JetBlue has now retired its final Embraer E190 aircraft after 25 years of operating the regional jet within its fleet, which has now been fully replaced by the A220-300. In celebration of its final flight, Chief Operating Officer Warren Christie captained the flight, mirroring the historical moment when he captained its first flight. JetBlue was the first airline to fly the E190, and valued its capacity and efficiency.
Coinciding with the E190’s retirement, the airline received its 50th A220. It currently has 52 of the 100 aircraft on order. Alongside the A320, the Airbus aircraft will bring strong economics and an enhanced onboard experience for JetBlue customers. The A220s include 140 Collins Meridian seats, in-seat power, free Fly-Fi Wi-Fi, and seatback IFE. The new aircraft are able to serve a wider network of routes, expanding where the E190 lacked in range.
“I am proud to operate today’s flight, as it marks a significant evolution of our fleet,” said Christie. “The E190 was instrumental in our early years and proved to deliver on critical connectivity in short-haul markets, allowing us to grow into new regions, especially in our New York and Boston focus cities. As one of the originating crewmembers to launch the E190 at JetBlue, it is an honour to pilot our final E190 revenue flight.”
Photo: JetBlue
