JetBlue’s highly anticipated transatlantic service has officially started, with the first flight from New York-JFK touching down at London Heathrow just before 10:00 this morning, local time. The new service marks the first time JetBlue has operated beyond the Americas.
On Thursday (August 12, 2021), JetBlue announced their official entry into the transatlantic market with the inaugural flight from New York’s John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK) touching down at London Heathrow Airport (LHR) just before 10:00 this morning, local time. The flight marks the first time JetBlue has operated beyond the Americas and expands the airline’s network to over 100 destinations in 26 countries. JetBlue hopes to shake up the highly competitive and lucrative transatlantic market with attractive fares and award-winning service. The route will be serviced with an Airbus A321LR, with Flight 007 departing JFK at 21:48 and arriving LHR at 10:10 (+1). The return Flight, JetBlue 20, departs London at 14:05 and arrives in New York at 17:28 (all times local).
In Thursday’s announcement, JetBlue’s Chief Executive Officer, Robin Hayes, said,
“For the first time in JetBlue’s 21-year history we are crossing the North Atlantic and competing in one of the busiest travel markets in the world, well-positioned to introduce our award-winning service and low fares to a new global audience that is ready for a fresh choice in transatlantic flying. With JetBlue now connecting New York and London, travelers finally have the ability to enjoy low fares while also experiencing superior service. As the U.K. opens to travelers coming from America, our flights are well timed to meet the pent up demand for travel between our two countries. We look forward to welcoming U.K. travelers to the U.S. soon and launching service between Boston and London next year.”
Also commenting on the inaugural flight, the UK’s Ambassador to the U.S., Dame Karen Pierce DCMG, said,
“I want to congratulate JetBlue on its inaugural transatlantic flight to London and wish all the crew and customers a safe and pleasant journey. As vaccinated Americans can now come to the U.K. without the need to quarantine, this route will offer more Americans a path to doing business, holidays and family reunions in the U.K. Today's flight quite literally takes our Special Relationship to new heights!”
JetBlue’s Airbus A321LR features the carrier’s popular premium JetBlue Mint product which features 24 fully lie-flat private suites with a sliding door, including two Mint Studios™, offering even more space. The aircraft also has 114 core seats, including 24 Even More® Space Seats, providing guests a boutique-style experience no matter where they are seated. Additionally, the A321LR features larger overhead bins, allowing all customers to bring a carry-on bag and a personal item (space permitting). JetBlue is the only carrier offering free unlimited high speed Wi-Fi on all transatlantic flights.
JetBlue converted 13 aircraft in their existing A321 order book to the LR (Long Range) version in April 2019, and has since converted 13 more aircraft to the XLR (Extra Long Range) version of the aircraft. The Airbus A321 LR has a range of up to 4,000 nautical miles, which is made possible by the addition of three additional center fuel tanks, and offers a 30 percent reduction in fuel burn and a nearly 50 percent reduction in noise footprint compared to previous generation models. The aircraft is powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, which deliver game-changing economic and environmental performance.
From September 29, 2021, JetBlue will also launch new service between New York-JFK and London Gatwick Airport (LGW), becoming the only airline offering service to the U.S. from Gatwick. JetBlue also plans on rolling out service between Boston and London in summer 2022.
JetBlue is ‘New York’s Hometown Airline® and a leading carrier in Boston (BOS), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Los Angeles (LAX), Orlando (MCO) and San Juan (SJU). The airline carries guests to destinations across the U.S., Caribbean and Latin America. JetBlue launched new trans-Atlantic service between JFK and London on August 11, 2021. JetBlue Airways Corporation trades on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol JBLU.
Source: JetBlue/BusinessWire