JetBlue Retires E190, completes transition to Airbus A220-300

JetBlue has marked a major milestone in its 25-year history with the final revenue flight of its Embraer E190, officially retiring the aircraft from its fleet. As the airline bids farewell to a type that supported a key phase of growth and innovation, it now enters a new era of efficiency, performance and comfort with an all-Airbus fleet, led by the modern Airbus A220-300.

The final E190 flight, operated today, paid tribute to nearly two decades of dedicated service. Customers, crew members and invited guests on commemorative flight #190 from New York JFK to Boston enjoyed celebratory events at the gates in both cities—the same two that saw the launch of JetBlue’s E190 operations in 2005. As a special honour, JetBlue’s Chief Operating Officer, Warren Christie, captained the flight—just as he did on the inaugural service—joined by several original crew members and guests.

Warren Christie, JetBlue’s Chief Operating Officer, expressed pride in operating the milestone flight, describing it as a significant step in the airline’s fleet evolution. “The E190 was instrumental in our early years and proved to deliver on critical connectivity in short-haul markets, allowing us to grow into new regions, especially in our New York and Boston focus cities. As one of the originating crewmembers to launch the E190 at JetBlue, it is an honor to pilot our final E190 revenue flight.”

With 100 customer seats, JetBlue became the first airline in the world to operate the E190. The aircraft played a pivotal role in extending JetBlue’s network, introducing millions of travellers to its signature experience and helping to establish the airline’s reputation for friendly service and outstanding onboard comfort.

The retirement of the E190 coincides with another major milestone: the recent delivery of JetBlue’s 50th Airbus A220. To date, the airline has taken delivery of 52 of its 100 A220s on order, streamlining its fleet to just two types—the Airbus A320 and A220 families. The A220 remains central to JetBlue’s fleet modernisation strategy, combining class-leading economics with an enhanced onboard experience for customers.