JetBlue on Wednesday announced its second European destination, unveiling plans to begin serving Paris Charles de Gaulle from New York JFK next summer, and will later add flights between Paris and Boston Logan as well.
JetBlue, currently the sixth-largest airline in the U.S., started as a low-cost carrier primarily to leisure destinations from New York and has expanded to compete with legacy airlines across its route map. The airline is expected to grow to number five if regulators approve its merger deal with Spirit.
The New York-based company has branded itself as having “the most legroom in coach” as well as offering free snacks and entertainment on every flight, with enhanced meal service on its transatlantic routes.
“JetBlue is offering something completely unique to what you get from the big global legacy airlines on these routes – where a single high-fare joint venture operates nearly three-quarters of the flying,” JetBlue’s CEO Robin Hayes said in a statement. “The response to our London service is proof that combining great service with low fares works. We can’t wait to bring our reimagined Mint and core offerings to Continental Europe’s most visited city.”
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Here’s what passengers could expect, based on the airline’s existing service between New York and London.
Re-introducing a new level of service
JetBlue introduced a new airplane to its fleet when it started serving London from New York and Boston last year. The single-aisle Airbus A321LRs it uses features 24 lie-flat suites in Mint business class, and around 115 economy and extra legroom seats in the main cabin. It will use these same aircraft on the Paris routes.
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Every passenger will have access to free onboard WiFi and built-in seatback entertainment.
How much will tickets cost?
The airline hasn’t officially announced a start date for flights between New York and Paris, saying only that they’re expected to begin in summer 2023. There’s no timeline for Boston flights to start so far.
As such, tickets are not on sale yet, though the airline said they expect sales to begin “in the coming months.” For reference, JetBlue tickets from New York to London on July 5, returning July 15 start at $1,747.08 round-trip for an economy ticket, or $5,709.18 in Mint business class.
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Air France and partner Delta Air Lines are selling round-trip tickets from JFK to Paris for $1,316.88 in economy and $3,734.38 on those same dates.
Why is JetBlue going to Paris?
Even before announcing its London service, the airline was hinting at larger European ambitions.
France is the second-most popular European destination for U.S. travelers according to JetBlue, and the airline said this new route will help build its profile on the continent and make it a stronger competitor in the transatlantic market.
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The airline also noted that it plans to take delivery of even longer-range Airbus A321-family aircraft suggesting it could later extend to more European destinations or other geographies that are farther afield.
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