Four additional states have joined the U.S. Justice Department lawsuit in opposition to the proposed acquisition by JetBlue Airways of Spirit Airlines for $3.8 billion. California, Maryland, New Jersey and North Carolina joined Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut and the District of Columbia in the litigation.
Doha Mekki, principal deputy assistant attorney general, said in a statement that the department looks forward to litigating the case alongside its state law enforcement partners “to stop JetBlue from eliminating its rival, Spirit.” She said the department welcomes the additional states “who join the complaint to protect the benefits of competition in the airline industry on behalf of their residents.” The DOJ has said the merger would lead to higher fares, fewer seats and harm to travelers.
JetBlue has said it would continue to fight the lawsuit and that the acquisition is its best chance of growing large enough to challenge the four largest airlines that combined have 80% of the US market.
JetBlue has received support from the state of Florida, with Attorney General Ashley Moody saying the acquisition would benefit the state’s local economy — especially in South Florida, as the state agreed to increase seat capacity by at least 50% at Fort Lauderdale International Airport and Miami International Airport if the merger goes through.
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