Jetblue Airways
JetBlue Airways is a major U.S. carrier with a strong presence along the East Coast, in the Caribbean and throughout Latin America. The airline serves more than 100 destinations across the Americas and Europe, including several transatlantic markets.
Headquarters
Long Island City, NY
Pilot Bases
6
Aircraft Fleet
291
Hiring
Not Active
Aircraft Fleet & Notes
JetBlue is slowing near-term fleet growth while continuing to replace older aircraft with Airbus A220s.
As of March 31, 2026, the airline’s operating fleet included 291 aircraft: 129 Airbus A320s, 101 Airbus A321s and 61 Airbus A220s.
JetBlue expects 12 A220 deliveries during 2026, including two received during the first quarter.
The airline currently plans to receive seven A220s in 2027, 11 in 2028 and 10 in 2029, with options to purchase 20 additional A220s.
No A321neo deliveries are scheduled until 2030. JetBlue expects three in 2030 and another 41 aircraft after 2030, reflecting its decision to push most larger-aircraft growth further into the future.
JetBlue also expects to sell one A321XLR after taking delivery rather than adding it to the operating fleet.
JetBlue’s fleet strategy is focused on controlling capital spending, growing the A220 fleet, extending the use of existing aircraft and delaying most A321neo expansion until 2030 and beyond.
Pilot Retirements
Hiring & Career Outlook
Current pilot hiring: JetBlue’s careers page currently shows no open First Officer positions, but pilots can register for job alerts.
2026 hiring target: JetBlue has not published a pilot hiring target for 2026.
Minimum qualifications: JetBlue does not currently list direct-entry First Officer requirements. Gateway Select pilots must earn an unrestricted ATP and at least 1,500 total flight hours before employment.
Fleet size: JetBlue reported 291 Airbus aircraft as of March 31, 2026, including 129 A320s, 101 A321s and 61 A220s.
Fleet deliveries: JetBlue expects 12 A220 deliveries in 2026, seven in 2027 and 11 in 2028, with additional A220 and A321neo deliveries planned later.
Network growth: Fort Lauderdale remains JetBlue’s primary growth market, with capacity up 23% year over year in Q1 2026.
Pilot pathways: JetBlue’s Gateway programs provide selected candidates with conditional First Officer job offers after completing required training and experience.
Overall outlook: Mixed in the near term because no First Officer openings are currently posted and some 2026 capacity has been reduced. The longer-term outlook is more positive, supported by A220 deliveries, Fort Lauderdale growth and established pilot pathways.
Pay Notes
Monthly guarantee: JetBlue lineholders receive a 70-hour monthly guarantee, while reserve pilots receive a 75-hour guarantee.
Minimum daily pay and rigs: Pilots receive a 5-hour minimum duty-period credit and a 5-hour average daily guarantee. The duty rig is 1 hour of pay for every 2 daytime duty hours or every 1.75 overnight duty hours. The trip rig is 1 hour for every 3.5 hours away from base.
Deadhead pay: Required deadhead travel receives 100% pay and 100% credit.
Premium flying: Premium open-time trips pay 150%, voluntary day-off assignments pay 200%, reserve augmentation pays 150% or 175% above guarantee, and inverse or junior assignments pay 200%.
Holiday pay: Flying on six designated holidays pays 200% or four additional hours of pay, whichever is greater.
Reassignment pay: Reassigned flying pays 150% until the pilot returns to the original sequence. Extensions beyond the original return can pay 200% or at least five additional hours, depending on the delay.
Per diem and overrides: Domestic per diem is $2.70 per hour and international per diem is $3.25. International flying adds $6 per hour for Captains and $5 for First Officers. Qualifying overnight segments receive a $13-per-hour night override.
Retirement contribution: JetBlue contributes 17% of eligible pilot compensation to a defined-contribution retirement plan.
Vacation and PTO: Vacation pays and credits five hours per day, or 35 hours per week. Pilots also have a separate PTO bank capped at 510 hours.
Contract status: JetBlue pilots are represented by ALPA and are negotiating a new agreement. The current contract became amendable on February 1, 2025, so pay and work rules may change.