Originally Posted by MFLetou
Well for that reason I still can't get over the amazing lack of foresight involved in selecting an aircraft that can't complete major routes without a fuel stop a decent portion of the time. Whatevery money they saved by getting a deal from Airbus surely must have been squandered by now by the costs associated with delays from A320s that can't make it across the country.
This topic has been discussed enough already. However, I'll repeat my view and some facts on this one more time:
The A320 is fully capable of flying coast to coast (westbound) without a stop. However, this past winter has brought the strongest jetstreams in history!! When you're flying from the east to the west with a 200+ MPH headwind against you, it makes it kind of tough to go nonstop. Since most of jetBlue's flights are high load factor or sold out, that is more weight and makes it even more difficult. United and America West have experienced this same issue with using their A320-family aircraft on transcon routes. It's not jetBlue's fault that these incredible headwinds existed. This happened this past winter and a little the year before. The environment is changing and when jetBlue purchased the A320, these types of weather patterns simply did not exist. And, the fuel stops you are referring to only took place mainly during one month - February, when the winds were the strongest. There have been no stops whatsoever since and all the eastbound flights make great timing (under 5 hours) due to the tailwinds. jetBlue did get a "deal" from Airbus...but that's because Boeing did not take jetBlue seriously when making an offer. JetBlue's management were al "Boeing Guys" having strong roots from Southwest. That's what business is about - getting the best value and quality for your money. And the A320 is a great airplane - it is fuel efficient, contrary to what you may think. It has a wider cabin for more comfort than the 737 and the technology is just amazing. I still love Boeing and the 737 - but the Airbus product does not have the overall respect it deserves. Fortunately, it is gaining more respect as people around the world notice that they make quality products, just like Boeing. Also, the extra fuel tank which was installed on jetBlue's earliest A320's did not work out and added a great deal of weight to the aircraft - at least 2 (up to 5) of those older ones will be sold and more fleet commonality will exist.