JetBlue Airways is evaluating the possibility of serving more than one London airport under its plan to start transatlantic flights to Europe in 2021.
Speaking at the Aviation Festival in London on 5 September, JetBlue chief operating officer Joanna Geraghty said that the airline is looking at London Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton and Stansted as potential arrival points.
"We could a see scenario where we fly to multiple London airports," she adds.
Earlier this year, the US carrier disclosed that it will launch transatlantic flights in 2021, with services to London from New York John F Kennedy and Boston.
The decision was prompted by success of the airline's Mint premium class, which JetBlue introduced in 2014 on Airbus A321s on transcontinental and some Carribbean routes, the carrier said at the time.
JetBlue foresees, in particular, a niche for premium travellers on routes to Europe.
Geraghty asserts that the airline offered travellers in the past 50% fare reductions on routes, which it launched in competition to established operators.
For the transatlantic flights, however, the New York-based carrier intends to improve its premium class.
Geraghty says that the Mint product – which includes lie-flat seats – will be "upgraded" to include "many features [which] customers expect on transatlantic flights".
Meanwhile, discussions appear to be under way with airlines in Europe to offer JetBlue's transatlantic passengers options for potential further onward travel.
Noting that JetBlue co-operates with around 50 other carriers today, Geraghty confirms that the airline will establish partnerships for its European flights too - and she does not rule out a partnership with EasyJet.
Asked whether JetBlue will co-operate with the UK budget carrier – EasyJet chief executive Johan Lundgren was attending a panel discussion with Geraghty, alongside Emirates Airline president Tim Clark – she responded: "You never know."
Source: Cirium Dashboard
