Article from BTNews 29 APRIL 2019
JetBlue plots longest route
In a possible dress rehearsal for its predicted transatlantic launch, US carrier JetBlue has hailed the impending delivery of its first Airbus A321neo by announcing it will begin non-stop service between New York and Guayaquil in Ecuador next winter.
The airline says the new aircraft’s extended range and increased fuel efficiency make the 4,800km (about 3,000mi) route possible. The A321neo’s range is 7,400 km (about 4,600mi). New York – London is 5,632km (about 3,500 mi).
JetBlue says it will launch the Guayaquil service on 5 December, pending government approval. Flights will operate daily and the route will become the longest in the airline’s network by 200nmi.
In language similar to that used to describe the London – New York route, JetBlue officials have accused other carriers of creating a New York – Guayaquil market with high fares and limited connecting flight choices and says it will bring prices down.
Route planning director Andrea Lusso said: “The A321neo opens up a world of new possibilities as we think about the future of our growing network, building out our focus cities and offering new and unique non-stop routes to our customers.”
(See also ‘London in view for JetBlue’, BTN 15 April).
OUR READERS' FINEST WORDS (All times and dates are GMT)
All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 100 words maximum
John Davidson, France
We'd like to see a Paris service as well. JetBlue impressed me very favourably when I took it (in the US). Bring it to Paris!