Today marks 23 years since JetBlue commenced operations. On February 11th, 2000, the low-cost carrier’s first flight departed New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), bound for Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).

Just 19 months later, on September 11th, 2001, the face of aviation changed forever, but the young and dynamic carrier survived the subsequent downturn, and has gone on to show impressive growth. Since then, JetBlue has grown to become the sixth-largest airline in the US by passengers carried, and today it boasts a staggering 290 aircraft in its fleet.

What have been some of JetBlue’s key achievements and milestones since the airline was established by WestJet and Azul Linhas Aéreas founder David Neeleman?

Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock

A look back over the past 23 years

March 2008 – JetBlue established its hub at Orlando International Airport (MCO), allowing it to extend its presence further into Central and South America, operating to destinations such as Bogotá (BOG) and San José (SJO).

October 2008 – the airline inaugurated its flagship home at JFK Terminal 5, at a cost of $800 million. Further expansion of its primary hub has recently begun into Terminal 6, which is expected to open in 2026.

October 2013 – JetBlue’s took its first step into premium service, launching the Mint product. Featuring lie-flat seats, Mint was initially available on transcontinental and select Caribbean routes.

May 2015 – JetBlue became one of the first US airlines to be granted a license to fly to Cuba, and on August 31st, 2016, the carrier went on to operate flight 387 from Fort Lauderdale to Santa Clara (SNU) – the first commercial service between the two nations in 54 years.

Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

November 2016 – the airline’s retro livery was unveiled on one of its Airbus A320s, registered as N763JB. The livery is still flying today, and for the past week, the aircraft has been based at Fort Lauderdale, flying to destinations including Guayaquil (GYE), Medellín (MDE), and Cancún (CUN).

June 2020 – despite the aviation industry being ravaged by the pandemic, JetBlue managed to launch a variety of new routes, taking advantage of emerging markets and changing travel trends. The airline’s recovery has since gone from strength to strength, returning to profit in Q4 of 2022.

December 2020 – JetBlue took delivery of its first Airbus A220-300, becoming the second US carrier to operate the type, after Delta Air Lines. Today, JetBlue has 12 Airbus A220s in its fleet, which will replace the airline’s Embraer E190 aircraft over time.

February 2021 – the carrier introduced an upgrade to its industry-leading Mint product, to include the Mint Suite, which would be installed on its A321LRs and selected A321neos.

Photo: JetBlue

August 2021 – JetBlue launched its long-awaited Transatlantic operations, initially from JFK to London Heathrow (LHR), with flights to London Gatwick (LGW) following one month later. The airline’s Transatlantic network has since expanded to reach three daily flights between JFK and London (including a recently announced daytime eastbound service), and daily services connecting Boston (BOS) with London Heathrow. Flights from JFK to Paris (CDG) will also begin this summer.

What does the future hold?

Two key themes dominate JetBlue’s plans over the coming years – sustainability and expansion. The airline recently announced its aim to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, which it will achieve by a number of means, including further investment in sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and by improving ATC efficiency.

When it comes to expansion, the Spirit Airlines merger saga is still ongoing. Following a lengthy bidding war between JetBlue and Frontier Airlines, shareholders at Spirit Airlines approved JetBlue’s $3.8 billion merger in October 2022. The Department of Justice (DOJ) is due to issue its verdict soon.

Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

Further fleet expansion is also on the horizon, and the airline has 148 aircraft on order – 86 Airbus A220-300s, 39 Airbus A321neos, 12 Airbus A321LRs, and 11 Airbus A321XLRs. JetBlue has not yet revealed where it plans to send its Airbus A321XLRs, but given the airline’s tendency to disrupt the market, we should expect the unexpected.

The above list is by no means exhaustive, and there have been, without doubt, many more highlights along the way. What is your favorite JetBlue milestone from the past 23 years? Share your memories of traveling with the airline by commenting below.