Why JetBlue Is Planning for an L-Shaped Recovery

As it plans for a possible L-shaped recovery, with a slower rebound that does not not begin until the third or fourth quarter, JetBlue Airways is pausing aircraft cabin updates and delaying plans to expand to London. But even as it conserves cash, the airline still expects to take its first delivery of Airbus' newest narrow-body jet, the A220-300, later this year, barring last-minute changes. It makes some sense. At most airlines, the 2010s were all about aircraft size, with carriers taking a bigger-is-better mentality. They could pack in seats, lowering their unit costs, and watch their profits grow. JetBlue joined this game midway through the decade, racking up big margins with its 200-seat, all-coach Airbus A321s. But the A220 might be the right airplane for the 2020s, at least in the early part of the decade. It is both an ultra-modern, fuel efficient jet, and on the smaller side for an aircraft with coast-to-coast range, seating 140 passengers in JetBlue's configuration. Tha