Two major U.S. airlines are joining forces in a blockbuster partnership. United Airlines will team up with JetBlue in a new alliance they are calling "Blue Sky," the carriers announced Thursday. The alliance will include a full-blown loyalty partnership that will allow United MileagePlus and JetBlue TrueBlue members the ability to earn and redeem miles on either carrier.

JetBlue Airways and United Airlines unveiled on Thursday plans for a consumer collaboration that allows travelers to book flights on both carriers' websites, while interchangeably earning and using points in their frequent flyer programs.

The agreement fulfills United CEO Scott Kirby’s desire to secure flights at JFK at a time when air traffic control problems are hampering operations in Newark.