{"id":1909445,"date":"2023-04-03T23:42:39","date_gmt":"2023-04-04T03:42:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/four-states-join-doj-lawsuit-to-block-jetblue-spirit-merger\/"},"modified":"2023-04-03T23:44:55","modified_gmt":"2023-04-04T03:44:55","slug":"four-states-join-doj-lawsuit-to-block-jetblue-spirit-merger","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/four-states-join-doj-lawsuit-to-block-jetblue-spirit-merger\/","title":{"rendered":"Four States Join DOJ Lawsuit to Block JetBlue\/Spirit Merger"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">18<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Ffour-states-join-doj-lawsuit-to-block-jetblue-spirit-merger%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=1909445&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><div class=\"article-body\"><!----> <!----> <\/p>\n<div class=\"featured featured-video video-ct\">\n<div class=\"contain\">\n<div class=\"control\"><a href=\"http:\/\/bonginoreport.com\/#\" aria-label=\"top\" class=\"top\"><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/bonginoreport.com\/#\" class=\"close\">close<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"video-container\">\n<div data-video-id=\"6322092182112\" data-video-domain=\"foxbusiness\" class=\"m video-player\" data-embed-uid=\"fnc-embed-1\">\n<div class=\"video-container\"><iframe aria-label=\"MVPD Picker\" src=\"\/\/static.foxnews.com\/static\/orion\/html\/video\/iframe\/vod.html?v=20230403191936#uid=fnc-embed-1&#038;url=www.foxbusiness.com%2Fmarkets%2Ffour-states-join-us-bid-stop-jetblue-spirit-merger\" border=\"0\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay\" scrolling=\"no\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 1px; min-height: 100%;\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" mozallowfullscreen=\"\" webkitallowfullscreen=\"\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"caption\">\n<h2 class=\"title\"><a href=\"http:\/\/video.foxbusiness.com\/v\/6322092182112\">AG Garland: JetBlue-Spirit Airlines merger will drive up consumer prices<\/a><\/h2>\n<p>Attorney General Merrick Garland on Tuesday unveiled a lawsuit to block the $3.8 billion JetBlue-Spirit Airlines merger, saying it will limit consumers choices and drive up fares.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Four states have joined the U.S. Justice Department lawsuit aimed at preventing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxbusiness.com\/category\/fox-news-airlines\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">JetBlue Airways<\/a> from buying rival discount carrier Spirit Airlines for $3.8 billion.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ad-container tablet ad-h-50 ad-w-300\">\n<div class=\"ad gam\" id=\"tw-ad-lb2\" data-google-query-id=\"CP_utuanj_4CFYjbswodoo4O5Q\" data-ad-slot-rendered=\"1\" data-rendered-size=\"728x200\">\n<div id=\"google_ads_iframe_\/4145\/fbn\/tw\/art\/mkt\/lb2_0__container__\" style=\"border: 0pt none;\"><iframe id=\"google_ads_iframe_\/4145\/fbn\/tw\/art\/mkt\/lb2_0\" name=\"google_ads_iframe_\/4145\/fbn\/tw\/art\/mkt\/lb2_0\" title=\"3rd party ad content\" width=\"728\" height=\"200\" scrolling=\"no\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" frameborder=\"0\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"Advertisement\" tabindex=\"0\" style=\"border: 0px; vertical-align: bottom;\" data-load-complete=\"true\" data-google-container-id=\"3\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ad-container mobile ad-h-250 ad-w-300 ad-placeholder-load\">\n<div data-iu=\"ban1\" id=\"mobile-mw-ad-ban1\" class=\"ad gam inline\"><\/div>\n<p><script>       window.foxstrike = window.foxstrike || {}       window.foxstrike.cmd = window.foxstrike.cmd || []        window.foxstrike.cmd.push(function(Strike) {         Strike.insertAd('mobile', 'ban1', 'mobile-mw-ad-ban1');       })       <\/script><\/div>\n<p>California, Maryland, New Jersey, and North Carolina signed the lawsuit Friday, which was filed in early March.<\/p>\n<p>They join Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut and the District of Columbia in the litigation.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We look forward to litigating this important case alongside our state law enforcement partners to stop JetBlue from eliminating its rival, Spirit,&#8221; said DOJ Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Doha Mekki said in a statement.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ad-container mobile ad-h-250 ad-w-300 ad-placeholder-load\">\n<div data-iu=\"ban2\" id=\"mobile-mw-ad-ban2\" class=\"ad gam inline\" data-ad-lz=\"1\"><\/div>\n<p><script>       window.foxstrike = window.foxstrike || {}       window.foxstrike.cmd = window.foxstrike.cmd || []        window.foxstrike.cmd.push(function(Strike) {         Strike.insertAd('mobile', 'ban2', 'mobile-mw-ad-ban2');       })       <\/script><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxbusiness.com\/lifestyle\/doj-sues-block-3-8b-jetblue-spirit-airlines-merger-saying-will-mean-higher-fares-customers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>DOJ SUES TO BLOCK $3.8B JETBLUE-SPIRIT AIRLINES MERGER<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"ad-container tablet ad-h-50 ad-w-300\">\n<div class=\"ad gam\" id=\"tw-ad-lb3\" data-ad-lz=\"1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"inline image-ct\">\n<div class=\"m\"><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" ><source media=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px)\" ><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px) and (max-width: 1279px)\" ><source media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" ><\/picture><\/div>\n<div class=\"caption\">\n<p><span>U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland\u00a0<\/span><span> (REUTERS\/Ken Cedeno \/ Reuters Photos)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxbusiness.com\/category\/legal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The U.S. Justice Department<\/a> filed the lawsuit on March 7, seeking to stop the transaction.<\/p>\n<p>The DOJ says the merger would lead to higher fares, fewer seats and harming consumers.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ad-container mobile ad-h-250 ad-w-300 ad-placeholder-load\">\n<div data-iu=\"ban3\" id=\"mobile-mw-ad-ban3\" class=\"ad gam inline\" data-ad-lz=\"1\"><\/div>\n<p><script>       window.foxstrike = window.foxstrike || {}       window.foxstrike.cmd = window.foxstrike.cmd || []        window.foxstrike.cmd.push(function(Strike) {         Strike.insertAd('mobile', 'ban3', 'mobile-mw-ad-ban3');       })       <\/script><\/div>\n<p>&#8220;It\u2019s unfortunate that these states have\u00a0decided\u00a0to\u00a0join the DOJ\u2019s effort to protect the dominant position of the four largest airlines in the U.S. The facts show that preserving the status quo is the most anti-competitive step that the federal government and these states can take,&#8217; said a JetBlue in a statement to FOX Business. &#8220;We look forward to arguing the merits of this combination in court, and are confident the court will find that consumers will benefit from the increased competitive effect that JetBlue uniquely brings to the routes we fly&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0FOX Business has reached out to Spirit Airlines for comment.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ad-container tablet ad-h-50 ad-w-300\">\n<div class=\"ad gam\" id=\"tw-ad-lb4\" data-ad-lz=\"1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"inline image-ct\">\n<div class=\"m\"><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" ><source media=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px)\" ><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px) and (max-width: 1279px)\" ><source media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" ><\/picture><\/div>\n<div class=\"caption\">\n<p><span>A JetBlue airliner lands past a Spirit Airlines jet on taxi way at Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport.<\/span><span> (Joe Cavaretta\/Sun Sentinel\/Tribune News Service via Getty Images \/ Getty Images)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxbusiness.com\/economy\/jetblue-spirit-insist-merger-wont-lead-higher-airline-fares-doj-circles\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>JETBLUE, SPIRIT INSIST MERGER WON&#8217;T LEAD TO HIGHER AIRLINE FARES, AS DOJ CIRCLES<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"ad-container mobile ad-h-250 ad-w-300 ad-placeholder-load\">\n<div data-iu=\"ban4\" id=\"mobile-mw-ad-ban4\" class=\"ad gam inline\" data-ad-lz=\"1\"><\/div>\n<p><script>       window.foxstrike = window.foxstrike || {}       window.foxstrike.cmd = window.foxstrike.cmd || []        window.foxstrike.cmd.push(function(Strike) {         Strike.insertAd('mobile', 'ban4', 'mobile-mw-ad-ban4');       })       <\/script><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxbusiness.com\/category\/stocks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">JetBlue and Spirit<\/a> agreed to combine last year in a $3.8 billion deal that aims to create the fifth-largest airline in the U.S.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The merged airlines would have an estimated 9% of market share.<\/p>\n<p>JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes defended the deal in a Reuters interview this month, saying it would save consumers money and boost available seats.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ad-container tablet ad-h-50 ad-w-300\">\n<div class=\"ad gam\" id=\"tw-ad-lb5\" data-ad-lz=\"1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ad-container mobile ad-h-250 ad-w-300 ad-placeholder-load\">\n<div data-iu=\"ban5\" id=\"mobile-mw-ad-ban5\" class=\"ad gam inline\" data-ad-lz=\"1\"><\/div>\n<p><script>       window.foxstrike = window.foxstrike || {}       window.foxstrike.cmd = window.foxstrike.cmd || []        window.foxstrike.cmd.push(function(Strike) {         Strike.insertAd('mobile', 'ban5', 'mobile-mw-ad-ban5');       })       <\/script><\/div>\n<div class=\"inline image-ct\">\n<div class=\"m\"><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" ><source media=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px)\" ><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px) and (max-width: 1279px)\" ><source media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" ><\/picture><\/div>\n<div class=\"caption\">\n<p><span>JetBlue planes are seen at Boston Logan International Airport.<\/span><span> (David L. Ryan\/The Boston Globe via Getty Images \/ Getty Images)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxbusiness.com\/markets\/spirit-airlines-bringing-4000-pilots-flight-attendants-team-members-year\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>SPIRIT AIRLINES BRINGING IN 4,000 PILOTS, FLIGHT ATTENDANTS, OTHER TEAM MEMBERS THIS YEAR<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>JetBlue has said that buying Spirit is its best chance of growing large enough to credibly challenge the four largest airlines that combined have 80% of the market.<\/p>\n<table class=\"stock-fundamentals\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"ticker\">Ticker<\/th>\n<th class=\"security\">Security<\/th>\n<th class=\"last\">Last<\/th>\n<th class=\"change\">Change<\/th>\n<th class=\"percent\">Change %<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"ticker\"><a href=\"http:\/\/bonginoreport.com\/quote?stockTicker=SAVE\">SAVE<\/a><\/td>\n<td class=\"security\">SPIRIT AIRLINES INC.<\/td>\n<td class=\"last\">17.58<\/td>\n<td class=\"change pos\">+0.41<\/td>\n<td class=\"percent pos\">+2.39%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"ticker\"><a href=\"http:\/\/bonginoreport.com\/quote?stockTicker=JBLU\">JBLU<\/a><\/td>\n<td class=\"security\">JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORP.<\/td>\n<td class=\"last\">7.17<\/td>\n<td class=\"change neg\">-0.11<\/td>\n<td class=\"percent neg\">-1.51%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"5\" class=\"sponsored-by-td\">\n<div class=\"ad-container tablet stockticker ad-h-30 ad-w-88\">\n<div class=\"ad gam\" id=\"tw-ad-tkr0\" data-ad-pos=\"stockticker0\" data-ad-size=\"88x31\" data-google-query-id=\"CP_qteanj_4CFWsPiAkd-z0ISA\" data-ad-slot-rendered=\"1\" data-rendered-size=\"88x31\">\n<div id=\"google_ads_iframe_\/4145\/fbn.x\/tw\/art\/mkt\/tkr_0__container__\" style=\"border: 0pt none;\"><iframe id=\"google_ads_iframe_\/4145\/fbn.x\/tw\/art\/mkt\/tkr_0\" name=\"google_ads_iframe_\/4145\/fbn.x\/tw\/art\/mkt\/tkr_0\" title=\"3rd party ad content\" width=\"88\" height=\"31\" scrolling=\"no\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" frameborder=\"0\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"Advertisement\" tabindex=\"0\" style=\"border: 0px; vertical-align: bottom;\" data-load-complete=\"true\" data-google-container-id=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>                <span class=\"advert-txt\">Powered By<\/span>              <\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/foxbusiness.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong><u>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS<\/u><\/strong><\/a><br \/>President Biden has been pushing back against further consolidation in industries dominated by a few powerful companies.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ad-container mobile ad-h-250 ad-w-300 ad-placeholder-load\">\n<div data-iu=\"ban6\" id=\"mobile-mw-ad-ban6\" class=\"ad gam inline\" data-ad-lz=\"1\"><\/div>\n<p><script>       window.foxstrike = window.foxstrike || {}       window.foxstrike.cmd = window.foxstrike.cmd || []        window.foxstrike.cmd.push(function(Strike) {         Strike.insertAd('mobile', 'ban6', 'mobile-mw-ad-ban6');       })       <\/script><\/div>\n<p><i>Reuters contributed to this report.<\/i><\/p>\n<div class=\"ad-container tablet ad-h-50 ad-w-300\">\n<div class=\"ad gam\" id=\"tw-ad-lb6\" data-ad-lz=\"1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-body\"><!----> <!----> <\/p>\n<div class=\"featured featured-video video-ct\">\n<div class=\"contain\">\n<div class=\"control\"><a href=\"http:\/\/bonginoreport.com\/#\" aria-label=\"top\" class=\"top\"><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/bonginoreport.com\/#\" class=\"close\">close<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"video-container\">\n<div data-video-id=\"6322092182112\" data-video-domain=\"foxbusiness\" class=\"m video-player\" data-embed-uid=\"fnc-embed-1\">\n<div class=\"video-container\"><iframe aria-label=\"MVPD Picker\" src=\"\/\/static.foxnews.com\/static\/orion\/html\/video\/iframe\/vod.html?v=20230403191936#uid=fnc-embed-1&#038;url=www.foxbusiness.com%2Fmarkets%2Ffour-states-join-us-bid-stop-jetblue-spirit-merger\" border=\"0\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay\" scrolling=\"no\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 1px; min-height: 100%;\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" mozallowfullscreen=\"\" webkitallowfullscreen=\"\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"caption\">\n<h2 class=\"title\"><a href=\"http:\/\/video.foxbusiness.com\/v\/6322092182112\">AG Garland: JetBlue-Spirit Airlines merger will drive up consumer prices<\/a><\/h2>\n<p>Attorney General Merrick Garland on Tuesday unveiled a lawsuit to block the $3.8 billion JetBlue-Spirit Airlines merger, saying it will limit consumers choices and drive up fares.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Four states have joined the U.S. Justice Department lawsuit aimed at preventing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxbusiness.com\/category\/fox-news-airlines\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">JetBlue Airways<\/a> from buying rival discount carrier Spirit Airlines for $3.8 billion.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ad-container tablet ad-h-50 ad-w-300\">\n<div class=\"ad gam\" id=\"tw-ad-lb2\" data-google-query-id=\"CP_utuanj_4CFYjbswodoo4O5Q\" data-ad-slot-rendered=\"1\" data-rendered-size=\"728x200\">\n<div id=\"google_ads_iframe_\/4145\/fbn\/tw\/art\/mkt\/lb2_0__container__\" style=\"border: 0pt none;\"><iframe id=\"google_ads_iframe_\/4145\/fbn\/tw\/art\/mkt\/lb2_0\" name=\"google_ads_iframe_\/4145\/fbn\/tw\/art\/mkt\/lb2_0\" title=\"3rd party ad content\" width=\"728\" height=\"200\" scrolling=\"no\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" frameborder=\"0\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"Advertisement\" tabindex=\"0\" style=\"border: 0px; vertical-align: bottom;\" data-load-complete=\"true\" data-google-container-id=\"3\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ad-container mobile ad-h-250 ad-w-300 ad-placeholder-load\">\n<div data-iu=\"ban1\" id=\"mobile-mw-ad-ban1\" class=\"ad gam inline\"><\/div>\n<p><script>       window.foxstrike = window.foxstrike || {}       window.foxstrike.cmd = window.foxstrike.cmd || []        window.foxstrike.cmd.push(function(Strike) {         Strike.insertAd('mobile', 'ban1', 'mobile-mw-ad-ban1');       })       <\/script><\/div>\n<p>California, Maryland, New Jersey, and North Carolina signed the lawsuit Friday, which was filed in early March.<\/p>\n<p>They join Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut and the District of Columbia in the litigation.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We look forward to litigating this important case alongside our state law enforcement partners to stop JetBlue from eliminating its rival, Spirit,&#8221; said DOJ Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Doha Mekki said in a statement.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ad-container mobile ad-h-250 ad-w-300 ad-placeholder-load\">\n<div data-iu=\"ban2\" id=\"mobile-mw-ad-ban2\" class=\"ad gam inline\" data-ad-lz=\"1\"><\/div>\n<p><script>       window.foxstrike = window.foxstrike || {}       window.foxstrike.cmd = window.foxstrike.cmd || []        window.foxstrike.cmd.push(function(Strike) {         Strike.insertAd('mobile', 'ban2', 'mobile-mw-ad-ban2');       })       <\/script><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxbusiness.com\/lifestyle\/doj-sues-block-3-8b-jetblue-spirit-airlines-merger-saying-will-mean-higher-fares-customers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>DOJ SUES TO BLOCK $3.8B JETBLUE-SPIRIT AIRLINES MERGER<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"ad-container tablet ad-h-50 ad-w-300\">\n<div class=\"ad gam\" id=\"tw-ad-lb3\" data-ad-lz=\"1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"inline image-ct\">\n<div class=\"m\"><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" ><source media=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px)\" ><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px) and (max-width: 1279px)\" ><source media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" ><\/picture><\/div>\n<div class=\"caption\">\n<p><span>U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland\u00a0<\/span><span> (REUTERS\/Ken Cedeno \/ Reuters Photos)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxbusiness.com\/category\/legal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The U.S. Justice Department<\/a> filed the lawsuit on March 7, seeking to stop the transaction.<\/p>\n<p>The DOJ says the merger would lead to higher fares, fewer seats and harming consumers.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ad-container mobile ad-h-250 ad-w-300 ad-placeholder-load\">\n<div data-iu=\"ban3\" id=\"mobile-mw-ad-ban3\" class=\"ad gam inline\" data-ad-lz=\"1\"><\/div>\n<p><script>       window.foxstrike = window.foxstrike || {}       window.foxstrike.cmd = window.foxstrike.cmd || []        window.foxstrike.cmd.push(function(Strike) {         Strike.insertAd('mobile', 'ban3', 'mobile-mw-ad-ban3');       })       <\/script><\/div>\n<p>&#8220;It\u2019s unfortunate that these states have\u00a0decided\u00a0to\u00a0join the DOJ\u2019s effort to protect the dominant position of the four largest airlines in the U.S. The facts show that preserving the status quo is the most anti-competitive step that the federal government and these states can take,&#8217; said a JetBlue in a statement to FOX Business. &#8220;We look forward to arguing the merits of this combination in court, and are confident the court will find that consumers will benefit from the increased competitive effect that JetBlue uniquely brings to the routes we fly&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0FOX Business has reached out to Spirit Airlines for comment.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ad-container tablet ad-h-50 ad-w-300\">\n<div class=\"ad gam\" id=\"tw-ad-lb4\" data-ad-lz=\"1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"inline image-ct\">\n<div class=\"m\"><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" ><source media=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px)\" ><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px) and (max-width: 1279px)\" ><source media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" ><\/picture><\/div>\n<div class=\"caption\">\n<p><span>A JetBlue airliner lands past a Spirit Airlines jet on taxi way at Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport.<\/span><span> (Joe Cavaretta\/Sun Sentinel\/Tribune News Service via Getty Images \/ Getty Images)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxbusiness.com\/economy\/jetblue-spirit-insist-merger-wont-lead-higher-airline-fares-doj-circles\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>JETBLUE, SPIRIT INSIST MERGER WON&#8217;T LEAD TO HIGHER AIRLINE FARES, AS DOJ CIRCLES<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"ad-container mobile ad-h-250 ad-w-300 ad-placeholder-load\">\n<div data-iu=\"ban4\" id=\"mobile-mw-ad-ban4\" class=\"ad gam inline\" data-ad-lz=\"1\"><\/div>\n<p><script>       window.foxstrike = window.foxstrike || {}       window.foxstrike.cmd = window.foxstrike.cmd || []        window.foxstrike.cmd.push(function(Strike) {         Strike.insertAd('mobile', 'ban4', 'mobile-mw-ad-ban4');       })       <\/script><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxbusiness.com\/category\/stocks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">JetBlue and Spirit<\/a> agreed to combine last year in a $3.8 billion deal that aims to create the fifth-largest airline in the U.S.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The merged airlines would have an estimated 9% of market share.<\/p>\n<p>JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes defended the deal in a Reuters interview this month, saying it would save consumers money and boost available seats.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ad-container tablet ad-h-50 ad-w-300\">\n<div class=\"ad gam\" id=\"tw-ad-lb5\" data-ad-lz=\"1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ad-container mobile ad-h-250 ad-w-300 ad-placeholder-load\">\n<div data-iu=\"ban5\" id=\"mobile-mw-ad-ban5\" class=\"ad gam inline\" data-ad-lz=\"1\"><\/div>\n<p><script>       window.foxstrike = window.foxstrike || {}       window.foxstrike.cmd = window.foxstrike.cmd || []        window.foxstrike.cmd.push(function(Strike) {         Strike.insertAd('mobile', 'ban5', 'mobile-mw-ad-ban5');       })       <\/script><\/div>\n<div class=\"inline image-ct\">\n<div class=\"m\"><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" ><source media=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px)\" ><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px) and (max-width: 1279px)\" ><source media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" ><\/picture><\/div>\n<div class=\"caption\">\n<p><span>JetBlue planes are seen at Boston Logan International Airport.<\/span><span> (David L. Ryan\/The Boston Globe via Getty Images \/ Getty Images)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxbusiness.com\/markets\/spirit-airlines-bringing-4000-pilots-flight-attendants-team-members-year\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>SPIRIT AIRLINES BRINGING IN 4,000 PILOTS, FLIGHT ATTENDANTS, OTHER TEAM MEMBERS THIS YEAR<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>JetBlue has said that buying Spirit is its best chance of growing large enough to credibly challenge the four largest airlines that combined have 80% of the market.<\/p>\n<table class=\"stock-fundamentals\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"ticker\">Ticker<\/th>\n<th class=\"security\">Security<\/th>\n<th class=\"last\">Last<\/th>\n<th class=\"change\">Change<\/th>\n<th class=\"percent\">Change %<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"ticker\"><a href=\"http:\/\/bonginoreport.com\/quote?stockTicker=SAVE\">SAVE<\/a><\/td>\n<td class=\"security\">SPIRIT AIRLINES INC.<\/td>\n<td class=\"last\">17.58<\/td>\n<td class=\"change pos\">+0.41<\/td>\n<td class=\"percent pos\">+2.39%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"ticker\"><a href=\"http:\/\/bonginoreport.com\/quote?stockTicker=JBLU\">JBLU<\/a><\/td>\n<td class=\"security\">JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORP.<\/td>\n<td class=\"last\">7.17<\/td>\n<td class=\"change neg\">-0.11<\/td>\n<td class=\"percent neg\">-1.51%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"5\" class=\"sponsored-by-td\">\n<div class=\"ad-container tablet stockticker ad-h-30 ad-w-88\">\n<div class=\"ad gam\" id=\"tw-ad-tkr0\" data-ad-pos=\"stockticker0\" data-ad-size=\"88x31\" data-google-query-id=\"CP_qteanj_4CFWsPiAkd-z0ISA\" data-ad-slot-rendered=\"1\" data-rendered-size=\"88x31\">\n<div id=\"google_ads_iframe_\/4145\/fbn.x\/tw\/art\/mkt\/tkr_0__container__\" style=\"border: 0pt none;\"><iframe id=\"google_ads_iframe_\/4145\/fbn.x\/tw\/art\/mkt\/tkr_0\" name=\"google_ads_iframe_\/4145\/fbn.x\/tw\/art\/mkt\/tkr_0\" title=\"3rd party ad content\" width=\"88\" height=\"31\" scrolling=\"no\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" frameborder=\"0\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"Advertisement\" tabindex=\"0\" style=\"border: 0px; vertical-align: bottom;\" data-load-complete=\"true\" data-google-container-id=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>                <span class=\"advert-txt\">Powered By<\/span>              <\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/foxbusiness.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong><u>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS<\/u><\/strong><\/a><br \/>President Biden has been pushing back against further consolidation in industries dominated by a few powerful companies.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ad-container mobile ad-h-250 ad-w-300 ad-placeholder-load\">\n<div data-iu=\"ban6\" id=\"mobile-mw-ad-ban6\" class=\"ad gam inline\" data-ad-lz=\"1\"><\/div>\n<p><script>       window.foxstrike = window.foxstrike || {}       window.foxstrike.cmd = window.foxstrike.cmd || []        window.foxstrike.cmd.push(function(Strike) {         Strike.insertAd('mobile', 'ban6', 'mobile-mw-ad-ban6');       })       <\/script><\/div>\n<p><i>Reuters contributed to this report.<\/i><\/p>\n<div class=\"ad-container tablet ad-h-50 ad-w-300\">\n<div class=\"ad gam\" id=\"tw-ad-lb6\" data-ad-lz=\"1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-video-id=\"6322092182112\" data-video-domain=\"foxbusiness\" class=\"m video-player\" data-embed-uid=\"fnc-embed-1\">\n<div class=\"video-container\"><iframe aria-label=\"MVPD Picker\" src=\"\/\/static.foxnews.com\/static\/orion\/html\/video\/iframe\/vod.html?v=20230403191936#uid=fnc-embed-1&#038;url=www.foxbusiness.com%2Fmarkets%2Ffour-states-join-us-bid-stop-jetblue-spirit-merger\" border=\"0\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay\" scrolling=\"no\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 1px; min-height: 100%;\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" mozallowfullscreen=\"\" webkitallowfullscreen=\"\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>close AG Garland: JetBlue-Spirit Airlines merger will drive up consumer prices Attorney General Merrick Garland on Tuesday unveiled a lawsuit to block the $3.8 billion JetBlue-Spirit Airlines merger, saying it will limit consumers choices and drive up fares. Four states have joined the U.S. Justice Department lawsuit aimed at preventing JetBlue Airways from buying rival<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1909446,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/cndimages.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_2758-scaled-1.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[547],"tags":[4728,7076,20850,4585,16353],"class_list":["post-1909445","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-bongino-report","tag-block","tag-doj","tag-jetblue-spirit","tag-lawsuit","tag-merger"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/cndimages.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_2758-scaled-1.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1909445","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1909445"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1909445\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1909446"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1909445"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1909445"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1909445"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}