JetBlue Plans to Expand Its European Routes—Here’s What We Know

If you're dreaming of a European getaway in 2023, there's good news ahead—more airlines will vie for your travel budget next year as established airlines introduce additional international routes and new low-cost carriers launch fresh connections. You'll soon find more flights to Europe with JetBlue Airways, a non-traditional transatlantic option.

Recently, JetBlue executives have hinted at plans to introduce more European destinations to their route network, building on the current flights from New York and Boston to London. During a recent investor call, JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes indicated an announcement is imminent, having previously mentioned Paris as a prime target. Additionally, a planning executive at a recent aviation conference suggested that an official announcement regarding new European routes is coming “very soon.”

JetBlue's service to London, which began in 2021, has been positively received by customers, and Helane Becker, an airline analyst at Cowen in New York, believes that any upcoming European service will be similarly successful.

What drives JetBlue’s plans for transatlantic growth? A fleet of Airbus A321 LR (long-range) aircraft, designed for longer flights compared to previous models. For transatlantic operations, these planes feature 114 economy seats, some with extra legroom, and a 24-seat Mint premium cabin (JetBlue’s equivalent of business class), including two rows of “Mint Studio” seating with 22-inch TVs, enhanced storage, and a table for a guest. Next year, the airline will start receiving the latest iteration, the A321 XLR, which boasts an even longer nonstop range of approximately 5,400 miles—about 1,000 miles further than the 737 and other single-aisle aircraft.

This jet type, with a maximum capacity of under 200 passengers, is perfectly suited for secondary markets where a larger aircraft wouldn't be practical, according to Craig Jenks, an aviation consultant based in New York.

However, Jenks argues that this isn't a limitation at all. He describes the situation as an “embarrassment of riches” in terms of potential markets for airlines with global aspirations. Cities that could be viable options for JetBlue from New York or Boston include Dublin or Shannon in Ireland, and in the U.K., Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Manchester. Nonetheless, major markets like Paris, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt remain enticing due to the high passenger volume and the extensive air and rail connections available to other destinations in Europe.

Jenks notes, “When making this decision, JetBlue faces a choice between being a small player in a large market like Paris or a significant player in a smaller one”—such as Lyon, France.

A lot hinges on the availability of landing and takeoff slots at airports. JetBlue made a strategic move in August 2021 by acquiring valuable slots at London Heathrow, which became available when travel slowed during the pandemic. This summer, as travel rebounded, JetBlue successfully sought to secure these slots more permanently, solidifying its presence at what it calls an “iconic global hub.”

The airline is also set to add a second daily flight starting October 29 between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and London Gatwick (where it launched service in late 2021), increasing its total flights between New York and London to three per day. JetBlue initiated flights from Boston to Gatwick in August, followed by Boston to Heathrow flights in September.

But does it make sense for JetBlue to venture into European markets beyond the U.K.? Analyst Henry Harteveldt of Atmosphere Research believes it does. He explains, “In the airline industry, this is referred to as the ‘network effect.’” He continues, “The more cities an airline includes in its route network, the better each city performs.” While JetBlue remains “a niche player compared to the major carriers” in international air travel, he asserts that adding more European routes will reinforce JetBlue’s identity as a transatlantic airline among travelers.