Is JetBlue finally ready to launch transatlantic flights from Boston? The carrier secured slots for the Summer 2022 season at both Heathrow and Gatwick, making such service possible.
According to the official Start of Season allocation reports published today (LHR, LGW) the carrier acquired the necessary access to serve both London airports. JetBlue holds 116 air traffic movement slots allocated to Boston-Gatwick service, enough for 58 round trip flights. The Heathrow allocation is 310 slots.
Read More: JetBlue’s Mint Studio to London: Most of the premium, none of the crowd
That does not, however, guarantee that the service will operate. Among other considerations, the Heathrow allocation would imply 5x weekly service launching next week. With the flights not yet announced that’s clearly not happening.
Far more likely, however, is a launch of Boston-Gatwick service in mid-July. The published guidance indicates slots will start being used on or about 19 July. This aligns with rumors of the Boston Transatlantic crew base reopening at that same time.
In the initial plan Boston was intended to be part of launching JetBlue’s Transatlantic operations. Things change, however. COVID-19 and other factors forced a delay in the delivery of new aircraft and the launch of new markets.
Read more: JetBlue across the Atlantic: A compelling coach offering to London
With the UK fully open, however, it seems more likely that the carrier can add the Boston service into the mix.
JetBlue will be the only airline operating Boston to Gatwick, should that route launch. It is, however, far from the only operation to London. Delta, United, American, British Airways, and Virgin Atlantic all fly between Boston and Heathrow. And all on much larger planes. Of course, JetBlue faces similar competition at JFK and, at least for now, seems to be holding its own in the market.
Fuel prices are high, but have settled a bit from the spike at the beginning of March. And while the war in Ukraine continues, travelers appear to be back in planning for trips across the Atlantic. Plus, JetBlue management has repeatedly stated intention to make the Boston-London service happen this year.
Mid-July seems about when that should come to pass.
More about the JetBlue London offerings:
- JetBlue boosts coach experience for London service
- JetBlue unveils Mint 2.0, business class cabin for London
- JetBlue makes its London plans official
- JetBlue secures Heathrow slots for London service
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And over at #SouthwestAirlines they’re adding yet more of its undignified cattle call economy fares….boring!
I don’t mind the WN boarding process all that much. It works exactly as advertised, which is better than most alternatives.
I do agree that the WGA+ offering is mediocre at best.