JetBlue starts new service to St. Kitts and Nevis

JetBlue announced it has officially launched service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and St. Kitts and Nevis’s Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw International Airport (SKB).  The St. Kitts service will operate Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, introducing JetBlue’s award-winning service, low fares and a better option for customers on a route with limited competition.

“We look forward to continuing to diversify our network, providing our customers exceptional travel experiences to more destinations,” said David Jehn, vice president, network planning and airline partnerships, JetBlue. “This new nonstop route not only introduces our low fares and great service to customers travelling to and from St. Kitts but provides access to all the cities we serve from New York and strengthens our presence in the Caribbean.”

St. Kitts is the larger of two islands that make up the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. Travelers will be captivated by the island’s lush greenery, pristine beaches, and majestic volcanic and mountainous peaks, which create a mesmerizing natural canvas. St. Kitts boasts a wealth of cultural attractions, including well-preserved colonial architecture, historic sites like Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and vibrant festivals that showcase the island's unique heritage and traditions.

JetBlue Airways has reported its results for the third quarter of 2023.

 JetBlue Airways Corporation reported its results for the third quarter of 2023:

“While we faced challenges in the quarter, including significant weather-related impacts and rising fuel prices, our Crewmembers rose to the occasion, focusing on what we can control to mitigate these headwinds and provide our customers with great service.” said Robin Hayes, JetBlue’s Chief Executive Officer. “As we look ahead, we are making improvements to drive profitable growth and ensure JetBlue is positioned for success in 2024 and beyond.”

Third Quarter 2023 Financial Results

• Net loss for the third quarter of 2023 under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) of $153 million or $(0.46) per share. Excluding special items, adjusted net loss for the third quarter of $129 million ⁽¹⁾ or $(0.39) per share.
• Third quarter system capacity increased 7.1% year-over-year.
• Operating revenue of $2.4 billion for the third quarter of 2023, down 8.2% year-over-year.
• Operating expenses per available seat mile ("CASM") for the third quarter of 2023 decreased 3.3% year-over-year.
• Operating expense per available seat mile, excluding fuel and related taxes, other non-airline operating expenses, and special items ("CASM ex-Fuel") for the third quarter of 2023 increased 5.9% ⁽¹⁾ year-over-year.
• Average fuel price in the third quarter of 2023 of $2.94 per gallon, including hedges.

Third Quarter 2023 Key Highlights

• Executing on Our Cost Initiatives
  • Continued to realize savings under the structural cost program, which remains on track to deliver approximately $70 million in cost savings this year and $150 million to $200 million in run-rate savings through 2024.
  • Progressed the fleet modernization program with 18 Embraer E190s removed from the fleet to date as we transition to the margin accretive Airbus A220s, which is expected to generate $55 million in cost savings by the end of this year and $75 million in cost savings through 2024.
• Expanding Transatlantic Service
  • Began daily service to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).
  • Announced new seasonal service from JFK and BOS to Dublin Airport (DUB) starting March 13, 2024 and from JFK to Edinburgh Airport (EDI) starting May 22, 2024, as well as additional flights to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) with new daily service from BOS starting April 3, 2024 and a second daily flight from JFK starting June 20, 2024.
• Delivering Value to Our Customers
  • Recognized by J.D. Power for the JetBlue Plus Card, which ranked the highest among co-brand airline credit cards, demonstrating the value it offers customers.
  • Added 10 new international markets to our co-brand card portfolio and launched the ability to redeem TrueBlue® points on key partner airlines directly on jetblue.com.
  • Announced new and improved perks for Mosaic members in JetBlue’s TrueBlue® loyalty program starting in 2024, reflecting JetBlue’s commitment to identifying new ways to add value to the program.
  • Introduced formal family seating guarantee to ensure children aged 13 and younger can sit next to an adult traveling with them on the same reservation.

Balance Sheet and Liquidity

• $1.5 billion in unrestricted cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments, and long-term marketable securities at quarter-end (excluding our $600 million undrawn revolving credit facility).
• Extended the maturity date of our undrawn revolving credit facility to October 21, 2025.
• Adjusted debt to capital ratio of 55% ⁽¹⁾ as of September 30, 2023.
• Paid $254 million in debt and finance lease obligations during 2023.

Outlook

“We continue to see healthy travel demand during peak periods and the fourth quarter holidays. However, industry capacity is outpacing domestic demand during off peak travel periods. For the fourth quarter, our growth will be driven primarily by international as we proactively work to manage our capacity and reduce schedules in off-peak periods,” said Joanna Geraghty, JetBlue’s President and Chief Operating Officer.

Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2023 Outlook		Estimated 4Q 2023		Estimated FY 2023
Available Seat Miles (ASMs) Year-Over-Year		0.5% - 3.5%		5.0% - 7.0%
Revenue Year-Over-Year		(10.5%) - (6.5%)		3.0% - 5.0%
CASM Ex-Fuel (1) (Non-GAAP) Year-Over-Year (2)		8.5% - 10.5%		4.5% - 5.5%
Estimated Fuel Price per Gallon (3), (4)		$3.05 - $3.20		$3.02 - $3.07
Interest Expense		$60 - $70 million		$205 - $215 million
Adjusted Loss per Share (EPS) (Non-GAAP) (1)		($0.55) - ($0.35)		($0.65) - ($0.45)

“While we have been able to offset some of the costs associated with the challenging operational backdrop, the sheer magnitude of the air traffic control and weather-related delays has been staggering. We remain focused on controlling what we can control, including our structural cost program and fleet modernization plans,” said Ursula Hurley, JetBlue’s Chief Financial Officer.

JetBlue announces seasonal flights to Dublin and Edinburgh

JetBlue Will Also Launch its Highly Anticipated Service from Boston to Paris and Add Second Paris Flight from New York’s JFK

JetBlue announced the entrance to two new transatlantic destinations – Dublin and Edinburgh – with flights available on sale starting today. Daily seasonal service from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to Dublin Airport (DUB) will begin March 13, 2024, and continue through September 30, 2024.

Daily seasonal service from New York’s JFK to Edinburgh Airport (EDI) will begin May 22, 2024, and is scheduled through September 30, 2024. These mark JetBlue’s fourth and fifth transatlantic markets. The award-winning carrier currently offers daily nonstop service to London, Paris and Amsterdam from New York and London and Amsterdam from Boston.

“The success of our transatlantic service proves customers don’t have to choose between great service and low fares and can have them both with our award-winning Mint and core products,” said Robin Hayes, chief executive officer, JetBlue. “Our summer seasonal service to Dublin and Edinburgh will bring a new level of service and affordable fares to these markets that have been dominated by high-fare legacy carriers for decades. We look forward to introducing the JetBlue experience to business and leisure customers travelling this summer to and from Ireland and Scotland.”

Entry into Dublin and Edinburgh

With these new destinations, JetBlue is once again elevating service across the Atlantic. The airline’s premium Mint experience features fully lie-flat private suites with a sliding door and innovative design elements allowing customers to feel at home in the air. Restaurant-style meals are curated by Delicious Hospitality Group’s (DHG) popular New York City restaurants Charlie Bird, Pasquale Jones and Legacy Records. Core customers enjoy a boutique-style experience with the most legroom in coach as well as fresh meals created by NYC-based restaurant DIG. All customers can stay connected with fast, free and unlimited high-speed Fly-Fi. Plus, they have access to a wide selection of entertainment, including exclusive content from Peacock.

Schedule between New York (JFK) and Dublin (DUB)

Daily seasonal service starting March 13 (Eastbound) & March 14 (Westbound) (through September 30, 2024) *all times local
JFK- DUB Flight #841	DUB- JFK Flight #842
9:30 p.m. – 8:15 a.m. (+1)	11:45 a.m. – 3:25 p.m.

Schedule between Boston (BOS) and Dublin (DUB)

Daily seasonal service starting March 13 (Eastbound) & March 14 (Westbound) (through September 30, 2024) *all times local
BOS - DUB Flight #353	DUB - BOS Flight #354
10:30 p.m. – 8:45 a.m. (+1)	11:30 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.

Schedule between New York (JFK) and Edinburgh (EDI)

Daily seasonal service starting May 22 (Eastbound) & May 23 (Westbound) (through September 30, 2024) *all times local
JFK- EDI Flight #73	EDI- JFK Flight #72
10:15 p.m. – 10:25 a.m. (+1)	12:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Flights to Dublin and Edinburgh will operate daily on JetBlue’s Airbus A321neo with Mint® aircraft with 16 redesigned Mint Suite® seats, 144 core seats and the sleek and spacious Airspace cabin interior. The A321neo with Mint features a 20 percent increase in fuel efficiency and up to 500 nautical miles in additional range.

Growth in Paris

Following the successful entry into Paris this summer, JetBlue will be launching its highly anticipated year-round service from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) starting April 3, 2024, and will add a second daily flight from New York’s JFK to CDG on June 20, 2024.

Flights to Paris will operate daily on JetBlue’s Airbus A321 Long Range (LR) aircraft with 24 Mint Suite® seats, 114 core seats and the sleek and spacious Airspace cabin interior. The A321 – offering the range of a wide-body but with the economics of a single-aisle aircraft — will allow JetBlue to effectively disrupt the market with the airline’s award-winning service and low fares.

Schedule between Boston (BOS) and Paris (CDG)

Daily service starting April 3 (Eastbound) & April 4 (Westbound) *all times local
BOS - CDG Flight #33	CDG- BOS Flight #34
7:30 p.m. – 9:15 a.m. (+1)	11:15 a.m. – 1:41 p.m.

Schedule between New York (JFK) and Paris (CDG)

New additional daily service starting June 20 (Eastbound) & June 21 (Westbound) *all times local
JFK- CDG Flight #1907	CDG - JFK Flight #1908
9:50 p.m. – 11:35 a.m. (+1)	1:35 p.m. – 4:01p.m.

25th October to be a pay day for Spirit Shareholders.....

JetBlue Announces Record and Payment Dates for October 2023 Additional Prepayment to Spirit Stockholders

As previously announced, in connection with the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 28, 2022, by and among JetBlue Airways, Sundown Acquisition Corp., and Spirit Airlines, Inc. JetBlue has set October 25, 2023, as the record date for the October 2023 prepayment to Spirit stockholders of $0.10 per Spirit share, with payment of the October 2023 Additional Prepayment to occur on October 31, 2023. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Spirit stockholders as of the October 25, 2023, record date will be entitled to receive the October 2023 Additional Prepayment.

JetBlue is New York's Hometown Airline, and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles, Orlando, and San Juan. JetBlue, known for its low fares and great service, carries customers to more than 100 destinations throughout the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean, Canada, and Europe. 

Family Seating Guarantee from JetBlue?

The new JetBlue Family Seating policy intended to elevate customer experience

JetBlue has introduced a new formal family seating guarantee to ensure that children aged 13 years and younger can sit next to an adult travelling with them on the same reservation. This initiative is part of JetBlue's ongoing commitment to enhance the travel experience and promote a comfortable and stress-free journey.

“We know travelling with young children can add challenges, and we want to do everything we can to put parents and families at ease by providing a smooth trip each time they choose JetBlue,” said Joanna Geraghty, president and chief operating officer, JetBlue. “This enhanced family seating policy reflects our commitment to continue to meet the needs of our customers and provide exceptional service.”

JetBlue’s family seating guarantee incorporates a new process that proactively identifies reservations with children and adults travelling together without prior seating assignments. For no additional fee, the process will ensure a travelling child is assigned a seat next to at least one accompanying adult when seats are available.

This policy falls in line with what many other leading airlines globally have been doing for many years and is fairly high on a list of priorities for families travelling by plane in recent surveys.  

Customers who choose JetBlue’s Blue Basic fare, the airline’s version of basic economy, are included in the family seating policy. For bookings made within 24 hours of planned travel, seats may need to be assigned manually by a JetBlue airport crewmember. All customers are urged to continue to proactively select their seats at the time of booking to ensure the smoothest travel experience possible.

JetBlue adds Amsterdam service from Boston

JetBlue starts daily nonstop service between Boston and Amsterdam

The U.S. carrier JetBlue has launched its new direct service to Amsterdam from Boston, with the first eastbound flight taking place yesterday and the first westbound flight this morning. 

The new service follows the successful launch of the airline's launch of service from New York’s JFK Airport (JFK) on 29th August, as Dave Clark, JetBlue's head of revenue and planning explains: "Our recently launched Amsterdam service from New York has already been very successful and we are thrilled to expand our low fares and great service to Amsterdam to our Boston customers. Adding nonstop service to Amsterdam benefits business and leisure customers who have suffered from high fares by legacy carriers for decades and brings more options to our customers in our New England focus city.”

Martha Sheridan, Meet Boston President & CEO said:  "Boston destination partners are thrilled with the launch of this nonstop service from Amsterdam. The Netherlands is a very important overseas source market for us, annually sending more than 30,000 visitors to our region and these visitors inject upwards of $35 million into our regional economy. JetBlue's expansion into key European markets is a critical conduit for Boston to fully recover its market share of international visitors."

Schedule between Boston (BOS) and Amsterdam (AMS)

Daily service

*all times local

BOS - AMS Flight #31     22:13 - 09:35 (+1)

AMS - BOS Flight #32    11:35 - 14:00 

Flights will operate daily on JetBlue’s Airbus A321 Long Range (LR) aircraft with 24 redesigned Mint Suite seats, 114 core seats and the sleek and spacious Airspace cabin interior. The A321 – offering the range of a wide-body but with the economics of a single-aisle aircraft will, according to the airline, allow it to effectively disrupt the market and enable JetBlue to offer comparatively low fares.  

Located only 10 miles from Amsterdam, Schiphol Airport is one of the largest and most important airports in Europe with over 71 million passengers per year. JetBlue’s presence at Schiphol Airport gives the U.S.-based travel provider visibility at an iconic global hub to build a new base of travellers in the Netherlands and beyond.

The airline’s Mint premium experience – which first raised the bar on transcontinental travel in the U.S. and was reimagined for transatlantic flying – offers customers a fresh choice when flying between the U.S. and Europe. JetBlue Mint features 24 fully lie-flat private suites with a sliding door – including two Mint Studio seats – and a custom-designed seat cushion developed by innovative mattress company Tuft & Needle. Its proprietary T&N Adaptive foam with a breathable cover creates a cool and comfortable sleep experience, unlike anything in the sky. Mint also boasts countless intuitive design touches that help every customer feel at home in the air. JetBlue has also introduced its latest innovation – the stunning Mint Studio – offering even more space in a premium experience.

JetBlue’s industry-leading core experience was also reinvented for transatlantic flying and offers a new level of service to customers who generally fly “coach” but still want a great experience at an attractive fare. With just 114 core seats – including 24 Even More Space Seats – customers enjoy a boutique-style experience no matter where they sit. All of the comforts JetBlue customers have come to expect are enhanced by the airline’s partnership with New York-based restaurant group Dig, to bring its signature build-your-own dining concept to tray tables at 35,000 feet – JetBlue’s complimentary meal in core. Core customers also enjoy a free selection of soft drinks, coffee, tea, beer, wine and liquor. The A321LR features new extra-large overhead bins, and all customers, regardless of fare type, may bring one carry-on, space permitting, and one personal item.

Customers in both core and Mint stay connected throughout the flight with unlimited, free high-speed Wi-Fi on every plane. Additionally, customers have access to a curated selection of live TV channels – focused on news and sports – and an extensive library of seatback entertainment, allowing customers to have a multiple-screen experience onboard – just like they do at home.

JetBlue and Allegiant Announce Divestiture Agreement in Connection with JetBlue’s Combination with Spirit

Divestitures Help Promote the Continued Growth of Ultra-Low-Cost Options at Boston Logan, Newark Liberty International, and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airports.

JetBlue Airways Corporation and Allegiant today announced that the airlines have entered into a definitive agreement under which JetBlue will transfer to Allegiant all of the holdings of Spirit Airlines, Inc. at Boston Logan International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport. JetBlue will also turn over up to five gates and related ground facilities at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to promote ultra-low-cost carrier growth.

On June 1, JetBlue announced that it will divest all of Spirit’s holdings at New York’s LaGuardia Airport to Frontier. Together, these divestitures are part of JetBlue’s voluntary upfront commitments included in the merger agreement with Spirit and are conditioned on the closing of the JetBlue-Spirit transaction.

The divestitures are subject to approval by the local airport authorities as well as FAA/DOT, and are conditioned upon and will occur after the closing of JetBlue’s planned combination with Spirit. JetBlue expects to close the transaction with Spirit in the first half of 2024.

“Over the past twenty years, JetBlue has established itself as a competition MVP, bringing high-quality, affordable service to a wide variety of travellers across the United States,” said Robin Hayes, chief executive officer of JetBlue. “Merging with Spirit will allow us to bring our signature service and low fares to even more people and places across the country and beyond. Our divestiture commitment, while not needed to ensure the continued growth of the vibrant ultra-low-cost carrier segment, is aimed at removing any doubt of our commitment to promoting competition.”

“We are committed to long-term growth, especially in areas such as New York, Boston and Florida. This agreement will allow us to expand our service in these cities and ensure that customers have even more access to affordable, nonstop flights for their travel needs,” said Drew Wells, chief revenue officer, of Allegiant.

Under the terms of the agreement, JetBlue has agreed to transfer to Allegiant all of Spirit’s holdings in Boston and Newark, principally consisting of two gates in Boston, two gates in Newark, and 43 takeoff and landing authorizations in Newark. In addition, JetBlue has agreed to relinquish up to five gates at Fort Lauderdale to the Broward County Aviation Department and will work closely with the Department to facilitate Allegiant’s ULCC growth at FLL using these gates.

JetBlue starts New York - Amsterdam service

JetBlue has expanded its presence to a third transatlantic destination with new, nonstop service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Service from Boston Logan International Airport to Amsterdam will launch on 20th September.

“JetBlue’s transatlantic service has proven to lower fares and benefit customers in markets that have suffered for decades from high fares by legacy carriers,” said Robin Hayes, chief executive officer, of JetBlue. “We look forward to introducing our award-winning Mint and core service to business and leisure customers travelling to and from Amsterdam.”

“It is a pleasure to welcome JetBlue to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and their contribution to Schiphol’s network,” said Ruud Sondag, president and CEO of Royal Schiphol Group. “Most importantly, with JetBlue deploying their new Airbus A321neo LR aircraft, they contribute to noise reduction and sustainability efforts.”

Schedule between New York (JFK) and Amsterdam (AMS)

JFK - AMS Flight #2288       10:00 p.m. – 11:35 a.m. (+1)

AMS - JFK Flight #2289       1:35 p.m. – 4:20 p.m.

*all times local

Flights will operate daily on JetBlue’s Airbus A321 Long Range (LR) aircraft with 24 redesigned Mint Suite® seats, 114 core seats and the sleek and spacious Airspace cabin interior. The A321 – offering the range of a wide-body but with the economics of a single-aisle aircraft — will allow JetBlue to effectively disrupt the market with the airline’s award-winning service and low fares on flights between the U.S. and Amsterdam.

JetBlue Vacations partners with Florida Panthers

JetBlue Airways has announced the renewal of its partnership with the National Hockey League's Florida Panthers, now with the leading role taken by JetBlue Vacations, operated by JetBlue Travel Products based in Dania Beach, Florida. The partnership renewal extends JetBlue’s 14-year relationship with the Panthers.

Since JetBlue’s entry into South Florida, the airline has been able to provide customers with low fares and great service, with the number of people flying in and out of Fort Lauderdale doubling from about 16 million in 2000 to nearly 32 million in 2022. In addition to JetBlue’s designation as the “Official Domestic Airline” of the Florida Panthers, JetBlue Vacations will engage with fans through various touchpoints at FLA Live Arena as they cheer on their favourite team. At select games, fans can participate in JetBlue Vacations-themed games in between periods and expect exclusive offers for their next vacation.

“JetBlue Vacations and the Florida Panthers share a common vision of fostering community spirit and bringing people together,” said Andres Barry, President, JetBlue Travel Products. “We are thrilled to renew our multi-year sponsorship with the Florida Panthers and join forces to support local initiatives and engage with fans, making a positive impact on the South Florida community that has been instrumental in our success.”

JetBlue has laid out an ambitious growth plan for South Florida, enabled by its planned combination with Spirit, and expects to reach more than 250 daily departures from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood by 2027. This expansion will bring more of JetBlue’s low-fares and much-loved experience to more destinations, increasing competition and positioning Fort Lauderdale as an even more compelling choice for South Florida customers.

“Ever since our first flight 23 years ago, South Florida has held a special place in JetBlue’s heart, and this partnership with the Florida Panthers further demonstrates our dedication to the region”, said Robin Hayes, CEO, JetBlue. “As we continue to expand our presence in South Florida and bring the JetBlue Experience to more customers, we are proud to stand alongside the Panthers as they inspire and entertain fans on and off the ice.”

JetBlue and Air Serbia announce new codeshare deal

JetBlue and Air Serbia have signed a new partnership making Air Serbia-operated flights available on JetBlue.com with a new codeshare agreement.

JetBlue placed its “B6” airline code on Air Serbia-operated nonstop flights from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Belgrade’s Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG). Additionally, JetBlue plans on placing its “B6” code on other flights between Belgrade and points in Europe in the near future. Air Serbia plans to add their “JU” airline code to 25 destinations throughout the JetBlue network.

"We continuously look to expand our partnerships to offer more options to our customers. Air Serbia has been a successful interline partner since 2016 and we see great potential with this new codeshare,” said Robin Hayes, chief executive officer, JetBlue. “We welcome customers from Air Serbia aboard our flights, so they can experience our low fares and great service.”

"We are very pleased with the future collaboration with JetBlue and believe that this significantly enhances the travel possibilities between the United States and destinations within the Air Serbia network, especially those in the broader Balkan region,” said Jiri Marek, chief executive officer of Air Serbia.