JetBlue Airways spokesperson confirmed to ATWOnline yesterday that the airline is committed to launching an online partnership with Aer Lingus under which the carriers will make their combined networks available to customers visiting their respective websites. The exact nature of the tie-up, which will be unique among low-fare airlines, has not been determined and eventually may include a booking facility or interline agreement. Aer Lingus, which will exit the oneworld alliance on April 1 serves JetBlue's New York JFK base as well as Boston.
JetBlue said EI prompted the negotiations as part of its effort to remodel itself as a low-fare carrier. Aer Lingus said 71% of its customers book through its website. "Their business model is very similar to ours. They have truly transformed from the old school to the new school of airlines," JetBlue's spokesperson said. Aer Lingus CEO Dermot Mannion told reporters in Dublin the partnership, which would "significantly extend Aer Lingus's reach into North America," could take effect by late summer, Reuters reported. Atwonline
JetBlue said EI prompted the negotiations as part of its effort to remodel itself as a low-fare carrier. Aer Lingus said 71% of its customers book through its website. "Their business model is very similar to ours. They have truly transformed from the old school to the new school of airlines," JetBlue's spokesperson said. Aer Lingus CEO Dermot Mannion told reporters in Dublin the partnership, which would "significantly extend Aer Lingus's reach into North America," could take effect by late summer, Reuters reported. Atwonline
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