American Airlines and JetBlue Airways
American Airlines and JetBlue AirwaysChris O'Meara/AP
  • American Airlines is adding six new routes from New York City this year.
  • An airline spokesperson told Insider that the expansion is part of its Northeast Alliance with JetBlue.
  • The partnership has received criticism from the US Department of Justice, which filed a lawsuit in September.

American Airlines is expanding its domestic route map as part of its powerful Northeast Alliance with JetBlue Airways.

The Fort Worth-based airline confirmed to Insider on Friday that it will begin six new routes this year from New York City, two that will begin in June and four that will begin in November. The announcement includes service from New York's LaGuardia and JFK airports.

A spokesperson explained that the expansion is part of the carrier's partnership with JetBlue, which was announced in July 2020. 

The initiative has helped both airlines bolster their networks out of Boston and New York via hundreds of codeshares, with American passengers having more domestic options via JetBlue, and JetBlue customers being able to book international destinations on American.

In November, the alliance pledged to offer lie-flat seats on all transcontinental routes to lure business travelers, which includes JetBlue's Mint product and American's Flagship First. Moreover, the pair has strategically scheduled flights out of New York and Boston this year to give more options to travelers. 

This includes making JetBlue the sole operator between Boston and LaGuardia, and re-timing high-frequency flights, like Boston to Washington, DC, according to American

Despite the alliance's strong start, competitor airlines and the US government are concerned about the duo's strategy. In September 2021, the US Department of Justice filed an antitrust lawsuit, saying the controversial partnership could negatively impact customers. 

American and JetBlue are pushing forward with their strategy. Take a look at the six new routes starting this year.

Between LaGuardia and Tulsa, Oklahoma

Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Tulsa, Oklahoma.Walter Bibikow/Getty Images

American will begin year-round service between New York and Tulsa on November 3.

Between LaGuardia and Little Rock, Arkansas

Little Rock, Arkansas
Little Rock, Arkansas.Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

American will begin year-round service between New York and Little Rock on November 3.

Between LaGuardia and Asheville, North Carolina

Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina.
Asheville, North Carolina.Taylor Rains/Insider

American will operate once-weekly summer seasonal service between New York and Asheville from June 4 to October 1. The carrier will add daily winter flights from November 3 to April 3.

Between LaGuardia and Key West, Florida

Key West, Florida
Key West, FloridaDennis Kartenkaemper/Shutterstock

American will operate once-weekly summer seasonal service between New York and Key West from June 4 to October 1. The carrier will add daily winter flights from November 3 to April 3.

Between JFK and Bermuda

Bermuda.
Bermuda.Just dance/Shutterstock

American will begin year-round service between New York and Bermuda on November 3.

Between JFK and Monterrey, Mexico

Monterrey, Mexico.
Monterrey, Mexico.Monica Garza 73/Shutterstock

American will begin year-round service between New York and Monterrey on November 3.

Read the original article on Business Insider