New planes are on the way, and JetBlue plans to resume growth in 2023. But the company anticipates a bit of turbulence along the way. With its A220 and A321neo fleets expanding (10 more expected in 2022, 32 in 2023) the company needs to plan for where they will make the most impact on operations.
Airplanes and Airports
Breeze adds Phoenix routes, Providence base in refactored growth plan
Phoenix is the latest airport to join the Breeze Airways route map. The carrier will launch twice weekly service from Charleston to Provo via Phoenix on its A220 fleet beginning in November. The new flights are part of a half dozen new routes announced this week, along with another crew base being established.
US airlines delivering less efficient operations
A review of employment numbers and schedules suggests the airlines are up to 20% less efficient than in 2019 on a per-employee basis.
DOT proposes major change to airline refund rules
The US Department of Transportation is proposing significant changes to how and when passengers are due refunds for canceled or changed travel plans. Under a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) issued this week the Department would require full refunds when an airline cancels or significantly changes a flight, regardless of reason.
No MAX 7s for Southwest this year
At the beginning of 2022 Southwest Airlines anticipated taking delivery of more than 70 new Boeing 737 MAX 7 aircraft through the year. Seven months into the year, with FAA certification timing still unclear, the carrier revised that number to zero.
JetBlue, Spirit agree to $3.8 billion deal
Four months after starting the conversations, and just a few hours after the Frontier Airlines bid was formally rejected, Spirit Airlines and JetBlue announced a definitive agreement to merge.
Porter Air boosts Embraer E2 commitment in advance of service launch
Porter Airlines has not yet taken delivery of its first Embraer E195-E2 jet, but the carrier already wants more. It announced an order for an additional 20 planes this week at the Farnborough International Airshow.
Boom Overture adds engines in design revamp
Boom Supersonic announced the final design selection for its planned Overture supersonic jet. Now sporting four engines mounted on gull wings, as well as a contoured fuselage, company executives announced the revised configuration at the Farnborough International Airshow outside London this week.
Delta confirms 737 MAX 10 order
Delta Air Lines confirmed an order for 100 new Boeing 737 MAX 10 jets this morning, the first big order announced at the 2022 Farnborough International Airshow. Assuming the plane is really built.
Delta, United both win access to serve Cape Town this winter
Delta Air Lines and United Airlines spent the past five months bickering over a scarce resource: access to fly from the US to Cape Town South Africa. The US DOT managed to negotiate a solution where both come away winners.