JetBlue Revamps Older A320-200s for Fleet Expansion Amid Engine Setbacks

JetBlue Airways is strategically revitalizing twelve A320-200 aircraft, previously slated for return to lessors, as a response to immediate growth challenges linked to ongoing Pratt & Whitney engine recalls. These aircraft will be reconfigured and reintroduced into JetBlue’s fleet to maintain operational capacity, as revealed by US journalist Seth Miller.

One such aircraft, designated N503JB (msn 1123), is undergoing significant updates, including a new 162-seat layout and upgraded inflight entertainment systems, aligning it with the carrier’s existing fleet standards. Initially transported to Marana in August 2023, this aircraft has remained inactive since, according to FlightRadar24 ADS-B data.

Research from ch-aviation indicates that two additional JetBlue A320s, N509JB (msn 1270) and N510JB (msn 1280), have been relocated from Marana to Mexico City International for maintenance operations with Mexicana MRO Services.

Currently, JetBlue’s fleet includes eleven A320-200s still equipped with the older 150-seat configuration, comprising 108 economy and 42 economy plus seats. These aircraft are identified with serial numbers ranging from N503JB to N524JB.

Despite the ongoing negotiations with Pratt & Whitney over compensation for the grounded engines, JetBlue has not disclosed any financial details. The airline anticipates an average of 11 aircraft, including models A321-200NX and A220-300s, to be out of commission for the remainder of the year, with aircraft groundings expected to peak in the coming months.

In a further strategic move, JetBlue’s Chief Financial Officer, Ursula Hurley, highlighted the potential to extend the operational life of approximately thirty A320s, representing about 10% of the total fleet. According to ch-aviation’s fleet data, JetBlue operates a diverse fleet of 304 aircraft, including models ranging from A220-300s to E190s, underlining the carrier’s robust response to current aerospace challenges.