JetBlue's first Airbus A220 completes maiden flight
Wednesday was an exciting day for Airbus and JetBlue.
The New York-based carrier's first Airbus A220 has completed its initial test flight. The jet took off from the planemaker's Mobile, Alabama, assembly line and returned safely after nearly six hours aloft.
JetBlue expects delivery of the aircraft by year's end, with plans to begin passenger flights in early 2021. This will be the first of 70 A220 aircraft on firm order by the airline.
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The A220-300 departed Mobile at 11:39 a.m. local time with clear skies. It then circled over the Gulf of Mexico, performing various test sequences, before touching back down at 5:22 p.m.
Related: Airbus delivers its first U.S.-assembled A220 from Mobile, Alabama
The jet features a new tailfin dubbed “Hops” by JetBlue. The airline says that the design is inspired by the idea of “connecting many short trips together as part of a larger journey” — or “hopping.”
While we don't know yet what routes the plane will fly, in May, JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes hinted at higher-frequency routes like those between Boston (BOS) and Washington Reagan National (DCA). However, high-frequency routes like these have seen some major cuts due to the pandemic, so it's possible that the plane will launch on more leisure-oriented routes.
Related: Why the new Airbus A220 is popular with airlines during the coronavirus pandemic
The A220s will be laid out in a 2-3 all-economy configuration with a mix of standard and Even More Space seating for around 130 passengers. As with the rest of JetBlue's fleet, each seat will have personal in-flight entertainment screens and the aircraft will be outfitted with free high-speed Wi-Fi. The planes are intended to replace the carrier's 100-seater Embraer E190s, which are expected to be phased out by 2025.
JetBlue will become just the second U.S. operator of the A220, after Delta Air Lines, which debuted the plane in early 2019. The airline plans to add seven more A220s next year and eight in 2022.
For more on JetBlue, see:
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There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
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- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. |
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Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.60,000 bonus pointsAnnual Fee
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Why We Chose It
There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees