JetBlue Strikes Deal with Airbus

JetBlue announced Tuesday it placed a massive order with Airbus for 60 A220-300 aircraft scheduled for delivery beginning in 2020.

The new Airbus planes, formerly known as the Bombardier CS300, will ensure the best financial performance of JetBlue and provide maximum flexibility to execute the carrier’s network strategy.

The deal also includes an option for 60 additional aircraft beginning in 2025. In addition, JetBlue officials announced it will reshape its Airbus order book, including converting its order for 25 A320neos to the A321neo and adjusting the delivery schedule.

“We are evolving our fleet for the future of JetBlue, and the A220-300’s impressive range and economics offer us flexibility and support our key financial and operating priorities,” JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes said in a statement. “As we approach our 20th anniversary, the A220, combined with our A321 and restyled A320 fleet, will help ensure we deliver the best onboard experience to customers and meet our long-term financial targets as we continue disciplined growth into the future.”

The new Airbus A220-300 planes offer passengers wider seats, spacious overhead bins, and extra-large windows, while the 40 percent less fuel burn per seat than JetBlue’s current E190 fleet will reduce the airline’s emissions.

JetBlue is scheduled to receive the first five aircraft in 2020 and deliveries will continue through 2025. The carrier expects to reduce its existing fleet of E190 aircraft beginning in 2020 and phase out the planes completely by 2025.