The U.S. Department of Justice went to court in its bid to block the $3.8 billion JetBlue Airways’ takeover of budget carrier Spirit Airlines
The federal case in Boston takes place without a jury and is set to last about three weeks.
The DOJ claims the airline merger is anti-competitive and will limit choice and affordability.
The big four, United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Southwest control about 80% of the domestic market.
JetBlue maintains the airline merger is good for consumer choice, allowing it to compete more effectively with the big four.
JetBlue has moved to allay antitrust fears by agreeing to offload Spirit Airlines’ slots at airports where JetBlue has a strong presence.
These include New York City, Boston, Newark and Fort Lauderdale.
