JetBlue Airways has announced plans to cut certain routes and services as it strives to regain profitability and grapples with the fallout from its blocked attempt to acquire Spirit Airlines, according to CNBC[^1^]. The airline will cease flights from New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport to Portland, Oregon, and San Jose, California. Additionally, it will suspend service from Westchester, New York, and Martha’s Vineyard, as well as from New York to Ponce, Puerto Rico, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in October[^1^].
Dave Jehn, JetBlue’s vice president of network planning and airline partnerships, stated in an internal memo that the airline needs to be discerning about its flight destinations in order to turn a profit, support its overall network strategy, and maintain a reliable operation. Consequently, JetBlue will focus on leisure routes, expanding service in the Caribbean and adding flights to Paris[^1^].
Another change announced by Jehn is the termination of JetBlue’s “BlueCity” status at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. He assured that the airline will offer several options to the affected staff members[^1^].
JetBlue’s decision to revise its routes was already underway for almost a month before the court ruling[^1^]. The ruling blocked JetBlue’s planned $3.8 billion acquisition of Spirit Airlines on antitrust grounds, but it does not prevent the airlines from considering alternative merger proposals in the future[^1^].
JetBlue Airways did not immediately provide a comment on the matter[^1^].
References:
[^1^]: JetBlue to cut some routes in profitability push days after judge bars Spirit purchase