jetBlue takes minority share in JetSuite charter

New York-based jetBlue airways has taken a minority share in JetSuite, the California-based, fast-growing charter airline according to an announcement made by Robin Hayes, jetBlue’s CEO. Making the announcement at the third-quarter investor call on October 25, he said that JetSuite was “changing the game in short-haul travel in the west coast.”
Launched in 2009, the JetSuiteX brand sells tickets via its website for its up to four-times-daily flights between the California cities of San José, Concord, Carlsbad and Burbank, operating a fleet of 30-seat Embraer 135s which are Wi-Fi equipped and configured in a three-seat row. Already its website announces that it is a jetBlue partner.
According to Hayes, while the present investment is “small”, it could increase, confirming that “We are very active in thinking about how this industry could change and be disrupted in future years. In JetSuite, we see a great opportunity on the west coast in terms of offering customers much more convenient alternative in how to fly.”
Hayes also added that jetBlue was currently working with JetSuite to establish a commercial agreement. “We can bring to JetSuite great access to a bigger customer base and distribution.”
Having lost a bidding war to Alaska Airlines for the acquisition of San-Francisco-based Virgin America, jetBlue has remained keen to expand on its current west coast network, while it has recently added services to Long Beach and expanded its Mint premium intercontinental services.