JetBlue Will Ring in the New Year with Its New Airbus A220-300 Aircraft

Rhea-AI Summary

JetBlue (NASDAQ: JBLU) has taken delivery of its first Airbus A220-300 aircraft, marking a significant fleet evolution. The A220, with tail number N3008J, will replace the Embraer 190 aircraft, enhancing operational efficiency. The airline has ordered 70 A220s, offering 30% lower operating costs and 40% reduced fuel burn per seat compared to the E190. This aircraft aligns with JetBlue's sustainability goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040. The A220's features include improved passenger experience and extended range, promoting the airline's expansion into new markets.

Positive

• First delivery of A220 aircraft enhances fleet efficiency.
• A220 offers 30% lower operating costs compared to E190.
• 40% lower fuel burn per seat supports cost-saving measures.
• New aircraft improves reliability and maintenance cost reduces by over 40%.
• A220 aids in achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040.

Negative

• None.

JetBlue (NASDAQ: JBLU) today announced it has formally taken delivery of its first Airbus A220-300 aircraft, marking the start of a new era for the airline's fleet. The aircraft – tail N3008J – is scheduled to arrive at JetBlue's home at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) this evening from Airbus's U.S. production facility in Mobile, Ala. It is the first delivery of 70 A220 aircraft JetBlue has on order, which will be phased in to ultimately replace the existing fleet of 60 Embraer 190 aircraft.

"The A220 is a next-generation aircraft our customers and crewmembers will love, featuring impressive range and superior economics to support critical financial and operating priorities along with new network planning flexibility,” said Robin Hayes, chief executive officer, JetBlue. "And as we evolve our fleet for the future, the A220’s significant reduction in per-seat emissions supports our ongoing commitment to carbon neutrality for all our domestic flights, and moves us closer to achieving our pledge of net zero carbon emissions across all operations by 2040.”

The A220 boasts a nearly 30 percent lower direct operating cost per seat than the current E190. Lower seat costs come from both fuel and non-fuel savings. The A220 fleet will also help to further reset JetBlue's maintenance costs well into the decade. The airline anticipates the A220 fleet, with improved reliability and longer maintenance intervals, will have a maintenance cost per seat that is more than 40 percent lower than E190s.

With a range of up to 3,350 nautical miles and a 40 percent lower fuel burn per seat than JetBlue's E190 aircraft, the favorable economics open the door to new markets and routes that would have been unprofitable with JetBlue's existing fleet. The A220 covers a wide mix of new and existing market possibilities with excellent economics on short, medium and even potentially transcontinental markets. This will allow for better overall aircraft utilization and provide a competitive advantage for JetBlue in short haul markets.

"JetBlue has revolutionized air travel, and we at Airbus are proud that our 20-year relationship has played a role in the airline’s many successes," said C. Jeffrey Knittel, Chairman & CEO Airbus Americas, Inc. "This first A220-300 delivery creates new route possibilities for JetBlue, and raises their passenger experience to even higher standards."

The A220 is powered exclusively by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, which deliver double-digit improvements in fuel and carbon emissions. Optimizing fuel burn is an important first step in JetBlue’s cost-conscious sustainability strategy, and prioritizing fuel-efficient aircraft and engines aligns with JetBlue’s approach to reducing emissions. Earlier this year, JetBlue became the first major U.S. airline to achieve carbon neutrality for all domestic flights, and later announced its plans to achieve net zero carbon emissions across all operations by 2040. The A220’s significant reduction in per-seat emissions will help JetBlue meet and maintain its sustainability commitments.

“This delivery marks another big milestone for JetBlue and Pratt & Whitney,” said Rick Deurloo, chief commercial officer and senior vice president at Pratt & Whitney. “We are honored that JetBlue has operated Pratt & Whitney-powered aircraft since the very beginning – and that JetBlue has selected GTF-powered aircraft for the airline’s next-generation fleets. We look forward to supporting JetBlue’s expansion and their commitment to sustainable aviation.”

The interior of JetBlue’s A220 will be as impressive as the operating capabilities of the aircraft. Customers will also enjoy an elevated inflight experience with wider seats, spacious overhead bins and extra-large windows. JetBlue’s fleet features the most legroom in coach (a) and free Fly-Fi®, the fastest broadband internet in the sky (b). JetBlue will reveal details of its custom-designed A220 cabin – featuring thoughtful, customer-friendly touches throughout – in January 2021.

JetBlue continues to navigate the new travel environment with a steady hand and a long-term view on recovery. The investment in the A220 allows the airline to continue to execute its low cost business model, and enables JetBlue to continue to offer low fares to more customers.

About JetBlue Airways

JetBlue is New York's Hometown Airline®, and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles, Orlando, and San Juan. JetBlue carries customers across the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America. For more information, visit jetblue.com.

	(a)		JetBlue offers the most legroom in coach based on average fleet-wide seat pitch for U.S. airlines.
	(b)		Fly-Fi and live television are available on all JetBlue-operated flights. On ViaSat-2 equipped aircraft, Fly-Fi will not be available on portions of some routes, and live television will not be available while operating outside of the contiguous U.S., or until the aircraft returns to the coverage area. On all other aircraft, Fly-Fi and live television will not be available while operating outside of the contiguous U.S., or until the aircraft returns to the coverage area.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201231005234/en/

FAQ

What is JetBlue's recent aircraft delivery?

JetBlue has delivered its first Airbus A220-300 aircraft, marking a new era for its fleet.

How many Airbus A220 aircraft has JetBlue ordered?

JetBlue has ordered a total of 70 Airbus A220 aircraft.

What are the benefits of the Airbus A220 for JetBlue?

The A220 offers 30% lower operating costs and 40% lower fuel burn per seat compared to the Embraer 190.

What are JetBlue's sustainability goals related to the new aircraft?

JetBlue aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions across all operations by 2040.

When did JetBlue take delivery of its first Airbus A220?

JetBlue took delivery of its first Airbus A220-300 aircraft on the evening of its announcement.