JetBlue hints at European invasion plans

JetBlue plans to “cross the pond”’ with services from Boston and New York to London have the rumor mill buzzing at what other ports the airline might target. The airline said the confirmation that it would cross the Atlantic in 2021 using “reimagined” Airbus A321LRs “opens the door to further growth in Europe”. It noted the A321LR would allow it to tap into new long-haul markets not previously accessible to its fleet. The service will feature the airline’s business class “Mint” service and the airline warned it would be looking to disrupt the market in the same way it has affected US transcontinental services. READ our ratings for JetBlue It said the trans-Atlantic Mint service would offer more lie-flat seats than the domestic version “all at a fraction of the cost of what other airlines are charging today”. “Travelers trying to cross the Atlantic have had to face either mediocre service in a market controlled by legacy carriers and the sky-high fares to fly in premium cabins, or take a no-frills, bare-bones approach to flying with low-cost carriers,’’ it said. “Our introduction in Europe will pave the way and raise the bar on what travelers should expect on a low-cost carrier that offers premium services – an all-new choice of flying for travelers, with affordable fares combined with a premium onboard product and level of service.” JetBlue president Joanna Geraghty added: “Twenty years ago, our founders had a simple formula for choosing a new market – it had to be overpriced, underserved, or both. “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.” The airline didn’t say which London airport it would serve but it is likely Heathrow will be too expensive. It also didn’t reveal what its reimagined Mint class would look like but its existing product is highly regarded. It said customers would continue to enjoy “free Fly-Fi broadband internet, robust inflight entertainment, complimentary snacks and soft drinks, extraordinary customer service, and the most legroom in coach in our Core seats”. More details would follow in coming months, it said. The A321LR is capable of flying routes of up to 4000nm (7408km) with 206 passengers using fuel store in three additional center tanks.