Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
JetBlue’s merger with Spirit is critical for Florida’s economy
Across Florida, our economy is booming. We are outpacing the nation and we are now the 15th largest economy in the world. At the center of Florida’s growth is tourism, which has come roaring back with visitor numbers exceeding pre-pandemic levels. This is not only great news for the state, but also for more than half of our state’s small businesses that are supported by tourism.
Today, there is a significant business decision that is essential to sustaining this growth. JetBlue’s proposed merger with Miramar-based Spirit Airlines would enhance competition and expand capacity, resulting in lower fares, better service and greater choice for residents and visitors alike. Together, JetBlue and Spirit employ more than 9,200 workers across Florida and fly millions of people to the state each year. For decisionmakers who do not live and work in Florida, it may be difficult to fully appreciate the impact low-fare travel options have on our state.
According to Visit Florida, the state’s tourism marketing corporation, visitors to Florida contributed $96.5 billion to the state’s economy and supported more than 1.6 million jobs. Both JetBlue and Spirit have demonstrated a commitment to providing low-fare air service for Florida residents and tourists alike and combining the airlines will result in a stronger network with more low-fare competition. Having more choices for travel in South Florida will better ensure tourism dollars keep flowing to small businesses across the state.
At Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, JetBlue’s acquisition of Spirit will result in a combined network of 150 flights a day, with plans to expand up to 250 flights a day. And at Orlando International Airport, JetBlue is planning to offer more than 150 daily departures, providing millions of travelers a lower fare and better service option for family vacations. And these flights do not just bring domestic tourism dollars, they also bring significant spending from international visitors.
Florida has quickly become a major destination for Colombians in particular. Among international visitors to Florida, Colombia was the number one country of origin in 2021, and recent data show that 68% of flights between Colombia and the U.S. currently arrive or depart in Florida. JetBlue and Spirit have proven that they offer lower fares and better service across many Latin and South American routes, including Colombia, and they offer a better alternative to legacy carriers. Merging the airlines will unlock even
more opportunities for travelers to visit locations popular with Latin American travelers.
This expansion is critical as Miami prepares to be a host city for the 2026 World Cup. With a significant fan base in Latin America, JetBlue will play a major role in connecting our state to travelers descending on it for World Cup matches. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for South Florida to put its best foot forward, and that starts with a successful merger of JetBlue and Spirit airlines.
And the benefits are not just for travelers coming to Florida. A combined airline means more low-fare flights for Floridians going to domestic and international locations. This is especially significant for the sizeable number of Hispanic residents in Florida who rely on Latin American and Caribbean routes to connect them to their families, foreign trade and businesses.
While many people think of large resorts in the hospitality industry as the beneficiaries of tourism spending, it is our state’s small businesses that are the backbone of our economy, and they are supported by the millions of travelers who visit Florida each year. We should do everything we can to help tourism grow and support our communities.
As president and CEO of the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, it is my responsibility to promote the economic interests of our community, and today, I believe that JetBlue’s merger with Spirit will create new opportunities and bring significant value to our state’s businesses, workforce and community. This merger deserves the support of our community and federal regulators.