JetBlue has placed an order for 60 Airbus A220-300 aircraft, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2020. In the same agreement, JetBlue converted a prior order for 25 A320neo aircraft to the larger A321neo variant.
The A220-300 offers a more comfortable cabin experience, featuring wider seats, larger overhead bins and oversized windows. The type is also significantly more fuel efficient, burning roughly 40% less fuel per seat compared with JetBlue’s existing Embraer E190 fleet. In addition to improved fuel economy, the A220-300 produces lower emissions and reduced noise levels. These new aircraft will replace JetBlue’s 60 E190s.
Deliveries will begin with the first five A220-300s in 2020 and continue through 2025 as the airline transitions its regional fleet.
“We are evolving our fleet for the future of JetBlue, and the A220-300’s impressive range and economics offer us flexibility and support our key financial and operating priorities,” said Robin Hayes, CEO of JetBlue. “As we approach our 20th anniversary, the A220, combined with our A321 and restyled A320 fleet, will help ensure we deliver the best onboard experience to customers and meet our long-term financial targets as we continue disciplined growth into the future.”
Eric Schulz, Airbus chief commercial officer, noted that JetBlue’s decision underscores how the A220 and A320 Family complement each other: “JetBlue’s selection of the A220 aircraft as a complement to its growing A320 Family fleet is a tremendous endorsement – both of the A220 itself and of the way these two aircraft can work together to provide airline network flexibility and a great customer experience. 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.”