JetBlue's Great European Tease Is Almost Over

JetBlue Airways has a transcontinental premium product customers like, and one it has proven it can deliver at a low cost, and with reasonable fares. So it's obvious the airline should expand to transatlantic routes, where roundtrip business class fares can top $8,000, right? Not exactly. As I wrote on Monday, JetBlue's decision about whether to fly from Boston and New York to Europe is more complicated than it may appear. While its core customers are cheering it on, JetBlue faces several potential issues, including increased competition, aircraft range, and airport access. JetBlue is now weighing whether the advantages outweigh the drawbacks. The good news is the analysis is almost over. JetBlue has promised its employees it will have more to share this year. That timing makes sense, because JetBlue must inform Airbus whether it wants to convert an existing order into the new A321LR, or long-range, aircraft. My guess is that JetBlue will go for it. My rationale is simple. The airline's top executives have been talking for two years about Europe to media and analysts. Had they been unsure, wouldn't they have deliberated in private? But who knows. JetBlue could also stick with flying in the Americas, where competition is more forgiving and where it does not need a new long-range airplane. What do you think? Is JetBlue expanding to Europe? — Brian Sumers, Senior Aviation Bu