Although plenty of good looking people pass through New York’s JFK, we’re not referring to that ever-popular network show about the Diet Coke and lettuce crowd when we make mention of runways. So don’t hold the mayo because we’re not looking at runways of the model kind, but rather of the air travel kind, as today marks the beginning of a four-month-long project to repave one of JFK’s busiest runway and make other needed enhancements to the field.
We know, cue the headache. Rest assured, we are working closely with the FAA and the Port Authority (PANYNJ), as the biggest domestic airline at JFK, to minimize the Customer impact that the much-needed facelift of the 13R-31L “Bay” runway will likely have.
This project at JFK, which PANYNJ says will reduce flight delays by 10,500 hours per year, will be beneficial to JetBlue and our Customers as we enter our second decade. That means you’ll be on that beach in paradise that much more quickly (don’t forget the sun block!). Our sympathies if you’re in no rush to get to grandma’s gefilte fish or to that boring business meeting.
Affected airlines — including us — are voluntarily running reduced schedules at JFK to minimize delays and taxiway congestion. We have reduced our departures from JFK by 10 percent during the closure, for an average of 150 daily departures (similar to our winter schedule). Usually, our summer schedule has averaged 180 daily departures from JFK.
There will be a combined organized effort to manage ground movement during the closure, which JetBlue is hosting. And since we’re such good hosts, we’ll be sure to pass around some Blue Terra Chips to the FAA (on the condition that they mind their Ps and Qs).
The FAA predicts that the delays during the runway closure could be similar to those seen during peak summer months. We expect there will be some impact in the form of delays, but we are partnering with the Port and other airlines to ensure that impact is minimized. We prefer a four-month closure over the alternative — part time work that extends for more than a year would have a greater impact on our Customers.
The runway is expected to be completed before the July 4th holiday and will boast an additional 50 feet of width. Take that models — wider IS better!
Thank you for your patience.
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