JetBlue’s first Airbus A220-300 completed its test sequences and landed at the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley in Mobile, Alabama at 5:22 p.m. Wednesday evening. This is the first of 70 A220s on order by JetBlue and will be delivered this month.
On Wednesday (December 9, 2020), Airbus announced the completion of the inaugural flight of the first of 70 Airbus A220s on order by JetBlue. After performing its test sequences, the aircraft landed at 5:22 p.m. Wednesday night at the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley in Mobile, Alabama. The New York based carrier will receive the new A220-300 aircraft before the end of the year. Earlier this fall, JetBlue’s first A220 made its debut featuring a brand new tailfin livery called “Hops.” The aircraft will be configured in a single class and will carry guests on short trips as part of their larger journey.
The combined range and seating capacity of the A220 will add flexibility to JetBlue’s network strategy, as the aircraft is even capable of performing transcontinental flights. The A220 offers unequalled economics, allowing airlines to open previously unfeasible routes. JetBlue initially ordered 60 A220 Family aircraft in January 2019 and increased their order to 70 aircraft during the 2019 Paris Le Bourget Airshow six months later. The A220 complements the carrier’s growing fleet of Airbus A320 Family aircraft, adding flexibility and providing a seamless passenger experience across both platforms.
The Airbus A220 is the quietest, cleanest and most environmentally-friendly aircraft in its class, featuring a 50 percent reduction in noise footprint and a 25 percent lower fuel burn per seat compared to previous generation aircraft. Additionally, the aircraft delivers 50 percent lower NOx emissions versus the industry standard, making the A220 ideal for urban operations. Currently, approximately 130 A220s are in service with seven operators in Asia, the Americas, Europe and Africa.
Source: Airbus