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The arrival of the No. 9 airline in the nation has already caused airfares between Charlotte and New York to fall by nearly half. The airline announced in April that it would launch its first flight today. It flies four times a day roundtrip between Charlotte and John F. Kennedy International Airport. Beginning July 20th, the airline will begin flights out of Raleigh.
In response to JetBlue's entry, US Airways has cut fares to New York-area airports. US Airways operates 18 daily round-trip flights between Charlotte and LaGuardia and Newark International airports. On Sept. 8, it will add three daily flights to New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport, where JetBlue's Charlotte flights will land.
Various low-fare carriers, including most recently ATA and Independence Airways, have failed to sustain their service at Charlotte/Douglas.
But Neeleman says JetBlue expects to overcome larger rivals because of its strong finances, low fares and better customer service.
"Our customers tend to want to come back," he said.
JetBlue is the sole carrier offering DirecTV on its flights, while providing unlimited soft drinks and peanuts.
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