NEW YORK- In a significant move that marks the end of an era, JetBlue Airways (B6) has tentatively scheduled the retirement of its Embraer 190 aircraft fleet for September 2, 2025.
This decision comes after nearly two decades of service, as JetBlue first introduced the E190 as a launch customer to its fleet in 2005.
JetBlue to Retire Embraer 190 Fleet
According to current plans, the final day of E190 operations will see the aircraft serving several key routes, primarily centered around Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).
These routes include flights connecting Boston to Nantucket (ACK), Buffalo (BUF), Washington D.C. (DCA), Detroit (DTW), New York LaGuardia (LGA), Philadelphia (PHL), and Syracuse (SYR).
Additional E190 services on the last day are expected between Nantucket and Washington D.C., as well as between Nantucket and Westchester County Airport (HPN).
The honor of operating the very last E190 flight is currently slated for flight B6374, which will traverse the route from Syracuse to Boston. However, aviation experts caution that these plans, including the final day of service, are subject to change as the retirement date approaches.
As JetBlue phases out the E190, the airline is set to replace these aircraft with the more modern and efficient Airbus A220 on the affected routes. This transition aligns with JetBlue’s fleet modernization efforts, aimed at improving fuel efficiency and enhancing passenger experience.
Industry analysts at Ishrion Aviation have noted that no E190 flights appear in JetBlue’s schedule beyond September 2, 2025, suggesting this date is the airline’s target for complete retirement of the type. However, they emphasize the possibility of schedule adjustments in the coming months.
Old and Aging E190s
The retirement plan may also involve some route restructuring. There are indications that certain routes previously served by the Embraer 190, and initially planned for the A220, might see service from JetBlue’s A320 aircraft. The Boston to Richmond route is cited as a potential example of this shift.
As the E190s approach their final days with JetBlue, industry observers have remarked on the aircraft’s aging interiors. Unlike many of its other aircraft types, JetBlue never undertook a comprehensive cabin refurbishment program for the E190 fleet.
JetBlue’s site shows that they currently operate a fleet of 20 Embraer E190 aircraft. All of them have different names such as ‘Best in Blue’, ‘Blue Warrior’, ‘Dream Come Blue’, etc, etc.
The average age of the JetBlue Embraer E190 fleet is 15.3 years as of October 2024.
Busiest E190 Routes
JetBlue’s Embraer 190 fleet operates with 100 seats in 2-2 configuration, serving key routes across the United States.
The Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) route tops the list as the busiest E190 service with 341 monthly flights. Despite Washington Ronald Reagan being the second-busiest airport in the area after Washington Dulles, it maintains its significance as an American Airlines hub.
Following closely, the Boston to New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) route secures the second position with 201 flights scheduled for October 2024.
JetBlue’s E190s will connect Boston to New York JFK 139 times in October 2024, offering 13,900 seats on this 187-mile route.
The Boston-Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) route claims the fourth spot, with JetBlue operating 114 outbound and 115 inbound flights.
The longest of the top five E190 routes spans 496 miles, linking Boston to Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT). JetBlue has scheduled 109 outbound and 110 inbound flights on this route for October 2024.
JetBlue E190s operates 100s of regional and short-haul routes across the eastern coast of the country.
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