Except for the fact that they’re designing a new business class for these transatlantic flights....”Mint Plus” or maybe they’ll call it something different. Plus all the logistics of an Etops program and getting that approved by the FAA. Also the backlash from the Big 3 to ensure Jetblue isn’t successful in this endeavor. Other than that you’re right, zero risk, just another mint route.

RefreshMint :p is more of an A321 door config change than a TATL reason. ETOPS is a fixed cost, and competition is something we are used to.

I can’t think of a lower risk growth opportunity to be honest.

ETOPS is a known quantity. Most US airlines are/have been ETOPS, (including Virgin America :eek: ). Its not a risk.

That being said. We are a very risky airline. Heck, we fly red eyes into South America with broken airplanes. What we lack is belief in our ability to compete in new US markets.

Refreshmint....I like it! I think there’s a real chance that Jetblue falls flat on their face with this. Being successful in the Transatlantic market requires operational excellence, something Jetblue doesn’t have in spades. That’s why I think there’s a big risk.

It cant be a bigger failure than Cuba.

No they are just going where the money is. In FLL we command a fare premium over SWA amazingly JetBlue is popular down there. They know Miami would make money so why not go? If you want to grow somewhere with an iffy new route you need solid other routes that make money to help offset that new route. Just like Delta can afford to take a hit it Boston because it hurts us and ATL DTW and their other hubs can make up for it.

Yeah but is there anything wrong with a low risk growth route? They better do it otherwise you are just letting someone else take that money

I don’t think there are any other US carriers who could realistically start BOS/JFK-Europe except the Big 3 who already do it. It is low risk for us because we already have great market share and brand recognition in those 2 markets. I think Mint TATL will be a big success and we will expand beyond this first phase.

Same was said with BOS and short haul business markets. We are killing it financially, but we suck operationally. Frustrating for front line employees, but company is making profits. We’ll see how Europe does, and anything can happen, but I bet it is a financial success.

Who knew operational excellence was required for the Atlantic market. Exactly what level just so we all know??

The LR fleet will be fairly small, and won't be subject to delay programs/ground stops. I can't think of another US carrier with higher exposure to delays than us, if you could erase EDCTS from our network you'd see a noticeable jump in on-time. If that gets you within 10% on-time of your competition, you think your average customer really notices? Airline A has an 8/10 chance of getting you to London on time, Airline B has a 9/10 chance.