International flights are not yet possible for most travelers but JetBlue is already thinking ahead. The airline is set to offer flights to Vancouver by summer next year. CEO of Vancouver Airport Authority Tamara Vrooman said that “we’re delighted that JetBlue has selected Vancouver as its first Canadian destination with service from YVR to New York City and Boston”.
According to Vrooman, JetBlue’s decision to come to Vancouver is a vote of confidence to the region. Vrooman added that this will attract both business and leisure travelers “when the time is right”.
JetBlue Expansion to Vancouver
JetBlue is currently expanding announcing six other destinations in the US and Honduras. The airline’s head of revenue and planning Scott Laurence said that customers and crew asked them to add flights to Canada. He added, “we can’t wait to shake up the status quo in these markets currently dominated by high-fare carriers”.
Professor David Gillen of the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia, calls JetBlue a good alternative. He said that “it would certainly be a low-fare carrier as far as Canadians are concerned”. Gillen added that the airline offers a real competitive alternative.
Gillen was surprised that the airline is expanding to Vancouver. Offering flights to Canada can be difficult considering fuel taxes and airport charges that are more expensive. But between Toronto and Vancouver, Gillen thinks that Vancouver makes more sense. Air Canada and United Airlines are already offering flights from the US to Toronto.
US-Canada Border Still Closed
The US-Canada border along with the US-Mexico border will remain closed for non-essential travel until May 21, 2021. However, there’s a chance of extension. This report comes a day before the last order was about to expire on April 21.
JetBlue’s plan to offer flights to Canada for next year is a good move considering the vaccination rollout. 26% of US adults completed their vaccination doses. In addition to this, 40% of US adults received at least one dose of the vaccine. And perhaps, by next year, herd immunity could bring back international travel.
