US carrier JetBlue (JBLU) is adding another 30 Airbus A220 aircraft by exercising options, which will help it drive forward fleet modernization plans.
The US carrier currently has eight A220s in operation. Chief executive Robin Hayes highlighted the jet’s fuel-efficiency, cost performance plus an increase in customer satisfaction as reasons behind the decision to exercise the options.
“We’re already seeing benefits from the eight A220s we’ve added to the fleet, and we’re very happy to have more on the way,” Hayes commented in a statement on February 15, 2022. “With 30 additional A220s on order, we’re in a position to accelerate our fleet modernization plans to deliver stronger cost performance and support our focus city network strategy.”
JetBlue (JBLU) initially ordered 60 A220 jets in 2018, with options for a further 60. It converted 10 of the 60 options to firm orders in 2019, meaning the additional 30 options converted today gives it a total 100 either in its fleet or on order.
The carrier took delivery of its first A220 in December 2020, commencing operations in April 2021. It is set to welcome delivery of its ninth A220 in February 2022. Nine more A220s are scheduled for delivery in 2022, followed by another 21 in 2023.
“It is very rewarding to see a happy customer coming back for more aircraft not even a year after entry into service of its first A220,” Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International commented.
The A220 aircraft will replace JetBlue’s (JBLU) Embraer 190 fleet. The newly converted options allow the airline to speed up this process and it says the last E190 will exit its fleet in 2026. The JetBlue A220s seat 140 passengers in a two-by-three configuration.