As USAToday reports, this week, New York discounter Jetblue asked the Federal Aviation Administration for permission to operates eight flights a day to Chicago’s O’Hare airport. The FAA limits the number of flights that can arrival hourly at O’Hare, but has been known to allow airlines inroads into the fortress hub of both American and United Airlines. The two carriers operate 91% of all domestic flights in and out of the airport…American has 498 flights a day, United 635 flights a day, and have long-term leases on nearly all terminal gates there.
Eighty-eight planes an hour are allowed to land at O’Hare between 7AM and 8PM. Jetblue has requested seven slots between 8:30AM and 11:30AM and one at 6PM. The FAA is not sure when they will render a decision on the matter, and it is complicated by United Airlines, which has argued that Jetblue’s brief doesn’t follow proper procedures and should be denied. United has also in the past questioned the fairness of giving slots to new airlines when American and United have reduced capacity over the last few years to decrease delays.
Jetblue is prepared to inaugurate service within sixty days of FAA approval. Spokesman Bryan Baldwin commented, “It’s a great population hub, and, frankly, when we look at our route network, there’s a big empty spot where Chicago is.” Fortunately for Jetblue, the Chicago Department of Aviation is in favor of their entry and will support them through the process.