JetBlue – New York’s Hometown Airline – announced it has expanded its presence in the transatlantic market with new, nonstop service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and London Gatwick Airport (LGW). The first customer-carrying JetBlue flight from the U.S. touched down at Gatwick just before 8 a.m. Sept. 30. The flights – which operate four times weekly in October, then daily onward from November – arrive well-timed for the long-awaited easing of U.S. entry requirements for travelers from the UK and other European destinations.
“With a 500% increase in JetBlue’s UK bookings following news of easing U.S. entry requirements for international travelers, it’s clear there is significant pent up demand for travel between our two countries and that our Gatwick launch is well-timed to meet the growing number of customers returning to the skies,” said Joanna Geraghty, president and chief operating officer, JetBlue. “JetBlue’s new service at Gatwick – complemented by our recently launched flights at Heathrow – introduces an all-new choice for London travelers who won’t have to choose between an attractive fare and great service as they reunite with family, friends and colleagues on either side of the Atlantic.”
JetBlue’s arrival at Gatwick brings the U.S. airline’s award-winning service and attractive fares to a second London-area airport. In August, the carrier touched down at Heathrow, marking the start of JetBlue’s first-ever transatlantic service. With JetBlue service established at Heathrow, flights at Gatwick now bring the airline’s London service in line with JetBlue’s successful multi-airport approach in New York, Los Angeles, South Florida, and other regions, where the airline can conveniently serve a wider range of travelers across large metropolitan areas. Additionally, JetBlue is the only carrier flying nonstop between the U.S. and Gatwick, where it will bring exceptional experience and affordable fares that will redefine transatlantic travel.
“The launch of JetBlue’s service between New York and London has been a most welcomed addition to the transatlantic market, and following the recent announcements of simplified travel rules between the U.S. and the UK, the new service to London Gatwick will provide even greater accessibility for Americans to book their next trip to Britain,” said Sheelagh Wylie, chief marketing officer, Americas at VisitBritain. With the festive holiday season around the corner and an exciting year ahead full of events such as the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Coventry City of Culture and many other annual festivals and shows, we are thrilled to welcome JetBlue to its second home in London Gatwick. We look forward to safely having American visitors back to experience the finest British hospitality, our breathtaking coasts and countryside, and our world-class attractions in London and beyond.”
Greetings, Gatwick
Gatwick is the second busiest UK airport and provides JetBlue with an important presence where it can attract a new base of travelers. JetBlue will operate from the North Terminal.
Gatwick travelers benefit from a choice of convenient transport options including direct train links to the City of London via Thameslink and to Brighton and other South East Coastal communities via Southern Railway. The variety of ground transportation options at Gatwick allow JetBlue to serve a wide range of travelers bound for or returning from a variety of U.K. destinations.
“I’m delighted and excited to welcome JetBlue to Gatwick,” said Stewart Wingate, Gatwick CEO. “Travel restrictions between the UK and U.S. start falling away in just days, so fully vaccinated customers can now book this exciting new route with confidence. London to New York is historically the world’s most popular international route and – given JetBlue’s extremely competitive pricing and high-quality service – I expect this new route to be in high demand. Anyone thinking about booking a well-deserved Christmas break or a long overdue business trip to New York should book this new service early to avoid disappointment.”
Flights between New York-JFK and Gatwick initially operate four times per week through October and expand to daily in November on JetBlue’s new Airbus A321 Long Range (LR) aircraft with 24 redesigned Mint suites, 114 core seats and the sleek and spacious Airspace cabin interior.
