JetBlue, the launch customer of the Embraer E190 in 2005, appears to be unable to take its entire fleet out of service.
Currently with 38 active jets, the US airline has accelerated its replacement with the Airbus A220, a larger and more economical jet.
And the results are eye-catching. According to JetBlue, in 2023 US$75 million were saved with the fleet modernization program, a value that is expected to reach US$100 million this year.
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Last year, JetBlue removed eight 100-seat E190s from service and received 10 A220-300s, which are configured with 140 seats. In other words, a 75% increase in the number of seats available.
So far, in 2024, the carrier has received five more A220s and retired four Embraer jets.
Almost 40% greater range
The airline’s plan was announced in 2022 and calls for all 38 remaining E190s to exit service next year.
JetBlue has 100 A220-300s on order, of which 29 aircraft have already been delivered. With greater autonomy, the jets enable new direct routes that are further away than the E190.
There is 3,400 nm (almost 6,300 km) of range compared to the 2,450 nm (4,500 km) of the E190, or 39% more.
For JetBlue, operational savings are key amid strategic replanning following the failure of its proposed acquisition of Spirit Airlines.
