JetBlue will offer five daily flights between the UK and the US by October with expansion of its transatlantic network to serve both New York and Boston.
The US low fares carrier has added a non-stop Gatwick-Boston service to flights to New York JFK from both Heathrow and Gatwick which were introduced last year.
The carrier also plans to add a Boston connection from Heathrow from September 20 and an additional Gatwick service to New York from October 29.
JetBlue is deploying single-aisle Airbus A321LR aircraft on its transatlantic routes with 24 Mint suites and 114 economy seats. It claims to be the only airline to offer unlimited, free high-speed wi-fi on UK-US flights.
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Fares to Boston start at £369 and £1,899 in the premium Mint cabin.
Chief executive Robin Hayes said: “Our London service from New York has been an incredible success and we are thrilled to finally bring this highly anticipated service to our Boston customers, a route that has long suffered from high fares by legacy carriers.
“As Boston’s largest carrier, adding this nonstop service to Gatwick will only make us more relevant in our New England focus city and introduce JetBlue to a largely unserved market.”
Greater Boston Convention and Visitor Bureau president and chief executive Martha Sheridan added: “We are thrilled that JetBlue is launching nonstop service between London and Boston. Visitors from the United Kingdom represent our top overseas source market.
“Rebuilding this segment will be critical to the overall recovery of our visitor economy. We share many historical and cultural bonds with the UK and are so excited that JetBlue is investing in this route, which will surely be a great success.”
Gatwick chief commercial officer Jonathan Pollard said: “The addition of JetBlue’s Boston route is fantastic news for passengers and businesses across London and the south-east.
“Boston is not only a wonderful city to visit on holiday – playing a key role in American history – but is renowned as a thriving centre for scientific research, innovation and technology. The wider state of Massachusetts is also a world leader in higher education, with Harvard University one of several top institutions.
“With Gatwick’s direct train links to Cambridge – also known for its top university and as a hub for tech and bioscience industries – as well as more local businesses, this new connection will provide great opportunities for the whole region and beyond.”
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