JetBlue’s CFO Ursula Hurley Provides Insightful Tour of JFK Airport

Ursula Hurley, the Chief Financial Officer of JetBlue, recently offered a unique behind-the-scenes tour of New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to a Bloomberg reporter. During the tour, Hurley provided insights into how JetBlue manages its largest hub and highlighted various aspects of the airline’s operations.

Ursula Hurley mentioned that JetBlue has been actively restaffing its operations at JFK after experiencing a significant drop in demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline has hired over 1,000 new crew members since June 2021 and has focused on training and retraining its existing staff to maintain safety and service standards. Some key points from the tour and interview include:

• Fleet Upgrades: Hurley showcased JetBlue’s commitment to upgrading its fleet with more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft. The airline has introduced Airbus A321neo and Airbus A220 aircraft, offering improved sustainability and passenger experience. She also highlighted JetBlue’s premium product, Mint, which features lie-flat seats, privacy doors, and personalized service.
• New Terminal: JetBlue is partnering with JFK Millennium Partners, the organization hired by the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey to construct a new terminal at JFK, which will be situated in Terminal 6. This state-of-the-art terminal is designed to provide JetBlue customers with added space, amenities, and connectivity. Construction commenced in February 2023, with an anticipated completion date in 2026.
• Transatlantic Expansion: Hurley revealed JetBlue’s plans to acquire aircraft like the Airbus A321LR and Airbus A321XLR to expand its transatlantic services. The airline initiated its first transatlantic route from JFK to London Heathrow in August 2021 and intends to further extend its European network to cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and Dublin, aiming to provide affordable fares and high-quality service.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Hurley expressed her pride in JetBlue’s resilience and performance. She is optimistic about the airline’s growth and recovery, emphasizing its commitment to providing safe and reliable service to passengers.

JetBlue continues to play a significant role in the global economy and supply chain, making it essential for many travelers worldwide.

The new terminal project is a public-private partnership between the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and JFK Millennium Partners – a consortium that includes JetBlue, Vantage Airport Group, an industry leading investor, developer, and manager of award-winning global airport projects, including LaGuardia Terminal B; American Triple I, a certified minority-owned investor, owner, developer, and manager of infrastructure assets; and New York real estate operating company RXR.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, msn.com, jetblue.com, bloomberg.com, JFK Millennium Partners