JetBlue’s first Airbus A321neo route likely won’t be the carrier’s ultra-hyped new service to London. Instead, the New York-based carrier has applied to begin service from New York (JFK) to Guayaquil, Ecuador (GYE) beginning December 5th, 2019. JetBlue plans to operate the JFK – GYE route daily on the carrier’s brand new, 200-seat A321neo aircraft.
A JetBlue Airbus A321neo aircraft will operate the new JFK – GYE route. Image: JetBlue.
JetBlue adds New York JFK link to Ecuador
JetBlue currently operates a daily Fort Lauderdale (FLL) – Guayaquil (GYE) route on an Airbus A320. Ultra low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines also operates a daily FLL – GYE route on an Airbus A319; rival American Airlines flies twice daily from Miami (MIA) utilizing Boeing 737-800 and 767-300 aircraft.
JetBlue’s new New York (JFK) – Guayaquil, Ecuador (GYE) route. Image by GCMap.
JetBlue will compete directly with Eastern Airlines, LLC
Eastern Airlines, LLC – formerly known as Dynamic Airways – is the latest iteration of a charter-turned-scheduled airline with a somewhat questionable history of operations to South America. The “new” Eastern is set to begin service from New York (JFK) to Guayaquil (GYE) on May 1, 2019 – although the airline’s website is still under construction.
JetBlue’s new service will also compete with LATAM Ecuador’s existing route to New York JFK. The South American carrier flies the six-hour route daily on a Boeing 767-300.
It’s never a good sign when your airline’s website says, “Coming Soon!”
Dynamic Airways Flight 405
Dynamic Airways is most famous for its 2015 incident at Fort Lauderdale (FLL) involving the evacuation of a Boeing 767-300 aircraft en route to Caracas, Venezuela (CCS). All 101 passengers and crew safely evacuated the burning aircraft with just minor injuries. Watch the incredible video below: