- JetBlue to cut some routes as it pushes for profitability
JetBlue Airways announced route and service cuts this week as it strives to regain profitability and contends with the failed Spirit Airlines acquisition.
According to an internal memo acquired by CNBC, JetBlue will suspend flights from John F. Kennedy Airport to Portland, Oregon, San Jose, California, Westchester, New York, and Martha’s Vineyard. October will also see the airline discontinue flights from New York to Ponce and Milwaukee.
Dave Jehn, VP of network planning and airline alliances, wrote to colleagues that the airline must be judicious about where to place their planes to maximise profits, support their network strategy, and ensure reliability.
Refocusing on leisure destinations, the airline added Caribbean and Paris service, the document claimed.
He said JetBlue is leaving Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. He said the airline will “provide a number of options moving forward” to staff. The airline announced it would continue Washington D.C. operations.
Jehn stated that the adjustments were planned for about a month before the court banned JetBlue’s $3.8 billion acquisition of Spirit because to antitrust concerns. Judge William Young’s judgement only prevents the July 2022 merger, not an alternative combination if the airlines choose that path.
JetBlue said the adjustments were “no way” related to the judge’s decision.
JetBlue has made significant changes to its network to support its plan and return to profitability. “All routes included have recently underperformed our expectations and these changes come as post-COVID travel patterns evolve.”
JetBlue also wants to increase reliability.
“Removing some of our less in-demand flights will give our operation more breathing room as we plan for air traffic control challenges in the northeast,” the airline stated.
According to the Transportation Department, JetBlue had 9th-most on-time arrivals in 2023’s first 10 months.
