JetBlue Retires Embraer E190, Completes Transition to Next Generation Airbus A220-300
JetBlue honors Embraer E190 legacy with a commemorative event recognizing decades of service and trust
The fleet transition is accompanied by another milestone – JetBlue's 50th Airbus A220-300 delivery
JetBlue (NASDAQ:JBLU) today celebrated a significant milestone in its 25-year history: the final revenue flight of its Embraer E190 (E190) aircraft, marking the official retirement of the aircraft from JetBlue's fleet. As the airline bids farewell to the aircraft that helped propel it through a period of expansion and innovation, JetBlue ushers in a new era of efficiency, performance and comfort now with an all-Airbus fleet, including the modern Airbus A220-300 (A220).
The final E190 flight, which operated today, honored nearly two decades of loyal service. Customers, crewmembers, and invited guests aboard commemorative flight #190 from New York's JFK to Boston enjoyed festive gate-side events in both cities—the same cities where JetBlue's E190 service first took off in 2005. As a special tribute, JetBlue's Chief Operating Officer Warren Christie captained the flight, just as he did for the inaugural journey, joined by several original crewmembers and guests.
"I am proud to operate today's flight, as it marks a significant evolution of our fleet," said Christie. "The E190 was instrumental in our early years and proved to deliver on critical connectivity in short-haul markets, allowing us to grow into new regions, especially in our New York and Boston focus cities. As one of the originating crewmembers to launch the E190 at JetBlue, it is an honor to pilot our final E190 revenue flight."
With 100 customer seats, JetBlue was the first airline in the world to fly the E190. This aircraft played a pivotal role in expanding JetBlue's reach, introducing millions of customers to its signature experience and helping cement the airline's reputation for friendly service and exceptional onboard comfort.
Welcoming the Future: The Airbus A220
The retirement of the E190 coincides with another major milestone: the recent delivery of JetBlue's 50th Airbus A220 aircraft. To date, JetBlue has received 52 of its 100 A220 aircraft on order, simplifying its fleet to two types: the Airbus A320 and A220 families. The A220 is a cornerstone of JetBlue's ongoing fleet modernization strategy, offering best-in-class economics and a superior onboard experience for customers.
JetBlue's A220 cabins are configured with 140 Collins Meridian seats all featuring the signature JetBlue experience including the widest seats in JetBlue's fleet, spacious overhead bins and custom designed seatback storage, easy-to-reach in-seat power with AC, USB-A and USB-C ports, extra-large windows, fast and free Fly-Fi® and personalized inflight entertainment at every seat.
The A220 continues to unlock new possibilities for route expansion, including for transcontinental markets where the E190 was not equipped for the range needed. Its lower direct operating costs and optimized fuel efficiency are important steps that align with JetBlue's financial goals and JetForward strategy.
About JetBlue
JetBlue is New York's Hometown Airline®, and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles, Orlando, and San Juan. JetBlue carries customers to more than 100 cities throughout the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean, Canada, and Europe. For more information and the best fares, visit jetblue.com.
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