JetBlue Is Flying to Europe: Breaking Down the Competition

JetBlue Airways on Wednesday revealed what had been the worst-kept secret in aviation: It plans to expand to Europe, with service from Boston and New York. The airline’s executives teased European routes repeatedly over the past several years to media, employees, and investors. Meanwhile, its lawyers have been active in public regulatory filings, objecting several times when U.S. and European airlines sought antitrust immunity. JetBlue believes regulatory agencies should make it easier for new entrants to fly transatlantic routes, not prop up the established players. The flights will begin in 2021, the airline said, a much later timeframe than many had anticipated. Still, JetBlue’s launch of transatlantic flights could disrupt the market, especially in the fight for premium-class passengers. Just as its Mint business-class cabin shook up the U.S. transcontinental market five years ago, analysts say its lower-priced premium cabin could siphon off customers from the U.S. Big