JetBlue Cuts Routes, Grounds Planes to Reduce Losses

JetBlue is scaling back operations, cutting routes, and grounding aircraft as part of a broader cost-reduction plan aimed at reversing financial losses amid economic uncertainty and weakened travel demand.

In a memo to staff, CEO Joanna Geraghty outlined steps to preserve cash and manage expenses, saying the path to profitability will take longer than expected despite hopes for a rebound in bookings. Domestic leisure travel has slowed significantly since January, with only modest stabilization in March and April.

JetBlue will continue trimming its schedule by eliminating underperforming routes and concentrating capacity on more profitable markets. Since launching its JetForward turnaround strategy in 2023, the airline has exited 15 cities and dropped over 50 routes, including service at major airports like Baltimore/Washington (BWI), Bogota (BOG), and Charlotte Douglas (CLT).

JetBlue will retire four of its oldest Airbus A320s by the end of summer, abandoning prior retrofit plans due to the aircrafts’ age and rising maintenance costs. The airline is also scaling back operations on traditionally low-demand days—such as Tuesdays and Wednesdays—and reducing flight frequency on overserved routes. Plans to maintain flat capacity in 2025 remain under review.

Meanwhile, JetBlue continues to phase out its Embraer E190 fleet, which originally included 22 aircraft:

Six E190s are slated for retirement by the end of 2024
The remaining 16 E190s will be retired by September 2, 2025

These aircraft are being replaced by the Airbus A220, a next-generation jet known for its improved fuel efficiency, lower operating costs, and enhanced passenger comfort.

In total, JetBlue is retiring at least 26 aircraft—22 E190s and 4 A320s—as part of its broader fleet modernization and cost-efficiency initiative.

While JetBlue is cutting costs, it remains committed to enhancing its premium offerings. It will open its first-ever airport lounge later this year and launch a domestic first-class product in 2026. These upgrades are part of its JetForward strategy to improve revenue and customer experience.

The airline’s new Blue Sky partnership with United Airlines, focused on loyalty integration rather than codesharing, is expected to generate additional long-term value for frequent flyers and both carriers.