JetBlue Eyes Orlando Airport for Next Move After Spirit's Demise

Orlando International Airport stands out as the next most attractive target for JetBlue, with a large network of 33 routes from Spirit Airlines. This presents an opportunity for JetBlue to effectively double its market share at the airport if it makes strategic moves.

The airline's existing presence in Orlando already has a meaningful size, with 29 routes that align well with its ideal passengers. This means that any additional aircraft and frequencies would make sense as a way to further increase JetBlue's market share.

Orlando is also unique in that it serves a deep mix of leisure, family, and price-sensitive traffic, which is neatly aligned with JetBlue's target audience. This makes the airport an attractive focus city for the airline.

JetBlue has been expanding rapidly at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) for over a year now, becoming the number one carrier at the low-cost hub. The airline's success at FLL has led to its announcement of 11 new routes from the airport, demonstrating its confidence in the market.

The airline is not likely to replace Spirit route for route, but rather cherry-pick airports where it already has relevance and can offer passengers a more premium alternative without abandoning price-sensitive travelers entirely.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) stands out as JetBlue's next target after Orlando. The airport has an almost entirely different catchment area from nearby New York JFK Airport, giving the carrier new lanes on its Northeast-to-Florida network highway.

JetBlue already operates 13 routes from EWR and is well-placed to fill the Spirit gap at the airport due to its strong brand presence in the greater New York / New Jersey market.

The airline's expansion into new markets will likely lead to increased competition and lower airfares for passengers. As JetBlue continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how other airlines respond to its moves.