# Transportation Secretary Duffy Signals Openness to Airline Mergers, Cites Trump's Preference for Big Deals

_Apr 7 22:40_

Tags: American Airlines, JetBlue, United Airlines, airline, merger & acquisition, safety & operations, industry news

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy indicated openness to airline consolidation, specifically noting that President Trump favors big deals. The comments fuel speculation about a potential acquisition of JetBlue by United or American Airlines

## Summary

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, speaking on CNBC, commented on growing industry chatter regarding the potential acquisition of one of the "big four" US carriers by another. He stated that President Trump "loves to see big deals happen" and that any merger would undergo review by the DOJ and DOT, with a focus on competition and consumer impact. Duffy acknowledged that while market share might shift (e.g., from 20% to 30-35%), the government would require asset divestitures to prevent excessive infrastructure concentration. The commentary has intensified speculation that JetBlue, currently facing financial headwinds, could be acquired by United Airlines or American Airlines. United CEO Scott Kirby has previously expressed interest in JetBlue, and Duffy's pro-consolidation stance, combined with a favorable regulatory environment under Trump, suggests this could be a viable window for a deal

## Why it matters

Affects 4 airline programs (American Airlines, British Airways, JetBlue...).

## Sources cited

- [One Mile at a Time](https://onemileatatime.com/news/sean-duffy-airline-mergers-trump-loves-big-deals) — Sean Duffy Comments On Airline Mergers: “Trump Loves To See Big Deals”

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