DOJ Makes Case Against JetBlue-Spirit as Airlines Prep Response

Government lawyers finished presenting evidence at an antitrust trial to block JetBlue Airways Corp.’s $3.8 billion takeover of Spirit Airlines Inc. as part of a US crackdown on airline consolidation. Now, the companies will start making their arguments before a federal judge in Boston to revive the long-shot deal.

During the first three weeks of testimony, which ended Tuesday, the Justice Department presented internal company documents and questioned executives to support government claims that the merger would reduce competition and boost fares in an already highly consolidated airline industry.

JetBlue and Spirit will start their final defense of the ...