JetBlue upped its order book on the A220 to 100 frames, converting 30 options from its existing portfolio. Under the expanded order book the carrier will now take delivery of 92 new A220-300s through the end of 2026.
We’re already seeing benefits from the eight A220s we’ve added to the fleet, and we’re very happy to have more on the way. We’ve seen double-digit increases in customer satisfaction scores, and these fuel-efficient aircraft support our leadership in reducing carbon emissions. With 30 additional A220s on order, we’re in a position to accelerate our fleet modernization plans to deliver stronger cost performance and support our focus city network strategy.
– Robin Hayes, chief executive officer, JetBlue
With the additional A220s now planned for delivery by the end of 2026 the carrier is also able to revise its plans for retirement of the Embraer E190 fleet. Initially JetBlue planned to retire the E190 fleet by 2026. Last summer those plans shifted, with the carrier expecting to return its leased fleet, but keep the 30 owned E190s in service after 2026. With the 30 new A220s now expected to arrive by 2026 the owned E190s return to the chopping block. JetBlue is back to its 2026 planned exit of the type.
Read More: On board the JetBlue A220 inaugural
The revised schedule sees deliveries peak in 2024, with 27 new A220s expected, according to the company’s SEC filing.
The JetBlue A220s feature 140 Collins Meridian seats, with USB-A, USB-C, and AC power at every seat. They also offer embedded in-flight entertainment screens, powered by the Thales AVANT platform and complimentary Fly-Fi in-flight WiFi connectivity, powered by Viasat.
Read More: JetBlue’s A220 Fly-Fi: A bit different behind the scenes
“It is very rewarding to see a happy customer coming back for more aircraft not even a year after entry into service of its first A220. We salute our friends at JetBlue on this landmark deal,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International. “Over 700 A220 orders to date underscore the strong market appetite for this all-new single aisle aircraft.”
JetBlue’s initial A220 order, placed in 2018, covered 60 firm aircraft deliveries and 60 options. The carrier converted 10 of those options in 2019. With these additional 30 conversions JetBlue still holds 20 options for future deliveries. At 100 firm orders JetBlue is now the largest committed customer for the type, passing Delta’s 95 planes.
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