It seems the Airbus A220 party is being set off with a big bang, with JetBlue and Airbus agreeing a Memorandum of Understanding for the “new” type.
Airbus A220-300 for JetBlue – Rendering, Airbus
The MoU for 60 firm orders will be for larger A220-300 (nee CS300) model – with options for a further 60. In addition, JetBlue converted 25 of its current A320neo orders into A321neo aircraft.
Both will be powered by Pratt & Whitney Geared TurboFan engines.
CEO Robin Hayes for JetBlue on the purchases states
“We are evolving our fleet for the future of JetBlue, and the A220-300’s impressive range and economics offer us flexibility and support our key financial and operating priorities,” said Robin Hayes,
“As JetBlue approaches our 20th anniversary, the A220, combined with our A321 and restyled A320 fleet, will help ensure we deliver the best onboard experience to customers and meet our long-term financial targets as we continue disciplined growth into the future.”
Eric Schulz, Chief Commercial Officer for Airbus, is happy with the first order, with him stating
“JetBlue’s selection of the A220 aircraft as a complement to its growing A320 Family fleet is a tremendous endorsement – both of the A220 itself and of the way these two aircraft can work together to provide airline network flexibility and a great passenger experience,”
“JetBlue will be able to leverage the unbeatable efficiency of both the A321neo and the A220-300, as well as taking advantage of the roomiest and most passenger-pleasing cabins of any aircraft in their size categories.”
The A220-300s will seek to replace the existing Embraer E-Jets from 2020, through to 2025, with them constructed in Mobile, Alabama. Should JetBlue wish, the optional 60 can be flexed down to the A220-100 if needed (CS100)
It’s not surprising that Airbus had a customer lined up all ready to go with the re-branding – there has been more than enough teasing about it for some time. In addition, JetBlue has been working through the decision of going with the Embraer E2 series or (what was then) the Bombardier C Series.
It seems with a few options, and conversions – it’s teased JetBlue to A220-300.
With another big order in the bag for Airbus and the C Series partnership – they’ll be prowling for their next order quickly to keep the momentum going.
Welcome to Economy Class and Beyond – Your no-nonsense guide to network news, honest reviews, with in-depth coverage, unique research as well as the humour and madness as I only know how to deliver.
Follow me on Twitter at @EconomyBeyond for the latest updates! You can also follow me on Instagram too!
Also remember that as well as being part of BoardingArea, we’re also part of BoardingArea.eu, delivering frequent flyer news, miles and points to European readers
