Updated

Updated · CNBC · Aug 23

United Plans New International Routes This Week as Kirby Pushes JFK Expansion for 2027

Updated

Updated · CNBC · Aug 23

United Plans New International Routes This Week as Kirby Pushes JFK Expansion for 2027

Q: As United aggressively hunts for underused airport slots, which struggling rival airline is secretly on the verge of losing its most valuable routes?

The most plausible answer is **Spirit Airlines**. The strongest evidence in the material points to Spirit as the struggling rival whose most valuable New York airport rights are at risk. Spirit entered bankruptcy proceedings and sought to auction its **22 LaGuardia slot pairs**, which it said could be worth at least **$87 million**. Those slots are among the carrier’s most valuable assets because LaGuardia is one of the few fully slot-controlled U.S. airports, where takeoff and landing rights are scarce and highly prized. That matters directly to United’s strategy because Scott Kirby said United wants to expand at constrained airports, especially in New York, by finding carriers that are not operating profitable service. Spirit fits that description far more clearly than larger rivals such as Delta or American, which remain financially stronger and are not publicly shown in the provided reporting to be on the verge of surrendering marquee New York routes. There is an important caveat: the reporting specifically documents Spirit’s endangered **LaGuardia** slots, not a confirmed imminent loss of **JFK** routes. United’s near-term JFK ambitions are tied more to its JetBlue partnership and any future access to additional underused or unprofitable slot holdings. But if the question is asking which weakened competitor is closest to losing its most valuable New York flying rights, the evidence best supports **Spirit Airlines**.

3 articles · Updated · CNBC · Aug 23

United is set to unveil a batch of new international routes this week, extending a network strategy Scott Kirby says still has room to grow despite the airline already leading U.S. carriers in overseas flying.
Kirby also wants a bigger foothold at New York's JFK after United returns through a JetBlue partnership as early as next year, with possible slot purchases from airlines running unprofitable routes.
The push comes as airlines face higher costs, tight airport infrastructure and strong demand for premium and long-haul travel, which United says also supports loyalty and credit-card revenue.
Kirby, 59, has ruled out buying a smaller carrier like JetBlue even after failed merger overtures to Delta and American, arguing United's gaps in South America and the Southeast are hard to fix alone.
A decade after leaving American for United in 2016, Kirby is betting expansion, AI tools and clearer customer communication can widen United's edge over American while chasing more of Delta's profit lead.