Industry JetBlue orders 60 Airbus A220-300 for its fleet

JetBlue has announced an order of 60 new A220-300 aircraft from Airbus with delivery beginning in 2020. Additionally, JetBlue has an option for another 60 aircraft in its order. Delivery for the optional aircraft would start in 2025.

This order of the newly introduced A220-300 is the first in Airbus’ books. After introducing the A220-100 and A220-300 as new members of their aircraft portfolio on Tuesday morning, JetBlue announced its order for 60 of the new aircraft on Tuesday afternoon. The A220-300, formerly known as Bombardier’s C Series CS300, joins the Airbus family alongside the A220-100, the former CS100.

The agreement includes JetBlue reshaping its order of 25 A320Neo to the same number of A321Neo aircraft, also adjusting delivery schedules.

The airline is planning to replace its existing fleet of 60 Embraer E190 aircraft. With the existing fleet, transcontinental flights have been unprofitable for JetBlue. The order opens up possibilities for new markets and routes because of the A220-300’s range and seating capacity.

JetBlue is also planning to lower costs by reshaping their fleet. The A220-300 features advanced aerodynamics and a specially designed Pratt & Whitney engine, thus delivering around 40 percent lower fuel burn per seat than the airline’s current fleet. With decreased emissions, a reduced noise footprint and a capacity of 130 to 160 passengers JetBlue is evolving their fleet for the future, Robin Hayes, chief executive officer of JetBlue, said.  “The A220-300’s impressive range and economics offer us flexibility and support our key financial and operating priorities,” he added.

Eric Schulz, chief commercial officer for Airbus is sure that “JetBlue will be able to leverage the unbeatable efficiency of both the A321neo and the A220-300, as well as taking advantage of the roomiest and most customer-pleasing cabins of any aircraft in their size categories.”

JetBlue carries 40 million customers annually and today covers 102 destinations in the U.S., the Caribbean and Latin America with 1000 daily flights.