Jetblue and Lufthansa to Code-Share

[BLUE BAYOU]

August 31, 2009
Lufthansa plans to seek regulatory approval to form a code-share agreement with JetBlue Airways, The Financial Times reported.
The two companies will file a request with the US Department of Transportation as early as Monday, the newspaper said in its online edition. Lufthansa owns a minority stake in JetBlue.

(Reuters

 

[bluesideup340]

Lufthansa seeks JetBlue code-share

Published: August 30 2009 22:45
Lufthansa plans to seek regulatory approval to form a “code-share” agreement with JetBlue Airways, marking the German airline’s latest effort to forge closer ties to the US carrier and its coveted New York hub.
Code-shares, so called for the two-letter codes used to identify the airline operating a given flight, emerged in the 1980s to help ease passenger concerns that switching carriers during a transcontinental journey would inevitably lead to missed connections and lost luggage.
By marketing JetBlue’s flights as its own, Lufthansa would broaden its footprint at John F Kennedy International Airport, a key US gateway to the world.
The arrangement may in turn help JetBlue, one of the biggest operators at JFK, persuade more US passengers to choose its service on transatlantic travel.
The two companies will file their request with the US Department of Transportation as early as Monday, people familiar with the matter said. Lufthansa acquired a 19 per cent stake in JetBlue last year for $300m.
Stephan Gemkow, Lufthansa chief financial officer, and Christoph Franz, chief executive of Swiss International Air Lines, a Lufthansa unit, sit on the New York airline’s board.
Lufthansa shared few details on its plans for JetBlue at the time of its initial investment, fuelling the doubts of industry insiders who viewed the partnership as an unlikely pairing.
Germany’s flag carrier and the second-largest airline in Europe, Lufthansa had already established a joint venture with United Airlines, with a global network and powerful hubs in Chicago, Washington, Los Angeles, Denver and San Francisco.
In contrast, JetBlue had emerged in the past decade as a plucky domestic airline that lured passengers with cheap tickets and live television.
But unlike United Airlines or Lufthansa’s other US ally, US Airways, JetBlue possesses a large trove of take-off and landing slots at JFK – one of the world’s top international airports in the largest US city. Last year, the carrier opened a new, state-of-the-art terminal at JFK capable of handling as many as 250 flights a day.
Code-share accords are a staple of international travel, with alliances and joint ventures extending the reach of domestic airlines to every corner of the world.
Lufthansa anchors one of the three major groupings, the Star Alliance.
“We’re looking to capitalise on our position at JFK, where we’re the largest domestic airline,” JetBlue said.

 

[clickclickboom]

Well at least the Jetblue pilots will have the ability to agree to the terms of the codeshare and determine when we take the widebodies eastbound.

Oh yeah almost forgot the jb pilots cant do anything.. This is a good thing for everyone short term but how does it play out for the jb pilots long term?

 

[B6Busdriver]

Well at least the Jetblue pilots will have the ability to agree to the terms of the codeshare and determine when we take the widebodies eastbound.

Oh yeah almost forgot the jb pilots cant do anything.. This is a good thing for everyone short term but how does it play out for the jb pilots long term?

Yep and Blue Bafoon and his minions think they don't need a union. Uncle Dave and the BOOBS will take care of everything.

 

[brainhurts]

Ve have vays ov makink you clean zee airplanes!! Schnell!

 

[BLUE BAYOU]

Yep and Blue Bafoon and his minions think they don't need a union. Uncle Dave and the BOOBS will take care of everything.

So much hatred... Band of Blue was only a few who apparently had more influence than the many who talk like you do... Lighten up Francis...

 

[B6Busdriver]

So much hatred... Band of Blue was only a few who apparently had more influence than the many who talk like you do... Lighten up Francis...

Well B.Bafoon, you BOOBS lied to our pilot group. I'm amazed that so many of you boobs didn't even know what out our weak benefits are. Fools.

 

[waterski]

Who cares!!!!!!!!

 

[TheInsider]

Who cares!!!!!!!!

well said.

 

[BLUE BAYOU]

Well B.Bafoon, you BOOBS lied to our pilot group. I'm amazed that so many of you boobs didn't even know what out our weak benefits are. Fools.

I'm sorry, I thought you were talking about the Band of Blue, my mistake, you're specifying a group "BOOBS" that is not recognized but for an anatomical part of a female, or in your case, male... Kidding aside, how does this relate to the LH code share again???

Waiting for the next rant...

 

[Beantown]

Are there any Unionized majors that don't have a codeshare? Does anyone really think if a union was voted in in Jan that this codeshare wouldn't be happining today? Give me a break.

 

[B6Busdriver]

Are there any Unionized majors that don't have a codeshare? Does anyone really think if a union was voted in in Jan that this codeshare wouldn't be happining today? Give me a break.

And those unionized carriers have scope. I wouldn't want to be a B6 190 pilot. You guys are now the most expensive 190 pilots in the industry with no scope. Hmmm, I wonder what could be farmed out to save money.

 

[Pilotbob3]

I'm sorry, I thought you were talking about the Band of Blue, my mistake, you're specifying a group "BOOBS" that is not recognized but for an anatomical part of a female, or in your case, male... Kidding aside, how does this relate to the LH code share again???

Waiting for the next rant...

Blue bayou,

Are you or were you a Band of Blue member?

 

[linepilot]

So much hatred... Band of Blue was only a few who apparently had more influence than the many who talk like you do... Lighten up Francis...

If your name is on that list, you better get used to it.

Union busting is frowned upon in this industry. Especially when executed by a fellow pilot.

That's how it works. That's how we get paid.

.

 

[av8tor76]

just wondering how the rest of the star alliance feels about this?? isn't that why the alliance was created??

 

[Dogwood]

If your name is on that list, you better get used to it.

Union busting is frowned upon in this industry. Especially when executed by a fellow pilot.

That's how it works. That's how we get paid.

.

Share with us again, what union was busted...????

You cannot bust something that doesn't exsist. A large percentage just indicated they didn't want a union at JetBlue, for the moment.

No Big Deal.

 

[a320drivr]

I've heard rumors the APA, SWAPA, IPA, and ALPA have a plan for you guys if you reform the BOB group during the next drive.

 

[PeanuckleCRJ]

Got scope? There go your trans atlantic route possibilities to another carrier with one stroke of a pen...

 

[B6Busdriver]

I've heard rumors the APA, SWAPA, IPA, and ALPA have a plan for you guys if you reform the BOB group during the next drive.

Sweeet. They've earned it whatever it is.

 

[Dogwood]

I've heard rumors the APA, SWAPA, IPA, and ALPA have a plan for you guys if you reform the BOB group during the next drive.

OOOOOOh

I'll bet the bobs are shaking in their boots.

I really doubt they care what happens at JetBlue.

 

[a320drivr]

I know the APA does as they keep bringing up the new 190 rates in their contract talks. I know SWAPA does. I know ALPA does because there are meetings with them last week of sept.

 

[Beantown]

And those unionized carriers have scope. I wouldn't want to be a B6 190 pilot. You guys are now the most expensive 190 pilots in the industry with no scope. Hmmm, I wonder what could be farmed out to save money.

Give me some examples of mainline scope (and the airline it comes from) that would have stopped this codeshare?

In the case of JB and Lufthansa, it has no effect on our E190 guys or our A320 guys, in fact with increased pax, it might allow for some growth.

Rumor is that the PVC is working with the company on scope, might by usless but we will see.

Just becuase you have a union doesn't mean you have scope that's worth a dam.

 

[linepilot]

Share with us again, what union was busted...????

You cannot bust something that doesn't exsist. A large percentage just indicated they didn't want a union at JetBlue, for the moment.

No Big Deal.

Very big deal when a pilot is running around spewing Ford & Harrison lies.

We (meaning the majority of airline pilots) tend to remember those things.

I've seen that list and a lame cover letter (patting themselves on the back) pop up all over the place including a particular conference where it was discussed at length over beers.

Keep telling yourselves it's not a big deal.

Just a hint for you: Ford & Harrison are not on our side.

 

[bluesideup340]

I know the APA does as they keep bringing up the new 190 rates in their contract talks. I know SWAPA does. I know ALPA does because there are meetings with them last week of sept.

So what is it that APA bringings up or says about the E190 rates?
And why is SWAPA concerned about JB, is it their codeshare with WestJet and ours with LH?

I won't ask about ALPA that would be to easy. ALPA is in it for the collection of 2% union dues from 2000 JB pilots.

 

[FBN0223]

Got scope? There go your trans atlantic route possibilities to another carrier with one stroke of a pen...

They wouldn't like those three-day Europe trips anyway.

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

Give me some examples of mainline scope (and the airline it comes from) that would have stopped this codeshare?

In the case of JB and Lufthansa, it has no effect on our E190 guys or our A320 guys, in fact with increased pax, it might allow for some growth.

Rumor is that the PVC is working with the company on scope, might by usless but we will see.

Just becuase you have a union doesn't mean you have scope that's worth a dam.

Wow..... I guess anything is justifiable....

If I were a jB pilot I'd have an uneasy feeling in my gut.... even if you guys voted in the JBPA earlier this year, you'd be a couple of years away from effectiveness... and without a national presence let alone an international presence... you guys just aren't players... yet someone is playing your career....

I am sure a few jB pilots know the union and groups that represent the LH pilots that will be flying the code share... Recall when NWA and Delta merged, those pilots meet with the AF/KLM pilots and signed a MOU, so those two groups wouldn't be whipsawed across the Atlantic.... If Vereinigung Cockpit wanted to sign a MOU with the JB pilots... who do they call? BoB?

VC is also a member of European Cockpit Association who is also a member of IFALPA.... ALPA USA is also a member. These groups have been around since the 1940s. They know each other.. they have relationships, trust and respect.

Will the JB pilots send BoB to meet with Associations of Star Alliance Pilots (ASAP)?


The United pilots are unionized and they are very concerned about a Aer Lingus code share...

With current pushes to open up foreign ownership and/or cabatoge.... that uneasy feeling that you should have should be more like the dry heaves...

An LH WB lands in JFK picks up new passengers and flies them to the west coast. JB "long haul" flying is over. As LH gains control over JB, they add A321s and A330s to fly out of JFK, MCO, etc.. and staff them with LH pilots and crews...

All you've guys have done is gotten jetblue off the ground... now someone else is going to come along and and take a matured airline to the next level.... possibly without you....

Then again.. maybe you guys have it right.....

Remember what Joe Elliot said... It is better to burn out... then fade awayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

 

[Blue Dude]

An LH WB lands in JFK picks up new passengers and flies them to the west coast. JB "long haul" flying is over. As LH gains control over JB, they add A321s and A330s to fly out of JFK, MCO, etc.. and staff them with LH pilots and crews...

Which is cabotage and illegal. If it wasn't illegal, they would have done it already and they wouldn't have needed JB to begin with.

Your other concerns are well-founded though.

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

Which is cabotage and illegal. If it wasn't illegal, they would have done it already and they wouldn't have needed JB to begin with.

Your other concerns are well-founded though.

Of course it is illegal today.... but second stage negotiations for open skies are underway... other freedoms have been lifted.... 7th (or 8th)stage or cabatoge is a high priority for the EU.... they want it....

IFALPA and ALPA want to ensure there are labor protections...

Labor isn't going to stop market forces... (can anyone?) But labor can ensure there are protections.....

 

[bluesideup340]

If I were a jB pilot I'd have an uneasy feeling in my gut.... even if you guys voted in the JBPA earlier this year, you'd be a couple of years away from effectiveness... and without a national presence let alone an international presence... you guys just aren't players... yet someone is playing your career....

So by your own admission you are not a jB Pilot, tell us, why are your concerned about our codeshare with LH then? Is it because your agenda is selling the promise of Union protection?

Recall when NWA and Delta merged, those pilots meet with the AF/KLM pilots and signed a MOU, so those two groups wouldn't be whipsawed across the Atlantic.... If Vereinigung Cockpit wanted to sign a MOU with the JB pilots... who do they call? BoB?

An MOU you say. What does it say and how does it protect from whipsawing? Or is it one of these feel good ALPA activities that are completely worthless when the tire hits the asphalt.
Let just assume the MOU is something good and meaningful, and in fact does prevent whipsawing amongst the ShyTeam Pilots. Could ALPA please introduce the same MOU to all US ALPA Carriers so we stop the whipsawing here on this side of the Atlantic first? I find it humorous that you proclaim victory on this allegedly whipsaw MOU for ALPA across the Atlantic with other Unions/Associations that are loosely connected with each other through an International. But in really ALPA is incompetent to do the same here at home. Somehow really does not support your claim. Show us an example where and when ALPA on the National stage prevented whipsawing amongst ALPA carriers before making grant claims of International successes.

Will the JB pilots send BoB to meet with Associations of Star Alliance Pilots (ASAP)?

Rez get with the program. We will send the PVC not the BoB.

With current pushes to open up foreign ownership and/or cabatoge.... that uneasy feeling that you should have should be more like the dry heaves...

Now you sound like the Healthcare Reform fighting crowd. No facts, just a lot of emotions presented with lots of drama. Just to make sure that all who listen are not only concerned but right out scared, and for good measures thanks for tell us also how much scardness we should have. Rez - really, dry heaves scary that’s it.

An LH WB lands in JFK picks up new passengers and flies them to the west coast. JB "long haul" flying is over. As LH gains control over JB, they add A321s and A330s to fly out of JFK, MCO, etc.. and staff them with LH pilots and crews...

Have you done any cost benefit analysis on the feasibility of WB flying if a foreign carrier in the domestic US market? How about the cost structure of LH crews bases in the US? Besides the financial insanity you are proposing here, there is also the work permit and US immigration issue for LH to overcome.

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

So by your own admission you are not a jB Pilot, tell us, why are your concerned about our codeshare with LH then? Is it because your agenda is selling the promise of Union protection?

Because the ability for industry to dispose of jb pilots would set a precednece for the rest of us.....

The JB senority list is not an island.... we are all in this together...

An MOU you say. What does it say and how does it protect from whipsawing? Or is it one of these feel good ALPA activities that are completely worthless when the tire hits the asphalt.
Let just assume the MOU is something good and meaningful, and in fact does prevent whipsawing amongst the ShyTeam Pilots. Could ALPA please introduce the same MOU to all US ALPA Carriers so we stop the whipsawing here on this side of the Atlantic first? I find it humorous that you proclaim victory on this allegedly whipsaw MOU for ALPA across the Atlantic with other Unions/Associations that are loosely connected with each other through an International. But in really ALPA is incompetent to do the same here at home. Somehow really does not support your claim. Show us an example where and when ALPA on the National stage prevented whipsawing amongst ALPA carriers before making grant claims of International successes.

I never said ALPA was all victorious...

Rez get with the program. We will send the PVC not the BoB.

What effectiveness has the PVC shown that they would be better than BoB... or are you simply saying the PVC and BoB are show ponies?

Now you sound like the Healthcare Reform fighting crowd. No facts, just a lot of emotions presented with lots of drama. Just to make sure that all who listen are not only concerned but right out scared, and for good measures thanks for tell us also how much scardness we should have. Rez - really, dry heaves scary that’s it.

If I were a JB pilot I'd either be smart and concerned or arrogant and in denial......

Have you done any cost benefit analysis on the feasibility of WB flying if a foreign carrier in the domestic US market? How about the cost structure of LH crews bases in the US? Besides the financial insanity you are proposing here, there is also the work permit and US immigration issue for LH to overcome.

Perhaps you are right.... I think a fully loaded A340 with 25-50% passenger who paid for a FRA-JFK-LAX ticket combined with 50-75% of new pax flying JFK-LAX would make good money... but I am a pilot not a airline biz guy....

But then again... the EU wants cabatoge for some reason....

LH crews based in the US? No problem.. nothing ICE and the US govt can't solve with work permits....

I am not saying this will happen..... but you have to wonder why LH likes jetblue so much... and the EU wants foreign ownership laws and a cabatoge lifted....

Keep in mind, the EU is expanding to the old east bloc... anyone with EU status can work in any EU country... LH has to simply offer employment to east bloc citizens who love to work in the USA on visas for cheap wages...

Then again...... what can JB pilots do about it.... not much.. that is why JB pilots will deny the possible incoming.......... hopefully nothing will happen and you guys will have decades....

What you should have done is organized a while ago.... it takes years to gain effective representation....

A real question is.... who on the JB seniority list is watching all of this LH activity, foreign ownership and cabatoge... who is reporting these events to you guys....? API? Reuters? Do these news outlets care about JB pilots?