JetBlue and Spirit to push ahead with merger attempt despite US government challenge

JetBlue and Spirit Airlines have vowed to push ahead with their proposed merger despite the US government’s attempt to block the move, which would create the country’s fifth-biggest carrier. “We believe the DOJ [Department of Justice] has got it wrong on the law here and misses the point that this merger will create a national low-fare, high-quality competitor to the big four [Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines] carriers,” said Robin Hayes, JetBlue’s chief executive,. “JetBlue and Spirit will continue to advance our plan to create a compelling national challenger to the big four airlines, which control