights between the U.S. and Qatar, as well as on flights beyond Doha. This includes connections to destinations in India and Africa.
Philadelphia is American's primary transatlantic connecting gateway. However, since the pandemic when it forged the alliance with JetBlue and retired several older aircraft types, the carrier has been slow to rebuild its schedule in Philadelphia. That was particularly evident on long-haul routes with flights to boutique destinations like Dubrovnik and Edinburgh disappearing seemingly for good.
Asked whether the end of the American-JetBlue alliance could benefit Philadelphia in July, airport CEO Atif Saeed said: "We could stand to benefit as an airport. Looking at different variables, we have transatlantic from here and as equipment becomes available, it makes sense for it to come here. I don’t mean that we exclusively benefit, but the potential is high.”
American will launch Philadelphia-Doha flights on October 29. No word yet if Qatar Airways, which also flies the route, will adjust its schedules.
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