NEW YORK/CHICAGO, April 4 (Reuters) – JetBlue Airways Corp. passengers will be able to connect with one ticket to American Airlines' international flights from New York and Boston under a partnership of the two carriers.

The deal will provide connections for more passengers at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and Boston's Logan International Airport to American's international destinations in Europe, Asia and South America.

The partnership, the first of its kind between American parent AMR and JetBlue, could spark new competition among major carriers on East Coast routes as demand for business travel improves after the recession. It also could pave the way for more cooperation between the two airlines.

Speaking at the American Airlines Theatre in New York, the chief executive officers of both companies said the partnership was probably only the beginning of a deeper relationship. They did not rule out JetBlue's entry to AMR's oneworld alliance of airlines.

''Our teams are really open to the path forward, whatever that may be, as we take a look at collaboration and partnership,'' JetBlue CEO Dave Barger said.

AMR CEO Gerard Arpey said JetBlue fits well with the carriers that are members of oneworld.

''Who knows where the path leads?'' Arpey said. ''But I think the JetBlue brand stands very proud among that group of carriers.'' He later noted he had never flown on a JetBlue plane.