Federal Register #FAA-2026-9043

Regulatory Approval for Transfer of 22 LaGuardia Airport Operating Slots from Spirit Airlines to JetBlue Airways

This opportunity concerns a regulatory petition for the transfer of airport operating slots at New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA): - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT), Office of Rulemaking - OEMs/Vendors Mentioned: - JetBlue Airways Corporation - Spirit Airlines, LLC - Products/Services Requested: - Transfer of 22 Operating Authorizations (slots) at LGA from Spirit Airlines to JetBlue Airways - No physical products or traditional services are being procured; the transaction is for regulatory approval of slot transfer - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Relief from minimum slot usage requirements ("use-or-lose") through April 2027 for JetBlue - JetBlue is prohibited from trading or leasing the slots to any carrier until after April 2028 - JetBlue is prohibited from outright sale of these slots in the future - The transfer is intended to enhance competition and increase lower-fare options in the New York market - FAA and DOT are soliciting public comments on the proposed exemption

Description

JetBlue Airways Corporation and Spirit Airlines, LLC petitioned the Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration for an exemption from the prohibition on selling or purchasing Operating Authorizations (slots) at New York LaGuardia Airport. The petition requests approval to allow Spirit to sell 22 slots to JetBlue. The exemption would enable the transfer of slots, recognize JetBlue as the holder for the remainder of the order, and provide relief from usage requirements through April 2027. The petition argues the transfer supports competition and public interest by returning scarce capacity to service and enabling expanded lower-fare competition.

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