JetBlue (JBLU) has extended its schedule for transatlantic operations between New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and London Heathrow Airport (LHR) until at least October 2022.
The New York carrier had initially gained temporary slots for flights to London Heathrow. But after securing a slot extension through to October 31, 2022, JetBlue (JBLU) believes that the route between FKJ and LHR could remain open for good.
“We are committed to collaborating with regulators as well as the U.S. and U.K. governments to identify a pathway to staying at Heathrow for the long-term. There’s so much more good we can do as we grow this route if we are allowed to stay and compete,” said Robin Hayes, chief executive officer of JetBlue (JBLU).
JetBlue (JBLU) made its first flight to London Heathrow with its brand-new Airbus A321 Long Range aircraft on August 12, 2021. The carrier was the latest to try its luck on the transatlantic route and enter the competition between well-established rivals such as British Airways or Virgin Atlantic.
Before entering the transatlantic competition, travelers were limited to “expensive flights between JFK and Heathrow, especially in the premium travel segment”, according to JetBlue (JBLU).
JetBlue (JBLU) offers customers greater flexibility when choosing between carriers, price range and services.
“More competition and choice between airlines deliver even better value for passengers at Heathrow which is why we will continue to support JetBlue’s (JBLU) long-term future at the U.K.’s hub airport,” said Heathrow Airport’s chief executive officer, John Holland-Kaye.