Airlines await DoT approval
Lufthansa and US low cost carrier JetBlue have signed a transatlantic code share agreement to begin later this month.
The airlines are now awaiting approval by the US Department of Transportation (DoT) after papers were filed yesterday (Aug 31).
Lufthansa, which owns a 19% stake in JetBlue, will soon be able to put its ‘LH' code on 12 US routes operated by the budget airline.
In return JetBlue is aiming to attract more US passengers with new connections to European destinations operated by Lufthansa.
JetBlue flights to US destinations including Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Austin, Fort Lauderdale and San Juan could also soon be offered under the Lufthansa code.
Lufthansa will offer connections at New York JFK where JetBlue has a major presence.
Last September JetBlue moved to the new Terminal 5 building at New York JFK, an important US hub airport.
Lufthansa completed its purchase of shares JetBlue last year after paying $300m for a 19% stake in 2007.
As part of the deal JetBlue appointed two Lufthansa directors to its board - Lufthansa cfo Stephan Gemkow and Christoph Franz, ceo of Lufthansa subsidiary SWISS.
At the time JetBlue said Lufthansa's investment would strengthen its financial position and business model.
JetBlue hinted at further "commercial and other agreements" but details have been scarce until now.
Lufthansa is one of three major stakeholders with 5% or more shares along with US-based investment companies Fidelity Investments and Wellington Management Co.
www.lufthansa.com www.jetblue.com