JetBlue is getting closer to offering low-cost flights to Europe

Later this year New York-based carrier JetBlue is set to announce transatlantic flights to Europe, with its first destination expected to be London.

JetBlue has been around since 2000 and currently operates more than 100 routes across the US, Caribbean and Latin America. It’s expected to expand this year and make its first foray into Europe, which it has been studying and analysing for years, with transatlantic flights from Boston and New York. An official announcement is set to be made in April and its first European destination is likely to be London.

Speaking to the Independent, JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes hinted that potential transatlantic routes will operate from its major northeast hubs in New York and Boston to either Gatwick or Stansted airports in London. Airline employees have been invited to an event in New York City on 10 April where executives will “chat about JetBlue’s vision and strategy.” An official announcement is expected the following day when Hayes is scheduled to speak at the Aviation Club in London.

“Potential routes to Europe could provide us an opportunity to grow our focus cities of Boston and New York as we consider the best use of our aircraft from a margin perspective in those cities,” JetBlue said in a statement. It’s expected the airline will operate these routes using its new order of Airbus A321-LR aircraft.

JetBlue is one of America’s favourite airlines and in a recent airline study, the low-cost carrier came out as the most comfortable due to its free amenities such as Wi-Fi, snacks and beverages, as well as the extra legroom. If JetBlue does enter the European market it will provide competition to low-cost carriers such as Norwegian Air Shuttle, Wow and Primera who have emerged in recent years to offer lower cost transatlantic routes.