JetBlue Airways is set to scale back its operations at a key hub on the West Coast as part of a broader reassessment of its network strategy in the aftermath of its unsuccessful merger attempt with Spirit Airlines.
Commencing in June, the airline will implement route adjustments primarily affecting its service at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), opting for a streamlined operation focusing on leisure destinations and regional flights. The revised route map includes Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Liberia (Costa Rica), Las Vegas, Miami, Reno-Tahoe, San Francisco, and Seattle. This move translates to a reduction from 34 to 24 daily flights from LAX, marking a significant shift for JetBlue, which has maintained a presence at the airport for 15 years. However, the carrier intends to maintain its cross-country routes to Northeastern hubs, as well as select well-performing routes such as those to Salt Lake City and Los Cabos.
A spokesperson for JetBlue underscored the airline’s commitment to enhancing customer service, profitability, and operational efficiency. As part of this ongoing evaluation process, the decision was made to discontinue certain routes, transition others to seasonal service, and exit operations in five cities, including Bogotá, Quito, Lima, and Kansas City, due to underperformance. Additionally, the carrier confirmed it would not resume operations in Newburgh, N.Y., a market it served before the pandemic.
JetBlue emphasized that these adjustments will enable the redeployment of its fleet to increase frequencies on successful routes from its focus cities while optimizing aircraft utilization to minimize delays. The airline noted challenges related to aircraft availability, particularly concerning Pratt & Whitney GTF engine inspections.
Affected passengers will be provided with alternative flight options or a full refund, according to the carrier.
These strategic network modifications come on the heels of JetBlue’s $104 million net loss reported in its 2023 Q4 earnings call. The airline is exploring various revenue-generating initiatives, including recently implemented increased baggage fees.
The proposed merger with Spirit Airlines, announced in 2022 with the aim of forming the nation’s fifth-largest airline, was ultimately blocked by a federal judge. JetBlue has since redirected its efforts toward restoring profitability and enhancing its product offering.
JetBlue’s CEO, Joanna Geraghty, affirmed the company’s commitment to refining its network and product offering to cater to leisure travelers while exploring revenue diversification strategies.