Tag Archives: JetBlue

JetBlue Airways introduces its “Vets in Blue” Airbus A320 logo jet

JetBlue Airways (New York) today unveiled its latest logo jet on this Airbus A320-232 registered as N775JB (msn 3800). The pictured “Vets in Blue” special livery was unveiled in time for Veterans Day tomorrow (November 11). The airline issued this statement, photos and video:

JetBlue Airways, New York’s Hometown Airline TM, is celebrating this Veterans Day in a rather unique way. Today the airline is honoring a group of current and former members of the United States Armed Forces spanning several generations, with a special charter flight from New York to Washington, DC and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Upon arrival at New York’s JFK Airport, this select group of veterans will receive a treat as the airline reveals its newest livery, “Vets in Blue.”

The inaugural flight on the “Vets in Blue” aircraft will include nearly 120 veterans who were nominated for a trip from JFK to Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) in Washington, DC. Much to their surprise, JetBlue is saluting these service members by welcoming them aboard as the first travelers on “Vets in Blue.” The first “Vets in Blue” flight will also include JetBlue crewmembers who are veterans of military service.

Fittingly, the first two pilots in the cockpit and the four inflight crewmembers will consist of all veterans. “We are excited to publicly introduce our ‘Vets in Blue’ aircraft and pledge our ongoing support for all members of the U.S. military, whether presently serving or veterans of past service. To christen this newly decorated livery, JetBlue invited military guests spanning from Junior ROTC cadets of Aviation High School to veterans of World War II to be among the first guests on this special aircraft,” said Jeff Martin, first officer for this special charter flight. Martin is currently senior vice president of operations at JetBlue and a former U.S. Air Force pilot.

After arriving at DCA, JetBlue will host a luncheon in DCA’s historic Terminal A where Margaret E. McKeough, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, General Stanley McChrystal, JetBlue board member and JetBlue’s President, Robin Hayes, will provide inspirational remarks. Following the luncheon, veterans and other guests from the Cradle of Aviation Museum & Education Center, USO, the National WWII Museum, Purple Heart Homes, the American Legion, and the U.S. Army Soldier for Life Program will receive personalized tours of some of the veterans monuments of our nation’s capital, including the Disabled Veterans, WWII, Vietnam and Lincoln Memorials.

“‘Vets in Blue’ is JetBlue’s unique way to salute veterans both at our airline and in our local communities. It is our duty to honor the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms. Our ‘Vets in Blue’ livery and program is a small symbol of our appreciation and support for our military service members,” said Dave Barger, chief executive officer, JetBlue Airways.

This freshly designed aircraft, painted blue and adorned with a yellow ribbon, a popular symbol of support for our nation’s troops, is just one way JetBlue honors those who have selflessly served and fought for our freedoms. In addition to the “Vets in Blue” livery, JetBlue’s “Vets in Blue” platform includes:

A commitment to veteran hiring – JetBlue is committed to veterans hiring and recently partnered with 100,000 Jobs Mission, an organization committed to helping transitioning service members and other veterans find employment. With more than 1,100 veterans currently employed by the airline including 193 hired this year, JetBlue also recently launched VetConnect, its first vet-to-vet peer mentoring program. This initiative helps newly hired veteran crewmembers transition from military service to life at JetBlue.

Home For the Holidays (b) – This Veterans Day, JetBlue would like to help veterans and active duty military make it home for the 2014 holiday season. Customers can nominate their veteran friends for a chance to receive a JetBlue flight by submitting their stories from November 10-20, 2014 at JetBlue.com/military. JetBlue will provide flights based on seat availability to selected veterans throughout December 2014. Customers are encouraged to share their veteran’s desired travel dates and home cities. JetBlue will select and notify the lucky recipients directly. Subject to contest rules and conditions.

A discount for veterans in partnership with Veterans Advantage: JetBlue, in partnership with Veterans Advantage, is also introducing a new discount program for U.S. active duty military, retired Veterans, National Guard and Reserve and their families (a). Members enrolled in Veterans Advantage will receive a 5 percent discount off of base fares on JetBlue flights with no blackout dates. JetBlue will also waive its standard $25 phone booking fee when Veterans Advantage members call 1-800-JETBLUE to book with their discount. Members enrolled in TrueBlue, JetBlue’s loyalty program, will also earn points from their trips for use on future travel. Active military members and their dependents will be able to pre-board flights and check up to five bags for free when traveling on duty or two bags for free on leisure trips (c). For more information visit JetBlue.com/military.

“Vets in Blue” is the latest addition to JetBlue’s exclusive legion of partnership aircraft celebrating organizations and causes, including “Blue Bravest,” which raises awareness for the FDNY Foundation, and “I Love New York,” highlighting New York State Tourism. On Veterans Day, customers are encouraged to keep an eye out for a first glimpse of “Vets in Blue” as it travels to destinations including Boston, Dallas, Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood, New York, Orlando and Washington, DC.

The new “Vets in Blue” platform and livery is just one example of JetBlue’s ongoing support for men and women in uniform. JetBlue proudly supports veterans causes by providing financial support and engaging in partnerships with organizations including Wounded Warrior Project, Bob Woodruff Foundation, Long Beach Waterfront Warriors, Fisher House, Rangers Lead the Way Foundation, Yellow Ribbon Fund, Commit Foundation, Alethia and the National WWII Museum. JetBlue also recently donated space for the USO Center T5/JFK, the first center at a New York area airport in nearly a decade. The thousands of troops and their families who pass through JFK every year now have a new place to call home. The new fully stocked Center is located in JetBlue’s T5 and is open seven days a week, 365 days per year.

To assist avid plane-spotters, or veteran supporters, the currently scheduled flights* of tail number n775JB “Vets in Blue” is as follows:

*Flights are subject to change based on operational necessity.

JetBlue Airways aircraft slide show:

Video:

JetBlue Airways launches its new “Fly It Forward” program

JetBlue Airways (New York) has issued this announcement:

JetBlue Airways launched Fly It Forward, a social movement inspired by its own crewmembers and carried on by customers passing along one ticket on a continuous journey throughout the JetBlue network. Fly It Forward fliers are fulfilling a dream, joining a humanitarian effort or making a meaningful impact on the world. The program starts with an act of humanity and a great story to tell; awarding a flight to a deserving individual. Once a trip is complete, the flier will then pass that opportunity on to the next traveler they help select, continuing a chain of goodness that will travel throughout the JetBlue network. JetBlue and its ad agency, Mullen, developed this program to create a tangible manifestation of the brand’s mission — to inspire humanity.

To celebrate the launch, JetBlue released a video (above) featuring the first four fliers to participate in Fly It Forward.

Highlighting the virtues of the program, the video also calls for the public to submit their own nominations for deserving travelers for the next fliers to choose from so they can continue to Fly It Forward.

The Fly It Forward site will be the hub of all conversations and activity, documenting each flier’s story and encouraging consumers to share their nominations. Twitter serves as the lead social platform, where consumers submit or nominate stories using #FlyItForward. New winners will be selected by the previous fliers and announced every other week as the Fly It Forward ticket travels across the JetBlue network.

As a brand dedicated to treating people with humanity, evidenced by its consistent delivery of unparalleled customer service, JetBlue looked to its crewmembers to unearth stories of potential Fly It Forward nominees. These crewmembers played a critical role in providing the foundation for today’s launch.

To date, JetBlue crewmembers have enabled the ticket to travel between four fliers from Chicago, New York, Seattle and Haiti. Stories span the themes of inspiration, resilience and perseverance, the pursuit of one’s passion, and dedication to youth education and community relations. One of the featured fliers includes Louis Elneus, who established the first public library in Haiti. Nominated by Crewmember Jay Sequiera, Louis returned to Haiti to deliver new books for the start of the school year as he continues to inspire youth education and literacy.

And now JetBlue is enlisting the public to help continue this journey. Consumers can follow the stories as they unfold at jetblueflyitforward.com and help write the next chapter by submitting their own entry or by nominating a story through Twitter using #FlyItForward.

Video:

JetBlue Airways Aircraft Slide Show:

JetBlue Airways today launches three seasonal routes from Boston

JetBlue Airways (New York) today (November 1) launches three new seasonal routes from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). JetBlue now offers seasonal weekly services to Liberia, Costa Rica; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; and Saint Lucia.

Earlier this year, the carrier introduced service from Boston to Detroit, Michigan, and Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, Georgia.

Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A320-232 N828JB (msn 5723) with Sharklets departs from Washington (Reagan National).

JetBlue Airways Aircraft Slide Show:

JetBlue today launches its premium Airbus A321 Mint service on the New York JFK-San Francisco route

JetBlue Airways (New York) today (October 26) launches its interpretation of premium service, Mint, between New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

The airline continued with this statement:

Mint, which launched on June 15 between JFK and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), has quickly proved a success with both customers and media. JetBlue is also ramping up service between New York and San Francisco in the coming months, increasing to up to five daily roundtrip flights by first quarter 2015.

JetBlue’s critically acclaimed Mint service features the widest seat and longest fully-flat bed in the U.S. domestic market and four private suites among the 16 seats. With the introduction of Mint, JetBlue is now the only airline in America and one of the few in the world to offer customers a private suite. The Mint Experience also features a 15-inch flat screen with 100+ channels of DIRECTV® programming and more than 100 channels of SiriusXM® satellite radio.

Mint

JetBlue has teamed up with a number of unique partners to provide a distinctive product with Mint. From a tapas-style menu curated by popular New York City restaurant Saxon+Parole, wines selected by its new wine expert Jon Bonné (Wine Editor of the San Francisco Chronicle), and customized amenity kits from Birchbox, to organic desserts by Blue Marble Ice Cream and a sweet treat from Mah-ze-Dahr Bakery, Mint customers will enjoy the latest products and delicious cuisine providing refresh-mint, entertain-mint and rejuvenation during and after their flight.

Mint is available on the brand new Airbus A321 aircraft that are being continuously added to JetBlue’s fleet. JetBlue’s A321 fleet with Mint will total 11 aircraft by the end of first quarter 2015.

JetBlue already provided unlimited snacks and soft drinks, an offering that will be expanded aboard Mint aircraft. To add even more to the core experience on New York-Los Angeles/San Francisco flights, JetBlue created the Inflight Marketplace concept for all new Airbus A321s, a complimentary self-serve station full of snacks, soft drinks and water for customers to enjoy at their convenience throughout the flight.

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. The A321s have the unique Prism tail design. Airbus A321-231 N923JB (msn 5960) climbs away from Los Angeles bound for New York (JFK).

JetBlue Airways Aircraft Slide Show:

JetBlue Airways Corporation reports a third quarter net profit of $79 million

JetBlue Airways Corporation (JetBlue Airways) (New York) today reported its results for the third quarter 2014:

Operating income of $164 million in the third quarter. This compares to operating income of $152 million in the third quarter of 2013.

Pre-tax income of $132 million in the third quarter. This compares to pre-tax income of $119 million in the third quarter of 2013.

Net income for the third quarter was $79 million, or $0.24 per diluted share. This compares to JetBlue’s third quarter 2013 net income of $71 million, or $0.21 per diluted share.

“Today, we are pleased to report record third quarter earnings,” said Dave Barger, JetBlue’s Chief Executive Officer. “We saw improved profitability across our network, reflecting the success of our efforts to differentiate our product and culture and maintain competitive costs. I would like to thank our 15,500 crewmembers for their dedication to running a safe airline and delivering outstanding service to our customers.”

Operational Performance

JetBlue reported record third quarter operating revenues of $1.5 billion. Revenue passenger miles for the third quarter increased 5.9% to 10.1 billion on a capacity increase of 4.5%, resulting in a third quarter load factor of 86.2%, an increase of 1.2 points year over year.

Yield per passenger mile in the third quarter was 13.96 cents, up 0.9% compared to the third quarter of 2013. Passenger revenue per available seat mile (PRASM) for the third quarter 2014 increased 2.4% year over year to 12.03 cents and operating revenue per available seat mile (RASM) increased 1.4% year over year to 13.00 cents.

Operating expenses for the quarter increased 5.7%, or $75 million, over the prior year period. Interest expense for the quarter declined 7.8%, or $3 million, due to JetBlue’s focus on debt reduction. JetBlue’s operating expense per available seat mile (CASM) for the third quarter increased 1.2% year over year to 11.61 cents. Excluding fuel and profit sharing, CASM(1) increased 2.6% to 7.13 cents.

Fuel Expense and Hedging

JetBlue continued to hedge fuel to manage price volatility. Specifically, in the third quarter JetBlue had in place hedges for approximately 23% of its fuel consumption and managed approximately 7% of its fuel consumption using fixed forward price agreements (FFPs). This resulted in a realized fuel price of $3.05 per gallon, a 2.7% decrease over third quarter 2013 realized fuel price of $3.14. JetBlue recorded $1 million in losses on fuel hedges that settled during the third quarter.

JetBlue has managed approximately 34% of its fourth quarter projected fuel requirements using a combination of FFPs, jet fuel swaps and caps. Based on the fuel curve as of October 16th, JetBlue expects an average price per gallon of fuel, including the impact of hedges, FFPs and fuel taxes, of $2.80 in the fourth quarter.

Liquidity and Cash Flow

JetBlue ended the quarter with approximately $742 million in unrestricted cash and short term investments. In addition, JetBlue maintains $550 million in lines of credit.

During the third quarter, JetBlue repaid approximately $61 million in regularly scheduled debt and capital lease obligations. JetBlue plans to repay approximately $128 million in regularly scheduled debt and capital lease obligations in the remainder of 2014.

Fourth Quarter and Full Year Outlook

For the fourth quarter of 2014, CASM is expected to decrease between (3.0)% and (1.0)% versus the year-ago period. Excluding fuel and profit sharing, CASM in the fourth quarter is expected to increase between 1.0% and 3.0% year over year.

CASM for the full year is expected to increase between 0.5% and 2.5% over full year 2013. Excluding fuel and profit sharing, CASM in 2014 is expected to increase between 2.5% and 4.5% year over year.

Capacity is expected to increase between 5.0% and 7.0% in the fourth quarter. For the full year, capacity is expected to increase between 4.0% and 6.0%.

Copyright Photo: Jay Selman/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A320-232 N821JB (msn 5417) with Sharklets arrives at the John F. Kennedy International Airport base in New York.

JetBlue Airways Aircraft Slide Show:

JetBlue Airways to provide iPad minis to its flight attendants

JetBlue Airways (New York) has announced it will provide each inflight crewmember with an iPad mini for use as a point of sale and document management device. Crewmembers who will be working Mint flights, JetBlue’s new premium service offering between New York (JFK) and Los Angeles (LAX) and soon San Francisco (SFO), will be among the first to use this new technology onboard, and by April 2015, every inflight crewmember will have a device for onboard use.

In addition to deploying tablets, the airline is also debuting the In-Flight Service Assistant (IfSA), a purpose-built application and crew portal through which crewmembers can access key business applications to help facilitate the delivery of exceptional customer service and enhance operational efficiency while onboard. JetBlue also plans on releasing other core business applications that will provide Crewmembers with easy access to any forms, manuals and other resources that will streamline its operation and enhance the airline’s award winning service.

“We’ve recently made a number of exciting and innovative onboard enhancements to enrich the customer experience, such as expanding inflight entertainment, introducing Fly-Fitm and being the first US carrier to allow customers to use portable electronic devices gate-to-gate,” said Joanna Geraghty, Executive Vice President, Customer Experience, JetBlue Airways. “It’s clear the connected cabin is the next big thing, and with the introduction of iPad minis, our inflight crewmembers will be able to know more about our customers onboard and will have a better sense of real time opportunities and challenges on the ground as we look for ways to enhance our customers’ experience with that information. With this new tool, the possibilities are endless.”

Currently, JetBlue’s inflight crewmembers can use the IfSA app on their iPads to access an electronic manifest that not only shows if there are customers with special needs onboard, but also identifies TrueBlue and Mosaic customers. The iPads also assist crewmembers in completing onboard purchases as a point of sale device and contains translation technology that can translate questions, comments or concerns from customers in any language.

By December 2015, not only will inflight crewmembers be able to access their schedules, review their hotel and transportation information and acknowledge changes, but the airline can potentially provide them with limited access to customers’ JetBlue flight and onboard purchase history in an effort to personalize the onboard experience for better customer relationship management.

Since the successful implementation of iPads for JetBlue’s pilots as electronic flight bags in November 2013, the iPad mini was subsequently deployed for the inflight crew. Now, both groups can conveniently work together in a connected environment and provide real-time responses to any number of situations that may arise. Additionally, inflight crewmembers will have the ability to preempt or proactively address service recovery issues while onboard.

JetBlue is progressively rolling out Fly-Fi satellite broadband internet service across its fleet. As of today, 61 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft were outfitted with this lightning fast service.

JetBlue Airways:

JetBlue to launch a nonstop New York JFK-Curacao route on December 2

JetBlue Airways (New York) will launch a new route to Curaçao International Airport (CUR) from JFK International Airport (JFK) on December 2, 2014, providing the only nonstop service from New York. The twice weekly service will operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Curaçao, which is part of the ABC islands that also includes Aruba and Bonaire, is considered a hidden gem amongst all Caribbean island destinations, renowned for its diving, beaches and unique architecture. The historic island is already a popular destination for European travelers and its capital, Willemsted, is a UNESCO World Heritage City.

JetBlue’s flights to Curaçao will be operated on a 150-seat Airbus A320.

Copyright Photo: Jay Selman/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A320-232 N587JB (msn 2177) in the special “Building Blocks” motif arrives at the New York (JFK) hub.

JetBlue Airways:

JetBlue today launches seasonal service to Hyannis, Massachusetts

JetBlue Airways (New York) today (June 26) launches seasonal service to Barnstable Municipal Airport in Hyannis, Massachusetts. The Capital of the Cape is the airline’s 86th destination and is JetBlue’s 64th nonstop route from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. JetBlue will be the only airline connecting New York City with Cape Cod, one of the country’s most popular summer destinations, offering seasonal service with one daily flight between June 26 and September 9, 2014.

Copyright Photo: Jay Selman/AirlinersGallery.com. Embraer ERJ 190-100 IGW N178JB (msn 19000004) arrives at the New York (JFK) hub.

JetBlue Airways:

JetBlue Airways announces two new routes from Washington Reagan National Airport

JetBlue Airways (New York) today announced two new nonstop routes from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to Fort Myers (RSW) and West Palm Beach (PBI) in Florida. The two routes will launch on December 18, 2014 and operate during the winter season. The airline today also launched three new routes from DCA to Charleston, SC (CHS), Hartford/Springfield (BDL) and Nassau, Bahamas (NAS). Additionally, JetBlue will boost its existing service to Tampa, Florida, with a second daily flight effective July 2, 2014.

The new routes and increased frequency follow the allocation of 12 slot pairs to JetBlue by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) as a result of divestitures from the American Airlines-US Airways merger. More flights will be announced this summer as JetBlue continues to ramp up its presence at DCA.

JetBlue entered the Reagan National market in 2010, becoming the airline’s 62nd destination. With the three new routes launched today, the airline now offers 24 daily flights, with service to Boston, Charleston, Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood, Hartford/Springfield, Nassau, Orlando and Tampa, as well as San Juan, Puerto Rico. New service to Ft Myers and West Palm Beach will both launch on December 18, 2014. JetBlue will operate up to 30 roundtrips per day at DCA by the end of 2014.

Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A320-232 N665JB (msn 3348) arrives at Reagan National Airport (DCA).

JetBlue Airways:

JetBlue sells LiveTV to the Thales Group for $399 million

JetBlue Airways (New York) announced today it has completed its sale of its wholly-owned subsidiary LiveTV to Thales Group for $399 million in cash. The sale will allow LiveTV to continue the innovation that has set it apart as the leader in inflight entertainment (IFE) and onboard connectivity under Thales ownership. JetBlue will maintain its relationship with LiveTV to continue providing customers with differentiated, industry-leading inflight entertainment and connectivity products.

LiveTV is the leading provider of live IFE and connectivity systems for commercial airlines. In 2013, LiveTV and its partner ViaSat introduced Ka-band satellite-driven onboard connectivity, a game-changing technological advancement.

Meanwhile Bloomberg Businessweek is taking a look at the challenges facing JetBlue (and others) in providing high speed inflight Internet service. Read the full article: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com. Showing off the LiveTV antennae on top, Airbus A320-232 N821JB (msn 5417) banks before landing at Washington (Reagan National).

JetBlue Airways: