It would quickly give WN a dual fleet and a large presence in Central and South America, which they want. The table below is an unofficial compilation of completed (not merely proposed) mergers and acquisitions since the inception of the U.S. airline industry. Update: This story has been updated to reflect Spirit and Frontier's announcement of a planned merger. Mr. Denis said regulators examining airline deals had historically focused on the impact of combining large, legacy airlines those in business for decades. Founded in 1993 by brothers Tom and David Gardner, The Motley Fool helps millions of people attain financial freedom through our website, podcasts, books, newspaper column, radio show, and premium investing services. 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping. The last round of consolidation really was about balance sheets, he said. At this point, Buffett, 89, will have to pull the trigger soon, if only to catch up with fellow octogenarian Phil Ruffin on the acquisition front. The theory goes something like this. Frontier could also offer to pay any costs associated with the risk that regulators would challenge the merger in court. With either Alaska or JetBlue (and especially JetBlue) they would be buying a ton of different airplanes. 4. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Apparently, many of Southwest's flight attendants think that the airline is now on the prowl for another merger partner. The aircraft are different, of course, which would require training and logistical upgrades. JetBlue already competes with the four large airlines in cities like New York and Boston and could challenge them further if it is able to acquire Spirits planes, airport gates and staff. U.S. The real reason why Southwest CEO Gary Kelly is so eager to reach new labor contracts probably has. PO Box 36611, United Airlines. Hes previously published some provocative research, noting that the value of American Airlines loyalty program was worth more than the airline. Time To Buy JetBlue On Virgin America Merger Rumors - SeekingAlpha So now why Spirit? 2003 - Acquired OceanAir and VIP Ecuador. The next largest carrier, American Airlines, had a 22% share. Agree. Doubters see Southwests 737 MAX problem as a short-term issue. Selling Groups, family and Adventure Travel. Could Southwest Buy Alaska or Hawaiian Airlines Next? Except for one thing: AirTran's not completely folded in yet. Alaskas F model (standard domestic F) is totally different from Jet Blues (transcon lie flats and all-Y just like Southwest), and t FF programs are also totally different (if anything Rapid Rewards is closer to Mosaic), so I dont see why thats a barrier for one but not the other.