JetBlue is selling some of its Airbus A321XLRs before the aircraft join its fleet. This move follows previous aircraft delivery deferrals last year, worth around $3 billion.
The New York-based airline disclosed Tuesday that it had agreed to sell two A321XLRs. As part of the deal, JetBlue will initially take delivery of the aircraft before finalizing the transaction.
JetBlue did not disclose who purchased the two jets.
“ These XLR deliveries would result in a costly orphan fleet of two aircraft for the remainder of the decade,” the airline’s chief financial officer, Ursula Hurley, stated during an earnings call.
The carrier announced an order for 13 A321XLRs in 2019. Delivery of the longer-range narrowbody aircraft was initially slated for 2023, but has since been delayed.
Currently, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Wizz Air, and Qantas are operating the A321XLR. American recently took delivery of its first XLR, which is grounded due to supply chain woes.
By the end of 2025, JetBlue plans to consolidate its fleet to two aircraft types: the A220 and A320-series. Its long-time workhorse, the Embraer E190, is slated for retirement in the fall.
