JetBlue Will Start Flights from JFK to Ecuador, With the New A321neo

JetBlue is opening a new route between New York JFK and Guayaquil, Ecuador, one that's going to be possible thanks to its newest aircraft, the Airbus A321neo. The route will open in December this year. Currently, JetBlue flies to Guayaquil from Fort Lauderdale, but its current airplanes do not have the range to make it there from JFK.

Flights from New York (JFK) to Guayaquil (GYE) are pending government approval, however, upon receiving approval, flights will begin on December 5th, 2019. A single daily round-trip flight will be offered. Flight B6 1769 from New York to Guayaquil will depart at 2:00 PM and arrive at 9:04 PM. The return flight will be a red-eye departing at 10:55 PM and arriving the next day at 5:13 AM. Flights between New York and Guayaquil are not yet available for purchase. Tickets will go on sale "soon", according to JetBlue, with details to be made available in at a later date.

The airline expects the new aircraft to enter into service this summer.

"The introduction of the A321neo to our fleet opens up a world of new possibilities as we think about the future of our growing network, building out our focus cities, and offering new and unique nonstop routes to our customers," Andrea Lusso, director of route planning at JetBlue, said. This is not, however, the A321neo LR version that will launch JetBlue's flights to London in 2021. The LR will have even longer range than the standard neo variant.

While passengers will notice the quieter cabin and larger overhead bins, the aircraft is quite similar to JetBlue's fleet of Airbus A321s already in service. The major difference is with the engines; "neo" stands for "new engine option." With the first-generation A321 approaching 30 years since its maiden flight, Airbus introduced a more fuel-efficient model in 2016 with new engines, which burn 20 percent less fuel per seat. That gives the plane longer range. The LR version, with additional fuel tanks, enables it to comfortably cross the Atlantic.

Passengers will aso experience JetBlue's updated in-flight product. The updated product will feature JetBlue's newly re-designed seats, updated cabin branding, new in-flight entertainment, faster satellite-based Wi-Fi, and mood lighting. Most Airbus A321neos will feature JetBlue's EvenMoreSpace and core economy class product. According to the airline, the Airbus A321neos to be delivered this year will not feature JetBlue's Mint cabin, the business-class product which debuted on the first generation Airbus A321s in 2013.

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