All from wakeman at recurrent this week-

• we're (relatively) cheap, and Alaska supposedly has the money and a want to get us to be national competitor, they expect calls with discussion to merge very soon/in the next year (can't speak to anything right now)
• some talks occurred during spirit merger attempt w/ B6/AS for a large combined national carrier
• Pratt opening up another factory, new engines coming out don't have issues
• estimate resolution for engines to be late 2026 as opposed to 2028 initially.
• JB will see about getting back some of deferred orders when this is resolved
• early outs offered within coming weeks, going to be for folks 55+
• if 50% take early outs we'll be hiring before end of the coming year
• if nobody takes early outs hiring early

2026

-growing by mid next year, biggest JetBlue has ever been as the previously to be retired 320's are sticking around now and after 190's gone we net positive aircraft

Spark notes

All of the Alaska stuff has already been denied by wakeman himself. He says he never said it.

Also he’s about 8 levels below anyone who would actually have knowledge of any talks.

Yeah im not putting that much stock into it. I think AS/B6 would make a fine combo but don’t think it will happen for at least another 2yrs

Those in the know are not at liberty to talk about a merger. And the group who knows is very small.

You have to wonder who typed this info and credited it to a specific individual. It’s weird behavior with little to gain from it.

There are a few pilots here with nothing better to do.

My speculation based on previous experience at the recurrent lunches:


Mgmt: What questions do you have for me?

Pilot: Are we merging with Alaska?

Mgmt: Look, you know, I'll find out when I see it in the news, the same time you guys do. But, I mean, it would make sense. We are relatively cheap right now and combined, we could be a strong competitor.

Pilot: If it did happen, when would it happen?

Mgmt: I really couldn't say, it's just speculation.

Pilot: But, could it happen soon? Like next year?

Mgmt: In theory, I guess they could call any time.


And someone jots down the notes and spreads the "news."

😂 nailed it

I just don't see how Alaska could possibly be talking about another merger when they currently have their hands full. If someone does decide to merge with or acquire JetBlue, they have 4 years to get it done. The clock starts soon.

If it is AS I think they could do it under any administration. Only thing imho that would push things up is if (IF) jet forward actually works, we woukd be much more expensive.

I was in this recurrent. None of this was ever said. Especially not about Alaska, Alaska relative to Spirit, Pratt, the early outs...

I dont know why people feel the need to make up misinformation. Does no one any good.