JetBlue Adds New European Routes While Cutting Back on Less Profitable Services
JetBlue is making a major shakeup to its European flight schedule, adding seasonal routes from Boston to Madrid and Edinburgh while continuing its strategy of cutting back on unprofitable routes across its network.
Beginning in May, JetBlue will offer seven daily nonstop flights to Europe during the summer, with the Madrid and Edinburgh routes operating seasonally from May 22 to October 24.
“By aligning our schedule with peak season demand, we’re capitalizing from a business perspective while delivering the destinations and experiences our customers love,” said Daniel Shurz, JetBlue’s head of revenue, network and enterprise planning.
The addition of new European routes comes as JetBlue seeks to restore profitability.
The airline informed staff last week that it would cut its second JFK-Paris flight and terminate its summer service from JFK to London Gatwick. This follows previous winter schedule cuts that saw almost one-third of JetBlue’s European capacity cut, with London Gatwick experiencing the most significant reductions.
Conversations remain ongoing concerning crew members in Miami.
These moves are part of a broader repositioning of JetBlue’s network. Following the loss of its proposed merger with Spirit Airlines and leadership changes, JetBlue has been trimming routes deemed unprofitable. This streamlining is shaping a strategy that concentrates on New York and Boston as hubs. JetBlue has also determined it will cut flights from Fort Lauderdale to Jacksonville; JFK to Austin, Houston, Miami and Milwaukee; and from New York’s Westchester County to Milwaukee.
The airline is working on alternative arrangements for crew members based in Miami.
A combination of factors is driving JetBlue’s decisions.
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