US’s JetBlue Airways confirms inc’l debut in mid-3Q21

JetBlue Airways (B6, New York JFK) has outlined the details of its long-awaited transatlantic debut and is now set to begin scheduled services between New York JFK and London Heathrow on August 11, 2021. The American airline will operate to Heathrow daily using its newly delivered A321-200NX(LR) narrowbodies outfitted with just 141 passenger seats, including 24 in business class (Mint) and the remainder in economy class. JetBlue Airways said it would operate from Heathrow’s Terminal 2, which is used by a wide variety of carriers, including Star Alliance members. JetBlue Airways will subsequently expand its transatlantic offering with the launch of daily services from JFK to London Gatwick on September 29, 2021. It plans to add services to London from Boston in 2022. “We’ve always said that JetBlue would serve multiple London airports, and we’re pleased to have secured a path at Heathrow and for long-term growth at Gatwick, which offers speed, low costs, and convenient accessibility into Central London,” Chief Executive Robin Hayes said. JetBlue Airways has so far taken delivery of a single A321-200NX(LR), N4022J (msn 10303). The aircraft is parked at JFK ahead of its induction into service. The airline expects an additional two units of the type to deliver in 2021 to serve the JFK-London routes. In total, it has fifteen A321-200NX(LR)s on firm order (including the one already delivered). It also has eleven A321-200NX(XLR)s on firm order from Airbus with deliveries due to begin in 2024, the ch-aviation fleets advanced module shows.