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JetBlue continues to streamline its operations at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) by cutting unprofitable routes such as Newark and Orlando. The airline’s failed bid to acquire Spirit Airlines has put it more focused on profitability and meeting demand. It will instead focus on year-round service to key destinations such as Boston and New York.
JetBlue Airways is further scaling back operations at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in the coming months after the airline said earlier this year it was cutting a third of its operations at the airport and dropping four routes entirely.
Of course, the move comes after JetBlue’s failed bid to buy ultra-low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines left it scrambling to chart a path to profitability and align its product with passenger demand.
Three more markets to leave the City of Angels
The airline plans to cut three more East Coast markets from its LAX network, according to Aeroroutes and aviation data and analytics provider Cirium.
Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Photo: Leonard Zhukovsky | Shutterstock
JetBlue operates an Airbus A320 between Los Angeles International Airport and Buffalo International Airport daily, and the service will continue through July 31. Throughout this month and next, the airline plans to offer about 19,800 seats before the suspension. The route first opened in June 2016 and grew in popularity as it was the only airline offering nonstop service between the two destinations.
Reduced capacity to New York area
The remaining two routes, LAX-EWR and LAX-MCO, are scheduled to see significant cuts this fall. EWR is a newer market than LAX, first introduced in November 2020. The airline operated the route three times a day to meet increased demand as pandemic restrictions were eased. After the 2020 holiday season, frequency was reduced to two flights per day before increasing again to three times a day in the spring of 2021.
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JetBlue continues to accommodate the surge in travel, increasing its frequency to four flights per day from 2022 to 2023. Despite operating more flights from Los Angeles International Airport to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), the EWR market appears to be profitable so far. The company competes with United Airlines, the largest operator between LAX and EWR, as well as Alaska Airlines and Spirit Airlines, which also operate daily flights on the route.
Photo: JetBlue Airways
From this month through September, JetBlue will operate the route with three flights most days. In October, service will increase to four flights most days, with the final flight on October 26. Reducing Los Angeles-EVA Air flights seems like a viable option to cut costs, as it could redirect passengers to JFK. However, it could be inconvenient for passengers who prefer EVA Air. It would also reduce EVA Air’s premium business class capacity, as the airline operates Mint-equipped A321s on the route.
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JetBlue began service between LAX and MCO in January 2017. Though the route itself has steady demand throughout the year, the airline has only ever operated daily flights during peak periods. The route, which uses A320s, will officially cease service on September 3.
Operations reduced to eight cities
The route cuts from LAX join a larger round of service cuts JetBlue is making at the airport. Earlier this month, the airline formally cut service to eight destinations: San Francisco, Seattle, Miami, Las Vegas, Reno, Puerto Vallarta, Liberia and Cancun.
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With the elimination of EWR and MCO, JetBlue will only operate year-round service from LAX to Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Los Cabos, Nassau, New York JFK and Salt Lake City. Service to Hartford, Connecticut and West Palm Beach will be offered seasonally.
Los Angeles International Airport
IATA/ICAO code: LAX/KLAX
Country: United States
CEO: Justin Elbach
Number of passengers: 48,007,284 (2021)
Runways: 6L/24R – 2,721m (8,926 ft) |6R/24L – 3,318m (10,885 ft) |7L/25R – 3,939m (12,923 ft) |7R/25L – 3,382m (11,095 ft)
Terminal: Terminal 1 | Terminal 2 | Terminal 3 | Tom Bradley International Terminal | Terminal 4 | Terminal 5 | Terminal 6 | Terminal 7 | Terminal 8