by Donald Wood
Last updated: 9:15 AM ET, Thu April 11, 2019
JetBlue announced Wednesday it would be adding multiple daily flights from New York City and Boston to London in 2021, marking the airline's first European destination.
The new service will be operated by JetBlue's fleet of Airbus A321LR single-aisle aircraft and will feature a reimagined version of Mint, the airline's premium product. It remains unclear which airports the carrier will serve in London.
JetBlue's entrance into the transatlantic market will offer travelers taking to the sky on a budget the luxury amenities of bigger airlines at a more affordable price. The features include the most legroom in coach, live television at every seat, free Fly-Fi broadband internet, complimentary snacks and soft drinks and quality customer service.
"Twenty years ago, our founders had a simple formula for choosing a new market - it had to be overpriced, underserved, or both," JetBlue chief operating officer Joanna Geraghty said in a statement.
"London is the largest metro area JetBlue doesn't yet serve from both Boston and New York, and we could not be more thrilled to be changing that in the years ahead," Geraghty continued. "The fares being charged today by airlines on these routes, specifically on the premium end, are enough to make you blush."
The expansion into Europe is part of JetBlue's focus city growth strategy, with London being the largest destination not served by JetBlue from both New York and Boston. The addition of the trans-Atlantic flights will strengthen the carrier's foothold in both U.S. cities, as well as satisfy the demands of business and leisure travelers who wanted a cheaper alternative when flying to England.
The announcement of JetBlue's new London route was made Wednesday by CEO Robin Hayes and Geraghty at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport in front of over 1,300 crewmembers and executives.
CEO Robin Hayes and Geraghty announced JetBlue's new London route Wednesday at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport in front of over 1,300 crewmembers and executives.
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