JetBlue expands Caribbean and Mint service while streamlining network with route cuts

JetBlue is making significant changes to its network, with a focus on Puerto Rico and North America. The New York-based carrier announced a major shake-up that includes adding new destinations from San Juan, Puerto Rico, while cutting routes and scaling back winter Europe offerings.

The airline will be adding six new destinations from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, including nonstops to the East Coast, Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America. This expansion will see JetBlue serve 18 destinations from Puerto Rico, with an average of 40 daily departures from San Juan.

In addition to the expansion in San Juan, JetBlue is planning to fly to two new cities in the Caribbean from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. The carrier is also redeploying its Mint-equipped jets to new routes within North America, offering passengers a premium experience with lie-flat seats and impressive dining options.

However, these network enhancements come with some cuts as well. JetBlue will be reducing service from New York’s LaGuardia Airport, cutting routes to destinations like Atlanta, New Orleans, and Nassau. The airline will also be scaling back its winter Europe service, halting flights to London’s Gatwick Airport and reducing service to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport.

These changes are part of JetBlue’s efforts to get back to profitability, following previous adjustments such as hiking checked bag fees and implementing dynamic pricing. The airline’s CEO, Joanna Geraghty, emphasized the focus on leisure travel and the importance of leveraging the carrier’s strengths in the industry.

Overall, these network changes reflect JetBlue’s strategic realignment to better position itself in the competitive airline market, with a renewed focus on key markets and routes that align with its business objectives.