0 min left

Emboldened by American alliance, JetBlue Expands to Vancouver and Six Other Destinations

Even though the American-JetBlue alliance may be reviewed by the U.S. Department of Justice, the New York-based carrier is wasting no time leaning on the partnership to expand their presence. For the first time in their history, JetBlue will add one new Canadian destination to their map in a seven-city expansion.

JetBlue is continuing their plans for international expansion with their first scheduled commercial service across the United States’ northern border. In a press release, the New York-based carrier announced Vancouver International Airport (YVR) will be their first Canadian destination, with service to and from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

Vancouver Highlights Seven-City Expansion for JetBlue

Graphic courtesy: JetBlue

According to the airline, the first Canadian airport served by JetBlue is in response to customer demand. As the post COVID-19 pandemic recovery will be driven by “visiting friends and relatives” travel, the airline and local officials believe the new addition will be a strong route.

“We’re delighted that JetBlue has selected Vancouver as its first Canadian destination with service from YVR to New York City and Boston,” Tamara Vrooman, president & CEO of Vancouver Airport Authority, said in the press release. “By selecting YVR, JetBlue has signaled a vote of confidence in our region as a premier destination, and our airport as a trusted partner, that together will attract a mix of business and leisure travelers when the time is right to fly again.”

The seasonal route out of Boston and year-round service from JFK is the highlight of the new routes to a total of seven seasons. Other international cities getting new JetBlue flights include San Pedro Sula Ramón Villeda Morales International Airport (SAP) in Honduras and Puerto Vallarta Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport in Mexico. New domestic service will be added to Milwaukee, Asheville, North Carolina; San Antonio, Texas; and Kansas City, Missouri.

In addition, JetBlue is also planning to triple their presence at New York’s LaGuardia International Airport (LGA). By Summer 2022, the airline wants to offer 50 daily departures from the airport, using slots owned by American Airlines from their previously announced alliance. JetBlue will also add their code to over 30 American flights, further expanding their codesharing agreement. In turn, American will also bolster their service out of the two New York airports made possible through the alliance.

JetBlue-American Alliance Could Still Face Scrutiny in Justice Department Review

Although the two airlines have ambitious plans to expand service and grow their codesharing options, their partnership could still face government scrutiny. Reports suggest the alliance could be subject to an antitrust review by the U.S. Department of Justice in the near future.

3 Comments
S
SUPERTRAVEL April 24, 2021

> According to the airline, the first Canadian airport served by JetBlue is in response to customer demand. Customer demand? I didn't think Americans could go to Canada and Canadians could not go to the U.S.

B
BC Shelby April 23, 2021

....nice that they added MKE. Finally a quality airline there again since the demise of Midwest. Nice to see KCI added as well.

O
OZFLYER86 April 22, 2021

hope this means more frequent flyer options for those with qantas frequent flyer points