JetBlue Adds Flights from DCA, Boosts US Capital Network

In line with an announcement made in Jun 2014, low-cost carrier JetBlue Airways Corp. (JBLU) has launched three new routes from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) which are Fort Myers (RSW) Jacksonville (JAX) and West Palm Beach (PBI) in Florida.

Under the new extension, JetBlue will offer two daily non-stop flights to Jacksonville along with every day flights to Fort Myers and West Palm Beach. However, the expectations of high demand for air travel, owing to the holiday season, especially between Dec 19 and Jan 4, has encouraged JetBlue come up with a second daily flight to Fort Myers as well as West Palm Beach.

So far, in 2014, JetBlue has significantly enhanced its Washington, D.C. operations by adding a total of six routes and also increasing flights to existing destinations.

In sync with these developments, in Mar, 2014, JetBlue had flagged off two daily flights to Charleston, SC and Hartford, CT and one daily to Nassau, Bahamas from DCA. Likewise, in Jul 2, 2014, JetBlue added a second daily service from DCA to Tampa, FL. Apart from expanding JetBlue’s reach, the new low-fare non-stop services from DCA will strengthen the carrier’s operations in the capital city.

The recent DCA expansion can be seen as an outcome of JetBlue’s slot wins in the airport, which it grabbed form American Airlines Group Inc. (AAL). The latter had to divest slots at DCA to complete the merger between the erstwhile American Airlines and U.S. Airways Group.

Hence, we believe that its increased flight frequencies coupled with low fares will not only enhance travelling options for the Washington travellers but will also boost passenger revenue for JetBlue carrier going forward.

JetBlue currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Some Zacks Ranked #1 (Strong Buy) stocks worth considering within this sector are Delta Airlines Inc. (DAL) and Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV).