US airline JetBlue has launched its first direct services between Ireland and America.
The carrier will fly daily between Dublin and John F Kennedy Airport in New York, as well as Dublin and Logan International Airport in Boston.
“JetBlue’s entrance into Dublin is set to introduce a new era of low fares and great service between Ireland and the Northeast,” said the airline’s recently appointed Irish-American CEO, Joanna Geraghty.
JetBlue will fly the Irish routes between now and 30 September and will use Airbus A321neo aircraft.
It will offer two onboard seat options – a 144-seat economy cabin called Core and a premium business class-style experience called Mint with 16 lie flat suites.
The carrier claims to offer an elevated level of service in its Core cabin, with free wifi, more legroom and innovative meal options.
The development is likely to increase competition on transatlantic routes out of Ireland, already served by Aer Lingus and a number of other airlines.
The new routes come at a time when Dublin Airport operator daa is seeking to have the passenger cap at the airport increased from the current 32m to 40m as it reaches capacity.
“The arrival of JetBlue to Dublin Airport is very good news for both passengers and Ireland and these new direct routes between Dublin and New York and Boston are going to prove really popular,” said Gary McLean, Managing Director, Dublin Airport.
“Demand for transatlantic travel has never been higher, with stronger than ever business links continuing to grow between Ireland and the US.”
“These new services from JetBlue will mean greater choice and value for our passengers and Dublin Airport looks forward to working with JetBlue to ensure they are a flying success.”
The addition of the route will be seen as an important development for the tourism industry here, as visitors from the US make up 20% of total overseas visitors to Ireland each year.
“As an island destination, we know there’s a proven correlation between direct, convenient access and growth in inbound tourism, so these new flights will certainly help boost visitor numbers and the overall economic value of tourism from the United States in 2024 and beyond,” said Alice Mansergh, chief executive designae of Tourism Ireland.
“Tourism Ireland is committed to working with JetBlue, Dublin Airport and our other key partners, to drive demand for these transatlantic flights, and all other services to Ireland, to help maintain our vital network of routes and services.”
But the launch of new transatlantic routes will once again lead to questions about the growth of airline emissions at a time when they should be coming down.
JetBlue says it has set science-based targets which aim to cut aircraft emissions in half on a per-seat basis by 2035 from 2019 levels.
Its goal is to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2040, ten years ahead of broader industry targets.
The airline is currently sourcing sustainable aviation fuel from three suppliers in the US and is also working with other organisations around investment in the fuel.
It has used Neste SAF for its first Irish flights and says it is exploring additional SAF opportunities in its transatlantic destinations.
