JetBlue today firmed up an existing order with Airbus for 60 of its smallest aircraft – the Airbus A220
Airbus A220-300 for JetBlue – Rendering, Airbus
The firming of the order is for 60 Airbus A220-300 (the larger variant of A220 aircraft – or what used to be known as the Bombardier C Series CS300).
The order was completed in the last week of December 2019. Currently, Jetblue operates a fleet 193 Airbus A320 family aircraft (made up of A320 and A321ceo aircraft). 85 A321neo aircraft are due to join the fleet in time. The airline also operates the Embraer E-190, which the A220 is aiming to replace
The aircraft will be constructed in Mobile, Alabama on a new assembly line adjacent to the current A320 family assembly line, with construction to being in January 2019.
In Quotes
Robin Hayes, Chief Executive Officer, JetBlue states:
“As we approach our 20th anniversary, the impressive range and economics of the highly efficient A220, combined with the outstanding performance of our existing fleet of Airbus A321 and restyled A320 aircraft, 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,”
Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer said
“JetBlue has proven there is no contradiction between economic efficiency and a high quality product,”
“Their endorsement of the A220 proves this aircraft meets those two criteria better than any alternative in its segment. Thank you JetBlue and congratulations on this big milestone in your growth.”
An important firm-up for the A220 programme
Whilst this may be a re-announcement/confirmation, JetBlue’s firming up of its order with Airbus is an important step – mainly as the airline were the first company out of the door to order the type after Airbus re-branded the aircraft. With airlines warming to the Airbus A220 after some hesitation (with Delta and Air Canada making the big moves to validate the world Bombardier did).
With the possibilities the A220 cabin offers, it’ll be interesting to see how JetBlue uses it – beyond replacing its existing Embraer fleet.
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Meanwhile, Jet Blue has no lift out of Washington Dulles, – the 25th busiest airport in the USA by passenger volume. There is no way to get to any of JetBlue’s focus cities in BOS, JFK or FLL from Dulles. Good luck filling those planes.
@RJB – JetBlue tried Dulles, they even tried to make it a focus city early on. It failed badly, which is why they gave up on the focus city and are now pulling the plug entirely. You can get to BOS and FLL (along with several other cities) from DCA, and BOS from BWI as well (FLL ends next week), They don’t serve JFK from DCA because of the competition from the shuttles and Acela, and because they have better uses for JFK slots.
The A-220s will give JetBlue a lot of new opportunities and reduced expenses. It’s a great choice for them, although I will miss the no-middle-seat aspect of the Embraers.