JetBlue Airways (B6, New York JFK) has submitted a motion seeking to disqualify United Airlines’ application for Washington National’s new beyond-perimeter exemption slots on the grounds that United wants to operate a second daily flight between DCA and San Francisco during a prohibited timeframe.
United Airlines submitted an application to depart Washington National at 0630L (1030Z). However, the Congressional prohibition on beyond-perimeter flights before 0700L (1100Z) “is ironclad,” said JetBlue, urging the US Department of Transportation (DOT) not to consider United’s primary application.
Meanwhile, United filed an objection to JetBlue’s motion, saying that the DOT has never disqualified an applicant’s proposal, even when others have allegedly violated terms of express authority. Instead, JetBlue’s efforts show the carrier’s “insecurities about the strength of its own application [...] as if JetBlue believes that the best way to win a race is to trip the other runners,” it countered.
As a non-limited incumbent carrier, United sought two exemptions to operate a new daily nonstop flight to San Francisco using B737-8s, or alternatively service to Los Angeles International. JetBlue seeks authorisation to operate an additional flight to and from San Juan Luis Muñoz Marin with A321-200 and/or A321-200N, or alternatively Los Angeles as well.
Seven carriers made separate applications to obtain the ten slot exemptions for service to Washington National from domestic airports within or beyond the 1,250-mile (2,012-kilometre) perimeter. Interested airlines had until July 8 to file their requests, with comments to be filed no later than July 17.
