U.S. carrier JetBlue Airways (NASDAQ:JBLU) is entering the Canadian market.
The popular U.S. airline, based in Long Island City, New York, is expanding into Canada for the first time, announcing that it will offer service from Vancouver International Airport to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and seasonal flights to Boston’s Logan International Airport beginning in the summer of 2022.
JetBlue’s expansion comes at a time when Canada’s battered airline industry is slowly regaining footing with added routes across the country and a federal aid package for Air Canada (TSX:AC).
However, analysts have cautioned that Canadian airlines could be vulnerable to foreign competitors that have been bolstered by more sector-specific aid from their governments.
Along with debut flights to Canada, JetBlue also announced that it will grow its presence in the U.S. Midwest, Southeast, Texas and Latin American markets. JetBlue also plans to expand service between the key destinations of Boston and New York.
JetBlue’s expansion drew praise from the head of Vancouver’s Airport Authority.
"We’re delighted that JetBlue has selected Vancouver as its first Canadian destination with service from Vancouver to New York City and Boston," said Tamara Vrooman, President of the Vancouver Airport Authority, in a news release.
