The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has given regulatory approval for JetBlue’s planned transatlantic services from New York and Boston to London.

In a short statement the CAA said that the approval “marks the first scheduled foreign carrier permit that has been issued to a new operator since the UK’s exit from the European Union.”

“All non-UK air carriers that wish to undertake commercial services to, from or within the United Kingdom are required to hold a Foreign Carrier Permit before any flight is undertaken,” the CAA added.

JetBlue has announced plans to commence transatlantic flights this summer, although an exact launch date has yet to be announced or confirmation given of which airport.  The carrier secured slots at Gatwick and Stansted airports last year, and has also been allocated slots at Heathrow.  See BTN 12 April.

Marketing is in the hands of Discover the World, a long-established sales organisation with Maja Gedosev, ex-Flybe, as general manager Europe supported by Aiden Walsh, a UK industry stalwart.

www.jetblue.com