EMBRAER, the Brazilian ”plane maker, has delivered its first EMB 190 to New York based JetBlue Airways. When it goes into service, probably in early October, it will herald in a new era with budget travel. Never before has a so-called ”low cost” airline ventured away from the Airbus or Boeing norm. It means that JetBlue will also operate with two distinct aircraft types; a practice easyJet is also following for the present time. The new aircraft are fitted out with leather seats and digital entertainment systems for each passenger. However, instead of two rows of three seats the narrower smaller Embraer jet is two plus two, in fact a more comfortable ride for the passenger and more akin to Business Class travel. The new aircraft though does represent a real gamble in terms of operating costs, which are bound to be higher per passenger, per mile. Nevertheless, the smaller aircraft does allow JetBlue to develop frequent services on less thick routes. For the last 18 quarters the airline has made a profit.
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