JetBlue buys Spirit for $3.8 billion to become fifth-biggest US airline
JetBlue wins bidding war for ultra-low-cost carrier after recently launching flights to London Heathrow
American carrier JetBlue is to buy ultra-low-cost Spirit Airlines for $3.8 billion (£3.14bn) in a deal that would create the fifth-largest airline in the US – if it is cleared by regulators.
The agreement comes a day after Spirit's attempt to merge with budget rival Frontier Airlines fell apart.
The proposed new combined airline would be based in New York and have a combined fleet of 458 aircraft.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies