Business
JetBlue Agrees to Buy Spirit for $3.8 Billion
Published
3 years agoon
NEW YORK, N.Y. (AP) — JetBlue has agreed to buy Spirit Airlines for $3.8 billion in a deal that would create the nation’s fifth largest airline if approved by U.S. regulators.
The agreement Thursday comes a day after Spirit’s attempt to merge with Frontier Airlines fell apart. Spirit had recommended its shareholders approve a lower offer from Frontier, saying that antitrust regulators are more likely to reject the bid from JetBlue.
“This combination is an exciting opportunity to diversify and expand our network, add jobs and new possibilities for crewmembers, and expand our platform for profitable growth.” JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes said in a statement.
The combined airline, which will be based in New York and led by Hayes, would have a fleet of 458 aircraft. The airlines will continue to operate independently until after the transaction closes.
JetBlue said Thursday that it would pay $33.50 per share in cash for Spirit, including a prepayment of $2.50 per share in cash payable once Spirit stockholders approve the transaction. There’s also a ticking fee of 10 cents per month starting in January 2023 through closing.
If the transaction is completed before December 2023, the deal will be for $33.50 per share, increasing over time to up to $34.15 per share, in the event the transaction closes at the outside date in July 2024.
If the deal doesn’t close due to antitrust reasons, JetBlue will pay Spirit a reverse break-up fee of $70 million and stockholders of Spirit a reverse break-up fee of $400 million less any amounts paid to stockholders of Spirit prior to termination.
News of the JetBlue and Spirit combination comes after weeks of Frontier and JetBlue tussling over who would ultimately get to add the budget airline to its arsenal. While Spirit initially struck a deal with Frontier and had stood by that proposed agreement, its shareholders were not on board. The decision by Spirit and Frontier to terminate their deal was announced Wednesday while Spirit shareholders were still voting on the proposal. It was apparent that despite the support of Spirit’s board, shareholders were prepared to reject the deal and seek a richer one from JetBlue.
JetBlue anticipates $600 million to $700 million in annual savings once the transaction is complete. Annual revenue for the combined company is anticipated to be about $11.9 billion, based on 2019 revenues.
JetBlue and Spirit will continue to operate independently until after the transaction closes. Their respective loyalty programs remain unchanged and customer accounts will not be affected in any way.
The deal still needs the required regulatory approvals and approval from Spirit’s stockholders. The companies expect to conclude the regulatory process and close the transaction no later than the first half of 2024.
Spirit’s stock rose more than 4% before the market open, while shares of JetBlue were up slightly.
Business
Avelo Airlines Expands Lakeland Base with Atlanta, Detroit Flights and Second Aircraft
Published
9 hours agoon
November 12, 2025By
Willie DavidLAKELAND, Fla. (FNN) – Avelo Airlines is expanding its footprint at Lakeland International Airport (LAL) with the return of nonstop service to Atlanta (ATL), the launch of new spring training flights to Detroit (DTW), and the addition of a second based aircraft to its growing Central Florida hub.
The expansion follows 18 months of successful operations at Lakeland International and reflects strong community support and Avelo’s commitment to offering convenient and affordable air travel for Central Florida passengers.
Avelo’s new service lineup includes:
Detroit (DTW): Begins February 11, 2026, with twice-weekly flights on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Atlanta (ATL): Begins February 13, 2026, offering five flights per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
With the addition of these routes, Avelo will now serve 10 nonstop destinations from its Lakeland base.
Flights will be operated with Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft, known for their comfort and reliability. Introductory one-way fares start at $34, and tickets are now available for booking at AveloAir.com.
Avelo’s expanded service to Atlanta will provide travelers with greater flexibility and access to key connecting destinations, while the new Detroit route will cater to spring training visitors and those traveling between Florida and the Midwest.
Business
Maria del Carmen Rodriguez Joins Florida National News as Spanish-Speaking Reporter and Co-Host
Published
2 weeks agoon
November 1, 2025By
Willie DavidORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News (FNN) is proud to announce the addition of Maria del Carmen Rodriguez as a Spanish-speaking on-camera reporter and co-host, marking another major step in the network’s statewide expansion and celebration of its 11th anniversary.
Rodriguez joins the growing team at FNN News en Español, where she will bring her bilingual communication skills and cultural insight to the forefront of FNN’s Spanish-language news and lifestyle programming. Her arrival underscores FNN’s commitment to serving Florida’s rapidly growing Hispanic and Latino communities with trusted, relevant, and inspiring storytelling.
FNN President J. Willie David, III stated, “Maria del Carmen Rodriguez represents the next generation of diverse storytellers who connect authentically with our audiences. Her addition reflects FNN’s continued mission to expand across Florida while elevating Hispanic voices in broadcast journalism. We are proud to welcome her as part of our 11th anniversary and our vision for the next decade of growth.”
FNN Vice President Jenny Rosario shared, “Maria brings a natural warmth and professionalism to every story she tells. Her passion for community-driven journalism and ability to connect with Spanish-speaking viewers make her a valuable asset to our team. She will help us continue producing content that truly reflects Florida’s diversity and the stories that matter most.”
FNN Managing Editor Monica Hoyos added, “We’re excited to have Maria join the newsroom and our on-camera team. Her bilingual storytelling ability and dedication to authentic, people-centered reporting will strengthen both our English and Spanish platforms. She embodies the spirit of connection and inclusion that defines Florida National News.”
As Florida National News moves into its next decade, the network is expanding its presence across Florida with enhanced on-camera reporting, bilingual programming, and original digital content through FNN News Network, FNN Sports Network, and FNN News en Español — continuing its mission to inform, inspire, and empower communities statewide.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Business
Khamare Farrar Joins Florida National News as Part of Network’s 11th Anniversary and Statewide Expansion
Published
2 weeks agoon
November 1, 2025By
Willie DavidORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News (FNN) proudly announces the addition of on-camera reporter and co-host Khamare Farrar to its expanding newsroom team. Farrar joins as part of FNN’s 11th anniversary celebration and the network’s ongoing statewide expansion across its English and Spanish platforms.
FNN Managing Editor Monica Hoyos on the set of the Florida National News Podcast en Español with new On-Camera Reporter and Co-Host Khamare Farrar.
Photo by Florida National News
Farrar’s arrival represents another milestone in FNN’s mission to amplify diverse voices and deliver trusted, impactful storytelling across Florida. The growing team will continue to strengthen coverage in entertainment, business, politics, and community-focused “Good News & Reviews” segments.
FNN President J. Willie David, III said, “Khamare’s professionalism, energy, and on-camera presence embody the next generation of journalists we’re proud to welcome to Florida National News. As FNN continues to grow its statewide footprint, we’re committed to providing more original programming, exclusive interviews, and engaging storytelling that informs and inspires our viewers.”
FNN Vice President Jenny Rosario added, “We’re building something truly special — a network that reflects Florida’s diversity and brings forward voices that matter. Khamare’s addition strengthens our entertainment and lifestyle coverage, and her charisma will resonate with our audiences across all platforms.”
FNN Managing Editor Monica Hoyos shared, “We’re thrilled to have Khamare join our newsroom team as both a reporter and co-host. Her enthusiasm, curiosity, and storytelling skills will help us continue producing compelling news and feature segments that connect with our audiences worldwide.”
As Florida National News moves into its next decade, viewers can expect expanded coverage, more on-camera reporting, and innovative digital programming through FNN News Network, FNN Sports Network, and FNN News en Español.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
News@FlordiaNationalNews.com
Trending
Sports3 days agoOsceola Magic Defeat Texas Legends 144-112 on Puerto Rican Heritage Night
Florida9 hours agoSierra Club Florida Leads Statewide Effort to Stop Planned Black Bear Hunt in Tallahassee
Central Florida News10 hours agoOrlando City SC & Orlando Pride Partner with The Ruckus to Host Community Food Drive
Sports10 hours agoUSA U 17 Mens National Team Tops Group At 2025 FIFAf U 17 World Cup Advances To Knockout Stage Against Morocco
Sports3 days agoNFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Honors the Legacy of Former Commissioner Paul Tagliabue