JetBlue is currently facing significant challenges. The airline has transformed into a smaller version of a fee-based legacy carrier, sacrificing much of its competitive edge. As a result, it is now struggling financially and attempting to fend off activist investor Carl Icahn.
The company's turnaround strategy involves downsizing to achieve profitability. JetBlue has significantly reduced its operations in Los Angeles and made cuts to transatlantic flights. It has also announced the termination of numerous routes and plans to exit 15 cities entirely. Additionally, the airline has deferred the delivery of 44 new aircraft and will reduce its operations at Washington's National Airport by 27% this winter.
Concerns about pilot wages have arisen among JetBlue's workforce. Earlier this year, the airline offered to pay pilots not to fly. Now, aviation watchdog JonNYC reports that JetBlue will be paying pilots to retire early. He describes these as "credible rumors," indicating confidence in their validity despite the lack of an official announcement from the company.