As Crain’s Chicago Business reports, the FAA has dismissed objections by American and United Airlines in regards to Jetblue’s proposal to serve Chicago-O’Hare Airport. Thus, it can allow Jetblue or any new entrant to gain access to the airport under a system that will be modified on October 29th. The FAA thus has said that if Jetblue obtains gates and other facilities needed to start flying within ninety days, pending their approval, they could gain access under the current rules. The dominant carriers claim their objection was based on fairness, not on an objection to Jetblue serving O’Hare.
However, despite this, they postponed a final decision on the proposal, saying it would be addressed “later.” With time running out on the current O’Hare rule, we would not be surprised if the FAA delays until it is too late.
Ultimately, the Chicago Department of Aviation remains behind Jetblue, and is trying to negotiate for them a gate in Terminal 2 that was vacated by America West as part of its merger with USAirways. The single gate could accomodate Jetblue’s planned service.