JetBlue’s inaugural flight between New York and London flew into Heathrow this morning marking a new era in lower transatlantic fares, according to the airline.
US carrier JetBlue began a daily service that will expand to Gatwick in late September and to Boston in 2022 offering return fares from £329 ($599) in economy and £999 ($1,979) in premium class cabin Mint.
JetBlue chief executive Robin Hayes declared the New York JFK-Heathrow market has “suffered outrageously high fares for too long” and said: “We’re ready to change that.”
Speaking at Heathrow, Hayes said: “We’re crossing the North Atlantic for the first time in JetBlue’s 21-year history and competing in one of the busiest travel markets in the world, well-positioned to introduce our award-winning service and low fares to a new global audience.
“Travellers finally have the ability to enjoy low fares while also experiencing superior service.”
JetBlue will operate the flights with long-range Airbus A321LR aircraft. Unlike most aircraft crossing the Atlantic, the A321s have a single aisle and can only operate shorter routes between the Northeast US and Europe.
Hayes said: “The A321LR offers the range of a wide-body with the economics of a single-aisle aircraft.”
The airline offers 114 economy or ‘core’ class seats and 24 in Mint (business class).
The initial schedule to and from Heathrow Terminal 2 is temporary, made possible by JetBlue acquiring temporarily freed-up slots at the airport.
Hayes explained: “The pandemic opened doors to London’s two busiest airports.
“Our initial schedule [at Heathrow] is made possible due to temporary slot availability. We continue to work with slot coordinators and the US and UK governments to identify long-term pathways to continue serving Heathrow.”
Flights operate between New York and Heathrow initially once a day, arriving into Heathrow at 10:10 and departing at 14:05.
The UK opened to fully vaccinated US arrivals on August 2, however the US remains closed to UK travellers. It’s hoped travel to the US may resume by late September, pending a decision by the US administration.
JetBlue plans to launch a daily service between Gatwick and New York JFK on September 29, departing Gatwick at midday.
Hayes said: “We look forward to welcoming UK travellers to the US soon.”
It is due to take delivery of three A321LRs this year, with additional aircraft scheduled for 2022 due to operate the Boston service.
The carrier’s economy class boasts industry-leading legroom, live TV, free internet and complimentary snacks and soft drinks. Its Mint cabin offers 24 lie-flat seats with sliding doors..
JetBlue is based in New York and flies across the US, Caribbean and Latin America, but this was its first service beyond the Americas.
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