JetBlue Airways has signed a code-sharing deal with a public-private charter airline, a “first” in the history of such agreements.
The new deal, which goes into operation on May 1 with JetSuiteX, offers several potential advantages to JetBlue.
Two-year-old JetSuiteX will broaden JetBlue’s penetration on the West Coast, with flights among Burbank, Concord, Oakland and Las Vegas.
At this time, however, the code-share deal does not include connecting flights to or from JetBlue’s network; customers must arrive and depart from JetSuiteX’s private terminals and FBOs for their JetSuiteX operated flights.
The service is likely to be particularly attractive to passengers on JetBlue’s upgraded transcontinental Mint service. They can continue their journey with JetSuiteX’s semi-private flying experience, traveling between private terminals for commercial airline prices.
JetSuiteX offers comparable legroom on E-135 aircraft with power ports at every seat, free cocktails and snacks and free seat assignments.
The carrier strives for a luxurious feel, with 30 seats per aircraft covered in soft leather.
JetBlue may see opportunities in its relationship with JetSuiteX to boost its future competitive position with Delta Air Lines.
Delta operates Delta Private Jets with a fleet ranging from small light business jets to 11-passsenger aircraft.
Competition between Delta and JetBlue has heated up in recent years in the form of various turf wars.