History of JetBlue in Timeline
JetBlue Airways Corporation, a prominent American low-cost airline, is headquartered in Long Island City, Queens, New York City. The company also maintains corporate offices in Utah and Florida. Known for its budget-friendly fares, JetBlue operates primarily in the United States, with a network spanning numerous domestic and international destinations.
1911: Construction of JetBlue's Current Headquarters
JetBlue's headquarters is located in the Brewster Building in Long Island City, New York. This building was originally designed by architects Stephenson & Wheeler for the Brewster automobile factory in 1911.
August 1998: JetBlue Incorporation
In August 1998, JetBlue was incorporated in Delaware, with its headquarters in Forest Hills, Queens.
August 1999: Founding of "NewAir"
David Neeleman founded JetBlue in August 1999, originally under the name "NewAir". The company aimed to offer low-cost travel with a focus on amenities like in-flight entertainment, TVs at every seat, and Sirius XM satellite radio. They also planned to primarily use the Airbus A320 family for easier maintenance.
September 1999: Awarding of JFK Airport Slots
In September 1999, JetBlue was awarded 75 initial take-off/landing slots at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
February 2000: USDOT Authorization and Commencement of Operations
JetBlue received its USDOT CPCN authorization in February 2000. Shortly after, on February 11, 2000, the airline began operations with services to Buffalo and Fort Lauderdale.
April 2000: JetBlue Launches First Major Advertising Campaign and In-Flight Entertainment
JetBlue's initial advertising campaign emphasized low fares, new aircraft, comfort, and a customer-centric approach. In April 2000, they became the first airline to offer all passengers free personalized in-flight entertainment with flat-screen monitors providing access to over 20 DirecTV channels.
April 2002: JetBlue's Initial Public Offering
JetBlue, after postponing due to the September 11 attacks, held its initial public offering (IPO) in April 2002.
2002: JetBlue Acquires LiveTV
JetBlue acquired LiveTV as a wholly owned subsidiary in 2002.
October 2005: Profit Plunge and Financial Challenges
In October 2005, JetBlue experienced a significant decrease in quarterly profits, dropping from US$8.1 million to $2.7 million, primarily due to rising fuel costs. The airline faced challenges with operational issues, fuel prices, and its signature low fares, which impacted its financial performance. The higher costs associated with its numerous amenities also posed a challenge to its competitiveness.
October 2006: Quarterly Loss and "Return to Profitability" Plan
In October 2006, JetBlue announced a net loss of $500,000 for the third quarter. To address this, they planned to defer some Embraer E190 deliveries and sell five Airbus A320s. This followed JetBlue's first-ever quarterly loss of $42.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2005, leading to their first unprofitable year since their IPO in 2002. They attributed this loss to high fuel prices, operating inefficiencies, and fleet costs. In response, CEO David Neeleman, President Dave Barger, and then-CFO John Owen introduced the "Return to Profitability" ("RTP") plan, aiming to cut annual costs by $50 million and boost revenue by $30 million.
December 2006: A320 Seat Removal and Weight Reduction
As part of the RTP plan, JetBlue removed a row of seats from its A320s in December 2006. This reduced the aircraft's weight by 904 lbs (410 kg) and allowed them to decrease the cabin crew size from four to three, complying with FAA regulations. These changes aimed to offset lost revenue from the removed seats, further lighten the aircraft, and reduce fuel consumption.
2006: Unionization Attempt and Growth Concerns
In 2006, the International Association of Machinists (IAM) attempted to unionize JetBlue's ramp service workers, a move that JetBlue's COO Dave Barger deemed "pretty hypocritical" due to the IAM's opposition to JetBlue's establishment in 1998. The National Mediation Board dismissed the union organizing petition because less than 35 percent of eligible employees supported an election. During this time, analysts expressed concerns over the sustainability of JetBlue's rapid growth rate, despite the airline's continuous addition of planes and routes.
January 2007: Return to Profitability
JetBlue returned to profitability in January 2007, reporting a fourth-quarter profit in 2006 and reversing the quarterly loss from the previous year. The RTP plan contributed to minimizing the full-year loss to $1 million in 2006, compared to the $20 million loss in 2005. JetBlue stood out as one of the few major airlines to achieve profitability in that quarter.
February 2007: David Neeleman Replacement
Following the February 2007 blizzard incident, which led to the cancellation of nearly 1,700 flights, JetBlue's board of directors replaced founder and CEO David Neeleman with Dave Barger. Barger, who had been lobbying the board during Neeleman's public apologies, took over as CEO, causing reported demoralization among staff.
February 2007: Operational Crisis During Northeast Blizzard
In February 2007, JetBlue faced a major operational crisis during the Northeast blizzard. The airline's policy of never canceling flights led to chaos as they initially resisted canceling flights despite the severe ice storm. This resulted in stranded passengers at airports and on grounded planes for several hours. Eventually, JetBlue was forced to cancel most flights due to the hazardous weather conditions, costing the airline an estimated $30 million.
May 10, 2007: Dave Barger as CEO
On May 10, 2007, Dave Barger officially became JetBlue's new chief executive officer. David Neeleman, the company's founder and largest individual investor, transitioned to the role of nonexecutive chairman.
July 2007: Partnership with "The Simpsons Movie"
In July 2007, JetBlue partnered with 20th Century Fox's film "The Simpsons Movie," becoming the "Official Airline of Springfield." A contest offered a grand prize trip on JetBlue to the film's premiere in Los Angeles. The airline embraced the partnership by incorporating characters and destinations from the show and film into its website design and even featuring the show's villain, Montgomery Burns, in promotional materials.
August 2007: Collaboration with The New York Times
JetBlue partnered with The New York Times in August 2007 to offer exclusive content to its passengers. This included an in-flight video magazine featuring Times journalists and content from NYTimes.com.
November 8, 2007: Appointment of Interim CFO
On November 8, 2007, JetBlue appointed Ed Barnes as interim CFO after the resignation of former CFO John Harvey.
December 13, 2007: Lufthansa's Proposed Acquisition of JetBlue Stake
JetBlue and Germany-based Lufthansa announced JetBlue's intent to sell a 19% stake to Lufthansa on December 13, 2007, pending approval from US regulators. Lufthansa aimed to pursue operational cooperation with JetBlue following the acquisition.
2007: David Neeleman Steps Down as CEO
David Neeleman stepped down as CEO of JetBlue in 2007.
2007: Embraer 190 Reliability Issues and ExpressJet Contract
In 2007, JetBlue faced reliability problems with its Embraer 190 fleet. To address this, the airline contracted ExpressJet to operate four Embraer 145 regional jets on their behalf. While two E-190 aircraft at a time underwent maintenance at an Embraer facility in Nashville, Tennessee, ExpressJet operated routes for JetBlue, including flights between Boston Logan and Buffalo, New York, and Washington Dulles, as well as between New York–JFK and Columbus, Ohio, and Richmond, Virginia (the Columbus route has since been terminated).
May 21, 2008: New Chairman and Vice Chairman Appointed
On May 21, 2008, JetBlue appointed Joel Peterson as chairman and Frank Sica as vice chairman of the board of directors, replacing David Neeleman, who stepped down as CEO in 2007.
August 4, 2008: Introduction of Paid Amenities
On August 4, 2008, JetBlue announced it would begin charging for recycled pillows and blankets as part of a series of moves to increase revenue. They also planned to charge for extra legroom seats and second checked bags.
September 2008: Operation of Sarah Palin's Campaign Aircraft
In September 2008, JetBlue became the operator of Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin's campaign aircraft, an E190.
September 2008: Extra Legroom Fees Implemented
In September 2008, JetBlue began charging passengers $10-$30 for seats with extended legroom.
October 22, 2008: New Hub Opens at JFK Airport
On October 22, 2008, JetBlue opened its new primary hub, Terminal 5 (T5), at John F. Kennedy International Airport, replacing the old hub at Terminal 6.
2008: Partnership with Aer Lingus
In 2008, JetBlue partnered with Aer Lingus to allow passengers to easily switch between airlines on a single ticket for flights connecting in New York JFK or Boston.
April 2009: New York City's Efforts to Retain JetBlue
In April 2009, the City of New York, particularly the Borough of Queens, actively worked to keep JetBlue's headquarters within the city limits.
September 2009: JetBlue Announces Changes to TrueBlue Program
On September 2009, JetBlue announced changes to its TrueBlue frequent flyer program. The updated program includes earning points based on spending, bonus points for online booking, and points based on flight fares.
October 13, 2009: Livery Modification Unveiled
On October 13, 2009, JetBlue revealed a modified livery featuring a new tail design, larger titles extending over the passenger windows, and a navy blue logo, in anticipation of their tenth anniversary in February 2010.
November 9, 2009: JetBlue Launches New TrueBlue Program
JetBlue's revamped TrueBlue program took effect on November 9, 2009, featuring a new points-based system where members earn points per dollar spent on flights and bonus points for online bookings or using the JetBlue Mastercard.
2009: Ramada Plaza JFK Hotel Closes
The Ramada Plaza JFK Hotel, located in Building 144 on the north end of JFK airport grounds, ceased operations in 2009. This closure paved the way for the development of the TWA Hotel.
January 2010: Discussions on Potential Headquarters Relocation
In January 2010, JetBlue CEO Dave Barger and Florida Governor Charlie Crist discussed the possibility of moving the airline's headquarters to Orlando.
February 2010: JetBlue's Tenth Anniversary
JetBlue celebrated its tenth anniversary in February 2010.
March 22, 2010: Headquarters Remain in New York City
On March 22, 2010, JetBlue confirmed that its headquarters would stay in the New York City area, specifically Long Island City, due to historical ties, relocation costs, access to financial markets, and partnerships with airlines operating at JFK Airport. They planned to consolidate offices into the Brewster Building by mid-2012 and launch a joint branding initiative with New York State using the "I Love NY" logo.
2010: Codeshare Agreement and Sabre Reservation System Transition
Following a codeshare agreement in 2010, JetBlue switched to the Sabre reservation system, aligning with Lufthansa's system. This enabled the airlines to sell tickets on each other's flights, streamline baggage and passenger transfers, and combine frequent flyer programs. This agreement allowed Lufthansa to leverage JetBlue's North American routes as a feeder network, essentially establishing quasi-hubs in New York–JFK and Boston Logan.
2010: Interline Agreements with South African Airways and American Airlines
In 2010, JetBlue established interline booking agreements with South African Airways and American Airlines to simplify luggage transfers for connecting flights. The agreement with American Airlines involved route exchanges and has since ended.
October 18, 2011: CFO Ed Barnes Resigns
On October 18, 2011, CFO Ed Barnes resigned from his position, with treasurer Mark Powers assuming the role of interim CFO.
2011: JetBlue Initiates Fleet Revamp
In 2011, JetBlue embarked on a significant fleet modernization plan. The airline's initial strategy involved introducing 40 Airbus A320neo aircraft to its fleet. However, JetBlue subsequently made several adjustments to its order book, including orders for Airbus A321 aircraft and the conversion of nearly all A320neo orders to A321neo aircraft.
2011: Interline Agreements with Virgin Atlantic and Jet Airways
JetBlue made interline agreements with Virgin Atlantic and Jet Airways in 2011, both of which have since been terminated.
June 13, 2012: JetBlue Earns J.D. Power Award
For the eighth consecutive year, JetBlue was ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Low Cost Carriers in North America" by J.D. Power and Associates on June 13, 2012.
2012: Consolidation of Offices in Long Island City
By mid-2012, JetBlue planned to consolidate its Forest Hills and Darien, Connecticut offices into the Brewster Building in Long Island City, New York.
June 2013: JetBlue TrueBlue Points No Longer Expire
In June 2013, JetBlue announced that TrueBlue loyalty program points would no longer expire for any reason.
October 2013: Introduction of Mint Premium Cabin Service
JetBlue announced its premium cabin service, Mint, in October 2013, for transcontinental and select Caribbean flights.
2013: Last Major US Airline Merger Occurs
Prior to the proposed JetBlue-Spirit merger, the most recent major consolidation in the U.S. airline industry took place in 2013, underscoring the significance and potential impact of the potential merger on the competitive dynamics of the industry.
2013: "JetBlue Effect" Identified
Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology identified the "JetBlue Effect" in 2013, observing that airfares tended to decrease after JetBlue entered a new market.
April 22, 2014: JetBlue Pilots Vote to Unionize
On April 22, 2014, JetBlue's pilots voted to join the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), marking the first time they unionized since the company's founding.
June 2014: JetBlue Sells LiveTV to Thales
LiveTV, a subsidiary that provided seatback entertainment systems with live satellite TV and radio to airlines including JetBlue, was sold to Thales for nearly $400 million in June 2014.
September 18, 2014: Dave Barger Announces Resignation
Following reports of investor and board dissatisfaction, Dave Barger announced his resignation as CEO on September 18, 2014, effective February 16, 2015.
2014: JetBlue Introduces Revamped Core Seats
Coinciding with the debut of its first Airbus A321 in 2014, JetBlue unveiled redesigned Core seats.
2014: JetBlue Introduces Mint Business Class
In 2014, JetBlue launched its business class service called Mint, initially available on transcontinental domestic routes on select Airbus A321s. Mint features lie-flat seats, some with sliding panels for privacy.
2014: Mint Service Commences
JetBlue's Mint service, featuring lie-flat seats and private suites, launched in 2014 using Airbus A321-231 aircraft.
February 16, 2015: Robin Hayes Becomes CEO
Robin Hayes succeeded Dave Barger as CEO of JetBlue on February 16, 2015.
May 6, 2015: License for Cuba Charter Flights Granted
On May 6, 2015, JetBlue received a license to operate charter flights to Cuba, departing from New York City.
July 2015: Baggage Fees Introduced
In July 2015, JetBlue started charging for bags in certain booking classes. This move left Southwest Airlines as the sole major U.S. carrier not charging baggage fees.
2015: JetBlue University Training Facility Opens
In 2015, JetBlue opened a 292-room lodge in Orlando to house trainees attending the "JetBlue University" training facility.
February 2016: JetBlue Establishes JetBlue Technology Ventures
JetBlue Technology Ventures (JTV), JetBlue's venture capital arm, was founded in February 2016 to invest in and collaborate with startups in the travel, hospitality, and transportation sectors to improve the traveler experience.
July 2016: JetBlue Announces Commercial Flights to Cuba
In July 2016, JetBlue made an announcement that they would be launching commercial flights from the United States to Cuba. This marked a significant step in restoring regular air travel between the two countries.
August 31, 2016: First scheduled commercial flight between the United States and Cuba in 55 years
On August 31, 2016, JetBlue Flight 387 marked a historic moment by becoming the first scheduled commercial flight between the United States and Cuba since 1961. This flight departed from Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport and arrived at Abel Santamaría Airport in Santa Clara, Cuba.
October 25, 2016: JetBlue Invests in JSX
On October 25, 2016, JetBlue made a minority equity investment in JSX (then branded as JetSuiteX), gaining a seat on the airline's board of directors. This move, according to CEO Robin Hayes, aligned with JetBlue's west coast plan and commitment to innovation.
November 2016: JetBlue Debuts Retrojet Livery
In November 2016, JetBlue unveiled a special retro-themed livery on one of their Airbus A320 aircraft (N763JB). This livery, named "What's Old is Blue Again," was designed to evoke the classic jet-set era of the 1960s. The aircraft with this unique livery flew its first flight from New York JFK to Palm Springs.
2016: JetBlue's Unsuccessful Bid for Virgin America
In 2016, JetBlue participated in a bidding war to acquire Virgin America. However, their efforts proved unsuccessful, as Alaska Air Group ultimately emerged as the successful bidder, taking over Virgin America.
July 2017: JetBlue's JFK Terminal Expansion Plan
In July 2017, JetBlue revealed its ambitious plan to develop a new terminal at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The plan aimed to expand JetBlue's presence at JFK by encompassing not only Terminal 5 but also the spaces currently occupied by Terminals 6 and 7. This expansion was set to significantly enhance JetBlue's operations and passenger capacity at the airport.
2017: Long Beach City Council Rejects Customs Station Proposal
In 2017, JetBlue's aspirations to enhance its operations at Long Beach Airport (LGB) by establishing a U.S. Customs and Border Protection station faced a setback. Despite receiving a positive recommendation from the city administration, the proposal was ultimately rejected by the Long Beach City Council. This decision had significant implications for JetBlue's long-term plans at LGB and contributed to the airline's decision to eventually close its base at the airport.
April 2018: JetBlue Returns to Ontario International Airport and Adds New Service Routes
JetBlue announced its return to Ontario International Airport in Southern California in April 2018, after a decade-long absence. This move marked an expansion of their service in the region. Alongside this return, JetBlue also introduced new service routes to Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and Bozeman, Montana, further expanding its domestic network.
November 2018: JetBlue Technology Ventures Invests in 21 Startups
By November 2018, JetBlue Technology Ventures (JTV) had invested in 21 startups, focusing on innovations like hybrid aircraft, machine learning, and ground transportation. Investments ranged from $250,000 to $1 million. Notably, JTV joined Toyota Ventures and Parley for the Oceans in a $40 million investment in Air Company, a company that uses captured carbon to create carbon-negative products like vodka.
2018: JetBlue Announces Fleet Changes
JetBlue announced significant changes to its fleet plans in 2018, revealing its intention to replace all of its aging Embraer 190 aircraft with the Airbus A220-300.
2018: JetBlue Travel Products Established
JetBlue established JetBlue Travel Products, a wholly owned subsidiary, in 2018. The objective was to expand the airline's services beyond air travel, offering customers more comprehensive travel options.
2018: Revamped Core Seats Rolled Out on A320 Aircraft
The rollout of JetBlue's revamped Core seats expanded to the airline's A320 aircraft in 2018.
April 2019: JetBlue Announces Transatlantic Flights to London
In a significant move to expand its international reach, JetBlue announced in April 2019 its plan to launch transatlantic flights to London. The airline revealed that these flights would originate from Boston and New York, connecting the United States with the United Kingdom. To facilitate these new routes, JetBlue also shared its decision to convert 13 existing orders for the Airbus A321neo to the longer-range Airbus A321LR, demonstrating its commitment to the transatlantic market.
May 1, 2019: JetBlue Appoints Michael Stromer as Chief Product Officer, Technology
On May 1, 2019, JetBlue appointed Michael Stromer to the position of Chief Product Officer, Technology. In this role, Stromer assumed responsibility for spearheading the design, development, and implementation of various technology initiatives within the company.
May 29, 2019: JetBlue and Southwest Tie for Highest Customer Satisfaction Among Low-Cost Carriers
In a testament to their commitment to customer experience, both JetBlue and Southwest Airlines secured the top spot in the "Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Low-Cost Carriers" category in the J.D. Power North America Airline Satisfaction Study on May 29, 2019. This recognition highlighted their strong performance and customer-centric approach within the highly competitive airline industry.
August 2019: JetSuiteX Rebrands as JSX
In August 2019, JetSuiteX underwent a rebranding, changing its name to JSX.
October 18, 2019: JetBlue and Norwegian Air Shuttle Announce Plans for Interline Agreement
JetBlue and Norwegian Air Shuttle announced their intention to establish an interline agreement on October 18, 2019. This proposed partnership aimed to enhance travel options for passengers by enabling the sale of jointly issued tickets between the two airlines.
2019: JetBlue Modifies A321neo Orders to Include A321XLR
In 2019, JetBlue further adjusted its fleet strategy by modifying its Airbus A321neo orders to incorporate the Airbus A321XLR aircraft.
2019: Further Modifications to Core Seats
JetBlue implemented additional modifications to its Core seats in 2019.
January 2020: JetBlue's Carbon Neutrality Initiative
In January 2020, JetBlue unveiled its ambitious plan to achieve carbon neutrality on all its domestic flights, reflecting the airline's growing focus on environmental sustainability and its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.
February 2020: Joel Peterson Announces Retirement from JetBlue's Board of Directors
In February 2020, Joel Peterson, a long-standing member of JetBlue's board of directors, made his decision to retire from the board public. Peterson, who had been a part of the airline's board since 1999 and served as chairman since 2008, decided to step down after a remarkable tenure.
May 2020: Peter Boneparth Succeeds Joel Peterson as Chairman
Following the retirement announcement of Joel Peterson, Peter Boneparth was appointed as his successor on the board of directors for JetBlue in May 2020. This transition marked a change in leadership within the airline's governing body.
June 2020: JetBlue Announces New Routes and Employee Interest in Early Retirement
JetBlue unveiled a series of new routes across its network in June 2020, reflecting its commitment to expanding its reach and connectivity. These new routes encompassed point-to-point connections between the northeastern United States and Florida, as well as new transcontinental routes originating from Newark Liberty International Airport. Concurrently, the airline disclosed that a significant portion of its workforce, over 60%, had expressed interest in early retirement or long-term leave options. This trend highlighted the substantial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the airline industry and its employees.
July 9, 2020: JetBlue Announces Closure of Long Beach Airport Base
On July 9, 2020, JetBlue made the significant announcement of closing its base at Long Beach Airport (LGB). This strategic decision was driven by a number of factors, including prolonged negotiations regarding the establishment of a U.S. Customs and Border Protection station at LGB. Despite a favorable recommendation from the city administration in 2017, the Long Beach City Council ultimately voted against JetBlue's proposal for the customs station. Additionally, the airline and the city had been engaged in disagreements concerning late landings and slot usage at the airport. These factors collectively led to JetBlue's decision to shift its operations from LGB to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), with the transfer scheduled to be completed by October 6, 2020.
July 16, 2020: JetBlue and American Airlines Form "Northeast Alliance"
JetBlue and American Airlines unveiled their strategic partnership, dubbed the "Northeast Alliance," on July 16, 2020. This alliance aimed to bolster their competitive edge in the northeastern United States by enabling the two airlines to collaborate on various fronts, including passenger sharing, revenue sharing, and the coordination of flight schedules.
August 2020: JetBlue Implements Strict Mask Policy and Extends Seat Blocking
In August 2020, in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, JetBlue joined Southwest Airlines in implementing a stringent policy mandating the wearing of face masks on all flights. Notably, this policy stood out for its strictness, as it did not permit any exemptions, even for medical reasons. JetBlue also announced its decision to extend its policy of blocking middle seats on its aircraft, a measure initially introduced to promote physical distancing onboard, through at least mid-October.
October 6, 2020: Base Operations Transfer to LAX Completed
As previously announced, JetBlue finalized the transfer of its base operations from Long Beach Airport (LGB) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on October 6, 2020. This move marked a strategic shift for JetBlue, centralizing its operations in the Los Angeles area at LAX.
2020: JetBlue Vacations Undergoes Transformation
JetBlue Vacations underwent a significant revamp in 2020, with a focus on personalization and added perks. The goal was to make JetBlue Vacations a leading choice for travelers looking for customizable vacation packages that bundle flights, hotels, cruises, and other travel components.
2020: JetBlue Receives First Airbus A220
JetBlue marked a milestone in its fleet modernization in 2020 with the arrival of its first Airbus A220 aircraft.
2020: Interline Agreement Anticipated to Take Effect
The interline agreement between JetBlue and Norwegian Air Shuttle, if approved, was expected to be implemented in 2020. This strategic move sought to leverage the strong presence of both airlines at major airports like New York–JFK, Boston, and Fort Lauderdale, providing passengers with a wider array of travel choices and connections.
February 1, 2021: JetBlue Introduces "Mint Suite" for Transatlantic Flights
JetBlue unveiled its latest premium product, the "Mint Suite," on February 1, 2021, designed to elevate the passenger experience on its transatlantic flights to London. This new cabin configuration was set to be featured on JetBlue's entire Airbus A321LR fleet, specifically designated for its ambitious expansion into the transatlantic market. Additionally, JetBlue planned to incorporate the "Mint Suite" on select Airbus A321neo aircraft, initially for flights to Los Angeles, offering enhanced comfort and amenities on key transcontinental routes.
April 21, 2021: JetBlue Announces Expansion into Canada
JetBlue made a significant announcement on April 21, 2021, revealing its plans to expand its route network into Canada. This expansion marked JetBlue's entry into the Canadian aviation market. The airline initially announced new routes connecting Vancouver with both New York City and Boston, providing travelers with more options for travel between Canada and the United States.
April 26, 2021: First Airbus A220-300 Flight
JetBlue celebrated a milestone on April 26, 2021, with the inaugural flight of its new Airbus A220-300 aircraft. The flight departed from Boston Logan International Airport and touched down at Tampa International Airport, marking the official entry of the A220-300 into JetBlue's fleet.
May 19, 2021: JetBlue Confirms London Flight Details and Postpones Boston Flights
JetBlue announced concrete details regarding its much-anticipated transatlantic flights to London on May 19, 2021. The airline confirmed that flights from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to both London Heathrow and Gatwick airports would commence on August 11 and September 29, 2021, respectively. This marked JetBlue's inaugural foray into the European aviation market.
September 29, 2021: JetBlue Launches Flights to London Gatwick
JetBlue commenced its transatlantic service to London Gatwick Airport from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) on September 29, 2021. This expansion marked a significant milestone in JetBlue's international growth strategy, providing travelers with a new option for travel between the United States and the United Kingdom.
2021: JetBlue Launches Paisly Platform
In 2021, JetBlue Travel Products introduced Paisly by JetBlue, a platform expanding the company's offerings beyond flights to include hotels, car rentals, activities, and travel bags. Paisly aims to be a comprehensive solution for travelers while upholding JetBlue's commitment to customer service and loyalty.
2021: JetBlue Invests in Hydrogen-Powered Flight
In 2021, JetBlue became the first airline to invest in practical hydrogen-powered flight through a partnership with Universal Hydrogen, a company developing technology to retrofit existing aircraft to run on hydrogen. JetBlue's investment is intended to help accelerate the development and production of Universal Hydrogen's regional aircraft conversion kits.
2021: JetBlue Revamps Mint Business Class
In 2021, JetBlue expanded Mint to select Caribbean routes and introduced a redesigned version of the service and seating.
2021: JetBlue Adds Airbus A321LR to Fleet
In 2021, JetBlue expanded its fleet further by adding the Airbus A321LR aircraft.
May 2022: JetBlue Attempts to Acquire Spirit Airlines
In May 2022, JetBlue's offer to purchase Spirit Airlines was rejected, leading JetBlue to attempt a hostile takeover. They later reached an agreement for $3.8 billion, but the U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit to block the deal, claiming it would harm consumers through higher fares and fewer seats.
September 2022: JetBlue Ventures Relaunched
JetBlue's venture capital subsidiary was relaunched under the name JetBlue Ventures in September 2022.
November 2022: JetBlue Announces Flights to Paris
In November 2022, JetBlue revealed plans to launch flights from New York (JFK) to Paris (CDG) in the summer of 2023, with subsequent plans to add service from Boston Logan.
2022: Department of Justice Initiates Antitrust Lawsuit
The JetBlue-American Airlines "Northeast Alliance" faced scrutiny in 2022 when the Department of Justice, under the Biden administration, filed an antitrust lawsuit against the partnership. The lawsuit, joined by six states and the District of Columbia, alleged that the alliance stifled competition in the airline industry, potentially harming consumers.
2022: Universal Hydrogen Begins Testing
Universal Hydrogen, a company that JetBlue has invested in, began initial testing with an ATR-72 aircraft in 2022.
2022: London Flights from Boston Postponed
While JetBlue celebrated the launch of its transatlantic flights from New York to London, the airline made the decision to postpone its planned flights between London and Boston. Originally slated to commence earlier, these flights were pushed back to 2022 due to various factors.
April 2023: JetBlue Adds Amsterdam as a Destination
Continuing its international expansion, JetBlue announced in April 2023 a new route from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, starting in late summer 2023, with CEO Robin Hayes citing the need for competition on the New York to Amsterdam route.
May 2023: JetBlue Overhauls TrueBlue Loyalty Program
In May 2023, JetBlue enhanced its TrueBlue Loyalty program by introducing a 4-tier Mosaic status and a "pick your own perks" option for top-tier members.
May 19, 2023: Court Rules Against JetBlue-American Partnership
In a significant development, a court delivered a ruling against the JetBlue-American Airlines partnership on May 19, 2023. The court found that the "Northeast Alliance" violated antitrust laws by diminishing competition and ordered its dissolution. This decision dealt a blow to both airlines and reshaped the landscape of the U.S. airline industry.
October 2023: Anticipated Trial Date for JetBlue-Spirit Merger Lawsuit
The legal battle surrounding JetBlue's proposed merger with Spirit Airlines, the largest potential merger in the U.S. airline industry since 2013, was anticipated to reach a critical juncture with a trial scheduled for October 2023. The outcome of this trial held significant implications for the future of the airline industry and JetBlue's growth strategy.
October 31, 2023: Trial Begins for JetBlue's Acquisition of Spirit Airlines
The trial regarding JetBlue's proposed acquisition of Spirit Airlines began on October 31, 2023. JetBlue argued that the merger would enhance its ability to compete with larger airlines, while the Justice Department countered that an independent Spirit was crucial for price-sensitive consumers. JetBlue claimed Spirit's market share would be filled by other budget carriers, a claim the Justice Department deemed unlikely due to industry-wide growth constraints.
January 2024: JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes to Step Down
In January 2024, JetBlue announced that CEO Robin Hayes would be stepping down on February 12, succeeded by president Joanna Geraghty, who will become the first woman to lead a major U.S. airline.
January 2024: JetBlue Airways Destinations
As of January 2024, JetBlue Airways operates flights to 104 destinations across the Americas. The majority of these destinations are concentrated in the United States and the Caribbean, with a smaller number in Central and South America, and four in Europe.
January 16, 2024: Judge Blocks JetBlue's Acquisition of Spirit Airlines
A federal judge blocked JetBlue's acquisition of Spirit Airlines on January 16, 2024.
February 7, 2024: Marty St. George Returns to JetBlue as President
On February 7, 2024, JetBlue announced that Marty St. George would be returning to the company as president starting February 26, 2024, after leaving in 2020 to serve as COO of LATAM Airlines Group.
March 4, 2024: JetBlue and Spirit Airlines Call Off Merger
JetBlue and Spirit Airlines announced the termination of their merger plans on March 4, 2024. JetBlue agreed to pay a $69 million breakup fee to Spirit and $400 million to Spirit's shareholders.
2024: JetBlue Expects Delivery of Airbus A321XLR
JetBlue is anticipating the addition of the Airbus A321XLR aircraft to its fleet in 2024.
2026: JetBlue to Phase Out E190 Aircraft
By 2026, JetBlue plans to phase out its fleet of E190 aircraft and will not be retrofitting them.
