"A post-merger, combined firm of JetBlue and Spirit would likely place stronger competitive pressure on the larger airlines in the country. At the same time, however, the consumers that rely on Spirit's unique, low-price model would likely be harmed," he added. "Spirit's unique position in the domestic scheduled passenger airline industry would be exceedingly difficult for another airline, or a combination of other airlines, to replicate, even with low barriers to entry." JetBlue will now have to decide whether or not it wants to appeal the ruling. The ruling comes not long after JetBlue's Northeast Alliance with American Airlines was also struck down. American asked a U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to consider overturning the ruling in December. The path forward for that deal, and for the appeal of the Spirit deal, will be determined by new CEO Joanna Geraghty, who is taking over as CEO of JetBlue next month.