Trial to determine whether JetBlue can buy Spirit, further consolidating industry, comes to a head

Closing arguments are about to get underway in the government's case to block JetBlue from buying Spirit Airlines. The trial in the Justice Department's lawsuit against the merger is nearing a conclusion Tuesday in federal court in Boston. The Justice Department argues that the proposed $3.8 billion merger would hurt consumers by eliminating Spirit and its cheaper base fares, leaving fewer options for travelers on a budget. JetBlue says it needs to grow to compete with bigger airlines. There is no jury. The case will be decided by U.S. District Judge William Young.