The states of California, Maryland, New Jersey and North Carolina joined the U.S. Department of Justice’s lawsuit Friday aimed at preventing JetBlue Airways from buying Spirit Airlines for $3.8 billion.
“We look forward to litigating this important case alongside our state law enforcement partners to stop JetBlue from eliminating its rival, Spirit,” Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Doha Mekki said in a statement.
→ JetBlue adds second daily flight between New York and London-Heathrow
Last March 7, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit to stop the deal, claiming that the planned merger “will lead to higher fares and fewer seats, harming millions of consumers on hundreds of routes.”
For his part, JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes defended the deal in an interview with Reuters this month, claiming it would save travelers money and increase available seats.
The lawsuit is the latest attempt by President Joe Biden’s administration to oppose further consolidation in sectors dominated by a few companies.
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