JetBlue Airways (B6, New York JFK) has announced the deferral of eighteen Airbus aircraft scheduled for delivery over the period 2016-2018 to 2022-2023. jetBlue has thirty A320neo, twenty-six A321-200s, and thirty A321neos on order from Airbus (AIB, Toulouse Blagnac).

The move, part of the budget carrier's recently unveiled long-term plan aimed at driving up its shareholder returns, will reduce capital expenditures by more than USD900 million through to 2017. In addition, it will also allow the airline to optimize its fleet to better match capacity with demand.

Beginning mid-2016, jetBlue will also begin refitting its A320-200 fleet with slimmer, more space-efficient seats, thereby allowing it to increase its overall seating capacity.

"Today we announced actions that we've been working for some time to enhance JetBlue's revenue performance, control costs and reduce capital commitments through 2017," said Mark Powers, JetBlue's Chief Financial Officer. "As we execute this plan and continue to grow, we also seek to drive significantly improved returns for our shareholders."

jetBlue operates 130 A320-200s, eleven A321-200 (sl)s, and sixty E190s.