Supreme Court Lets Ruling Against American–JetBlue Alliance Stand

The US Supreme Court on 30 June declined to hear American Airlines Group Inc.’s appeal of a lower-court decision that found its partnership with JetBlue Airways Corp. violated federal antitrust laws. The refusal leaves in place an order that bars the carriers from coordinating routes, schedules and fares under their now-disallowed alliance. The lower-court ruling had concluded the collaboration reduced competition and could lead to higher ticket prices for consumers. By denying certiorari, the justices ended American’s last legal avenue to revive the arrangement, forcing the two airlines to continue operating independently in the affected markets.