JetBlue will not introduce a second European city this year, according to the carrier's fourth-quarter 2021 conference call on January 27th. However, Boston is going ahead in 2022, although it is unclear when it'll be officially launched.

No other European city this year

With three more 138-seat A321LRs due to be delivered this year, you might think JetBlue would initiate more transatlantic growth. And in one sense, you'd be right – it will. Boston was confirmed as going ahead, although it hasn't been officially launched.

If it takes off this summer, it will likely be announced in the next couple of months. According to the Airport Coordination Limited's summer 2022 Initial Coordination Report, JetBlue received Gatwick slots for the route.

JetBlue says that 2022 will be a year of modest incremental growth. It'll primarily bed in what it already has to ensure stronger performance. Adding another European city this year was ruled out, although it "obviously" remains a part of its future "at some point," per the conference call.

As JetBlue allocates capacity based on margins (like many airlines), it could be argued that it is a bit too soon to expand further or to add more frequencies. But it is also likely to be because of the current environment, the cost of serving Europe, and wanting a stronger transatlantic platform first.

Heathrow to JFK
When writing, N4022J is operating B620, from Heathrow to JFK. Funnily enough, it has a scheduled arrival time of 17:47 (!). Image: RadarBox.com.

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JetBlue to London

JetBlue inaugurated JFK to Heathrow on August 11th, 2021, followed by Gatwick on September 29th. With only 138-seat aircraft and a premium cabin of 24 Mint suites, it has the unusual advantage of not having many seats to fill on long-haul services.

Low-capacity aircraft offer greater flexibility regarding airports to serve (subject to filling those Mint suites year-round) and network. It's in distinct contrast to most other carriers, including startup Norse Atlantic.

JetBlue's London service focuses on leisure travel and small and medium-sized businesses. It primarily targets business travelers who fly in premium class (or who could do so at the right price) but don't have access to corporate deals or other discounts.

"We're absolutely seeing signs of pent-up demand as we recover from the pandemic. Probably the biggest example is New York City to London, where we saw our revenue and demand jump five times in the quarter opened last fall.

"[London] went from a market that was sort of behind the initial forecast because of travel restrictions to right back on track. We've also seen...about a 30-point improvement just in the last three weeks for revenue."

JetBlue Mint
JetBlue's redesigned Mint suites are designed to appeal to more price-conscious business travelers. Image: JetBlue.

JetBlue to Heathrow and Gatwick

Currently, JetBlue serves Heathrow and Gatwick once-daily apiece, and the carrier's CEO is adamant that London will perform well: "we truly believe London will take its place in our hall of fame together with many of our Mint markets."

What do you think of JetBlue across the North Atlantic? Have you flown them? Share your thoughts and experiences.