JetBlue, AirTran increase flights

By Joe Brancatelli

BEANTOWN BATTLE

JetBlue Expands Again in Boston: JetBlue Airways has emerged as the power player in Boston and it looks like it’ll be fighting for control of Logan, New England’s primary airport, with Southwest Airlines. The latest shot from JetBlue is a 30 percent increase in departures from Logan beginning next year. There’ll be additional flights to Chicago/O’Hare, Washington/Dulles, Charlotte and Raleigh/Durham; more transcons (San Diego and San Francisco); more flights to leisure destinations (Fort Lauderdale and the Caribbean); and some additional service in direct competition with Southwest (Baltimore/Washington and Denver).

MIDWEST MELEE

AirTran Presses Midwest Airlines in Milwaukee: AirTran Airways continues to bulk up in Milwaukee. Using its own Boeing aircraft, AirTran will begin Milwaukee-Dallas/Fort Worth flights in April. And it has cut a deal with SkyWest, a former commutercarrier for Midwest Airlines, to operate six routes from Milwaukee. SkyWest will use 50-seat regional jets to fly from Milwaukee to Akron, Des Moines and Omaha. Skywest RJs will also replace AirTran jets on Milwaukee routes to Indianapolis, Pittsburgh and St. Louis. The new service will phase in through February.

As you may recall, AirTran tried and abandoned commuter service several years ago. AirTran also tried to merge with Milwaukee-based Midwest in 2007. Midwest rejected a merger, sold itself to an investment firm, went bankrupt and was eventually purchased by Republic earlier this year. And Midwest is not standing still as AirTran expands. It will add flights to San Francisco and Raleigh next year to bulk up its presence in its hometown.