Alerts Sign-up
JetBlue Airways, which marked its 25th anniversary since commencing operations in February 2000, continues to operate some of its original Airbus A320 aircraft. The airline initially started with two aircraft, serving routes from New York JFK to Buffalo and Fort Lauderdale, later adding Tampa.
The decision to choose the Airbus A320 as the standard aircraft for JetBlue was influenced by several factors. JetBlue founder David Neeleman had previously been part of Southwest Airlines' executive team and attempted to secure similar pricing from Boeing for his new venture. However, Boeing's refusal led JetBlue towards Airbus. According to former CEO David Barger, "This airline was going to be a Boeing airline, I kid you not... Then Airbus came in and showed they really wanted the business."
As of January 2025, JetBlue operates nearly 300 aircraft across various types including A220-300s, A320-200s, A321-200s, A321neos, and E190s. Despite plans to retire older models like the E190s and replace them with newer ones such as the A220s and A321neos, delivery delays have affected these transitions.
