The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority has today confirmed regulatory approval for US airline JetBlue to begin flights to the country. It’s the first time the regulator has issued its own approval for an airline since the UK broke from the European Union at the start of the year. It’s yet another box checked for the New York-based carrier ahead of transatlantic flights beginning this summer.
JetBlue’s approval is firmed up
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced its regulatory approval for JetBlue to fly to London later this year. The CAA notes that this approval will allow the airline to fly from Boston and New York to London, without naming the London airport it will arrive at.
This is notable for a couple of reasons; firstly, it’s yet another hurdle cleared for the US airline to begin its transatlantic services, slated to start in the summer. Secondly, it’s the first time the CAA has issued its own approvals for a scheduled foreign carrier since the UK broke from the European Union.
JetBlue responded to the news stating, “Thank you, @UK_CAA! You might say we’re “chuffed to bits” to start hopping across the pond later this year. See you soon!” A follower asked the airline which airports it plans on flying to in the UK, to which JetBlue confirmed that they are yet to be announced.
Despite still being somewhat in the dark in terms of JetBlue’s chosen airport, this milestone is a key moment in its transatlantic venture. Prior to receiving this approval, the airline could not sell tickets for the route. That would make an announcement somewhat frustrating, as spurring lots of interest in its services without being able to make sales is not ideal.
As such, we fully expect the official announcement of JetBlue’s chosen airport and service launch details in the coming days…
