What: Jet Blue Airbus A320-200 New York to Aruba
Where: JFK Airport, New York
When: May 14, 2011
Who: 104 passengers, 5 crew
Why: The Jet Blue flight had a bird strike after takeoff, and returned to the airport to make a safe landing.
The bird apparently was ingested in or on the right engine.
Maintenance inspected the plane. The flight was delayed by three hours.
*updated
Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
Contact photographer Ricardo Morales
What: Jetblue Airbus A320-200 from New York JFK,NY to Burlington,VT
Where: Burlington
When: Feb 19th 2011
Who: 2 crew injured
Why: On approach to Burlington, eight minutes prior to landing, the plane encountered turbulence which injured two members of the crew.
For Immediate Release
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced today that the FAA and JetBlue have signed a NextGen agreement that will allow the airline to fly more precise, satellite-based flights from Boston and New York to Florida and the Caribbean beginning in 2012.
NextGen is the transformation of the U.S. national airspace system from a ground-based system of air traffic control to one based on satellites, which will enhance safety and reduce aviation congestion. Today’s NextGen announcement follows President Obama’s State of the Union Address last week, in which he stressed the importance of targeted investments to foster American innovation that will make our nation more competitive globally and strengthen our economy here at home.
“In his State of the Union address, President Obama called for targeted investments that harness American innovation to strengthen our nation,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “NextGen is a critical investment in the future of our transportation system, one that uses the latest technology to transform our airspace to make aviation safer, more efficient and more environmentally friendly.”
Under the agreement, as many as 35 of JetBlue’s A320 aircraft will be equipped with Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) avionics over the next two years, enabling them to fly in two major routes off the East Coast even if traditional radar coverage is not available. The improved accuracy, integrity and reliability of aircraft surveillance under ADS-B will allow JetBlue to take advantage of these routes at all times since the satellite-based system tracks the precise position of aircraft.
The agreement will also allow JetBlue to fly a new route to the Caribbean, and could lead to the development of two new, shorter ADS-B-only routes to the Caribbean from Boston, New York and Washington. The FAA will collect valuable NextGen data by observing and conducting real-time operational evaluations of ADS-B on revenue flights.
“NextGen will help improve the travel experience for passengers and give airlines more flexibility to find the most efficient way to reach their destinations,” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. “This agreement will allow us to collect important data to further demonstrate the benefits of NextGen.”
“As the youngest major airline in the United States, with a majority of our operations in the Northeast – arguably the most congested airspace in the world – JetBlue enthusiastically joins the FAA in this effort to begin rebuilding the skyways,” said JetBlue Airways CEO Dave Barger. “Our investment today will yield dividends far into the future, not just for JetBlue but for all airlines. Our customers and crewmembers deserve our best efforts.”
The FAA has agreed to pay $4.2 million for the ADS-B avionics. JetBlue will provide flight operations, pilots, and aircraft maintenance and will pay for the cost of aircraft downtime while the ADS-B avionics are installed. JetBlue will also fund the necessary training for dispatchers and flight crews, including simulator time. The airline will demonstrate the cost savings of ADS-B technology and potentially equip the rest of its A320 fleet at its own expense with ADS-B avionics.
What: JetBlue A320 Airbus en route from Orlando to Bogota Colombia
Where: Norman Manley International Airport Kingston
When: Feb 3 2011 8:10 p.m
Who: 149 passengers
Why: While en route, the plane’s systems indicated smoke in the cabin. The pilot diverted to Kingston where they made a safe landing. The flight was inspected on landing, and no smoke was found.
Arrangements were being made to fly the passengers to Colombia.
However, the Airbus problem was an “erroneous reading.” The plane left Jamaica shortly after midnight.
“NextGen Makes Business Sense”
J. Randolph Babbitt, Reagan Washington National Airport
February 3, 2011
Thank you, Mr. Secretary. It’s good to see everyone here this afternoon.
The great thing about this partnership with JetBlue is that it’s going to give us a glimpse into the future right now.
Companies that are equipping today with NextGen are going to reap the benefits of the transformation of our air space system, sooner rather than later. They’ll see greater efficiency, fuel savings and more on-time arrivals as we continue to increase the availability of NextGen procedures.
It makes business sense to get your customers where they’re going quickly, safely and efficiently. It helps a company’s bottom line.
JetBlue’s A320s will fly more direct routes and cut delays. They’ll save fuel and also leave a smaller carbon footprint on the environment.
That’s because the aircraft will use new GPS-based technology to fly less congested routes.
JetBlue will also share with us their flight data, which is going to show us in detail how and where the GPS-based technology is saving time, distance and fuel.
JetBlue will benefit from more reliable arrival times on its East Coast routes.
We have partnered with other airlines and helicopter companies in the past to test GPS-based navigation in different geographic regions such as the Gulf of Mexico and routes over the Pacific.
A number of airlines have already adopted GPS-based procedures in their daily operations, and they are reaping the benefits ahead of the pack.
Southwest Airlines started using GPS-based arrival procedures at a dozen airports last month. The company estimates it will save $60 million a year in fuel costs once it uses these procedures nationwide.
And the state of Alaska is where NextGen was first introduced. Alaska Airlines has been using GPS precision approaches and departures at Juneau International Airport since the mid-1990s.
And by using GPS technology, Alaska Airlines can land at a number of airports with pinpoint precision using more direct approaches, which saves fuel.
Also, aircraft fly precisely through mountainous terrain with low visibility right into the airport thanks to the higher accuracy of GPS.
Alaska Airlines estimates it would have cancelled 729 flights last year due to bad weather at Juneau if it were not for the GPS approaches.
By not cancelling those flights Alaska Airlines saved $7.5 million last year, and passengers got where they wanted to go. And that’s just at one airport. The figure doubles to $15.8 million in savings taking into account the other 25 airports where the airline also uses such approaches.
These are some of the examples of airlines that are saving money and offering better service now thanks to NextGen.
JetBlue will be able to take advantage of new NextGen routes from Boston and New York down to Florida and the Caribbean that are like an HOV lane. They bypass the congestion.
By using GPS navigation, instead of relying on radar, JetBlue’s aircraft will benefit from more reliable arrival times and the ability to schedule more flights.
It also means that equipped aircraft can jump ahead of others in line for take-off because they’re using the less congested NextGen routes.
I’m very excited that we will be able to quantify the cost savings and improved efficiency as a result of this partnership. We want to share the data and spread the word. It’s best to come on board sooner and take advantage of the innovations that are moving our airspace system forward.
Thank you very much for your attention.
I’ll open it up to questions now.
Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
Contact photographer Fabrizio Gandolfo
What: Jetblue Airbus A320-200 en route from San Francisco,CA to Fort Lauderdale,FL
Where: Salt Lake City
When: Jan 24th 2011
Who: 1 unruly passenger
Why: While en route, a passenger insisted on paying cash for a headset, although Jet Blue only accepts credit cards.
The flight diverted to Salt Lake City where the passenger was taken off the plane. It is not reported if the passenger ever got his headset, nor if he was released into police custody.
Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
Contact photographer Terry Wade
What: Jetblue Airbus A320-200, en route from Fort Lauderdale,FL to Santo Domingo
Where: Fort Lauderdale
When: Dec 20 2010
Why: After takeoff, the crew noticed substantial structural vibration of the plane’s airframe.
They decided to return to Fort Lauderdale and made a safe landing.
A replacement jet was provided.
Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
Contact photographer Mario Aurich – AirTeamImages
What: Jetblue Airbus A320-200 from Hartford to Fort Lauderdale
Where: Fort Lauderdale
When: Dec 2nd 2010 6:10 pm
Why: The flight was landing in Fort Lauderdale when there was a bird strike which damaged the flaps. A replacement plane was provided for the return flight.
Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
Contact photographer Ronald J Stella
What: JetBlue Embraer 190 en route from Charlotte, N.C., to Boston
Where: Boston
When: Nov 17, 2010, 9 a.m.
Who: 25 passengers
Why: While en route, the plane developed a problem with the flaps. After declaring an emergency, the pilot made it safely to Logan, landing without flaps.
* Note the photo of this plane in Boston last year.
Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
Contact photographer Jason Whitebird
What: Jetblue Airbus A320-200 en route from New York to Tampa
Where: Tampa
When: Sep 29 2010
Who: 147 passengers, 5 crew
Why: On landing at Tampa, the jet incurred an altimeter failure and a tail strike.
No injuries occurred; and the NTSB is currently evaluating the state of damage incurred from the tail strike (minor) and the circumstances of the altimeter failure.
Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
Contact photographer Bianca Renz
What: Jetblue Airbus A320-200 en route from Long Beach,CA to Sacramento,CA
Where: Sacramento
When: Aug 26th 2010
Who: 86 passengers and 5 crew
Why: On making a “hard” landing at the Sacramento airport, a brake problem developed (brakes locked?).
The main gear tires blew, and caught afire. Emergency services on hand responded to the fire.
Passengers evacuated by slide with 15 injured.
What: Jetblue en route from Boston to Orlando
Where: Logan Airport
When: June 18
Why: Just after takeoff, a bird flew into the engine. The flight landed safely with no injuries reported (nor how the stranded passengers were handled.)
What: JetBlue Airbus 320 en route from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to San Juan, Puerto Rico
Where: Nassau
When: June 16th, 2010
Why: While en route the crew smelled fumes in the cabin. They diverted to Nassau, the Bahamas where they made a safe landing. A replacement jet was called for the stranded passengers which was scheduled to take off before 6:00 pm.
An investigation has been launched to determine the source of the smoke.
Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
Contact photographer John Tiplady
What: Jetblue Airbus A320-200 en route from Sacramento CA to New York
Where: New York
When: May 17th 2010
Why: After landing at JFK, while taxiing on the runway, the plane encountered a bird (or flock of birds) sustaining minor damage.
Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
Contact photographer Jordi Grife
JetBlue has corrected an earlier report that the plane sustained hail damage. The airline is now saying that a tail strike on take-off caused the damage and subsequently the emergency landing.
What: Jetblue Airbus A320-200 en route from New York to Long Beach
Where: New York
When: Mar 28th 2010
Who: 144 on board
Why: Leaving the runway, the plane’s tail impacted either hail or a bird or had a tail strike (reports conflict); the flight returned to JFK and made a safe landing so that the damage could be checked out. Passengers debarked, and boarded an alternative plane some time later.
Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
Contact photographer Jordi Grife
What: Jetblue Airbus A320-200 en route from New York to Long Beach
Where: New York
When: Mar 28th 2010
Who: 144 on board
Why: Leaving the runway, the plane’s tail impacted either hail or a bird or had a tail strike (reports conflict); the flight returned to JFK and made a safe landing so that the damage could be checked out. Passengers debarked, and boarded an alternative plane some time later.
Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
Contact photographer Andrew Brescini
What: Jetblue Airbus A320-200 en route from West Palm Beach to Boston
Where: en route
When: Mar 27 2010
Why: On the return flight coming home from her son’s funeral, 76 year old Renee Rappaport was returning to her seat after visiting the bathroom, and found the aisle was blocked by a beverage cart, and a flight attendant who told her to wait. She tried to squeeze by to get to her seat, and wouldn’t fit. The woman was arrested on arrival in Boston for shoving the flight attendant, and charged with assault.
Is rudeness an arrestable offense?
A 76 year old woman arrested for trying to get back to her seat.
It sounds like something out of Golden Girls, with Beatrice Arthur getting arrested for being her usual pushy self (although unlike our 76 year old airline passenger, Beatrice Arthur was in her 60’s when it was filmed, only 70 at the end of the series.)
Even though I don’t know all the facts, the bare bones of the situation are enough for me to feel that if I were the kind of person who started writing campaigns, I would start one now. I would inundate Jet Blue’s mail boxes with letters demanding more respectful treatment of the elderly.
Is this bizarre escalation some Jet Blue policy or a flight attendant’s strategy not to get written up?
There is something wrong with a 76 year old woman being arrested for assault while on a plane trying to get back to her seat. One wonders if the flight attendant could not have backed the cart up, or done something in a courteous fashion during or after the event. Even if the elderly woman were a female version of the governor of California, is she not entitled to some courtesy?
I have come across both belligerent flight attendants and hospitable flight attendants. I think I can safely speculate that a little graciousness on the part of the flight attendant would have prevented the situation from happening, certainly from escalating to arrest. At the very least, such an arrest is frivolous, and a waste of the police force’s valuable time.
Maybe it marks me as old fashioned, but I believe a flight attendant’s job is not an entitlement; but an elderly passenger is entitled to some degree of courtesy and understanding.
If Jet Blue’s policy is to arrest in this situation, they deserve all the bad press they get.
On the other hand, if Renee Rappaport is capable of a serious assault, I can get her some gloves and schedule a grudge match against the flight attendant in Las Vegas.
Pictured: A JetBlue Airways Embraer ERJ-190-100IGW 190AR
Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
Contact photographer Stephen B. Aranha
What: Jetblue Embraer ERJ-190 en route from San Juan Puerto Rico to Fort Lauderdale,FL
Where: San Juan
When: Mar 6th 2010
Who: 35 passengers and 4 crew
Why: While en route just after takeoff, smoke was found in the cabin. The crew decided to return to San Juan where they made a safe landing. Evacuation was uneventful.
A replacement jet was provided.
Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
Contact photographer John R. Beckman
What: Jetblue Airbus A320-200 en route from New York to Fort Lauderdale
Where: Fort Lauderdale
When: Feb 24 2010
Who: 1 injury
Why: While en route, the plane encountered turbulence severe enough to injure a flight attendant. On landing at Fort Lauderdale, the flight attendant was hospitalized.
Pictured: A JetBlue Airways Embraer ERJ-190-100IGW 190AR over New York
Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
Contact photographer John E. Jauchler
What: Jetblue Embraer ERJ-190 en route from New York Chicago
Where: Buffalo
When: Jan 15th 2010
Who: Not available
Why: After experiencing a problem with cabin pressure, the flight diverted to Buffalo and made a safe landing.
Pictured: A JetBlue Airways Embraer ERJ-190-100IGW 190AR
Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
Contact photographer John E. Jauchler
What: Jetblue Embraer ERJ-190 en route from New York to Nashville
Where: New York
When: Jan 6th 201
Who: not available
Why: After takeoff, the plane developed vibration. The pilot turned around; some runways were unavailable due to wind conditions; another flight circled so this flight could make a safe landing. The fight was cancelled. Maintenance discovered the engine cowling was missing.
Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
Contact photographer Trevor Nelson
What: Jetblue Airbus A320-200 en route from Aruba to Boston,MA
Where: Bermuda
When: Dec 29th 2009
Who: 63 passengers
Why: While en route, the crew reported smoke from the avionics and chose to divert to Bermuda International Airport. Avionics were turned off and the smoke dissipated. The plane was able to land safely with tower clearance and no visible external smoke or fire.
Restarting the avionics systems also restarted the smoke.
After landing, maintenance checked the rear cargo hold for airline-reported smoke. The airline denies there was smoke in the cockpit.
Pictured: A JetBlue Airways Embraer ERJ-190-100IGW 190AR over Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood International Airport
Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
Contact photographer Klaus Ecker
What: Jetblue Embraer ERJ-190 en route from Westchester County, NY to West Palm Beach,FL
Where: West Palm Beach
When: Dec 26th 2009 (just before midnight)
Who: 95 people
Why: Prior to landing, the pilot realized that the plane had lost nosewheel steering. After landing, he came to a full stop on the runway, and the plane was towed to the gate.
Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
Contact photographer Justin Cederholm
What: Jetblue Airbus A320-200 en route from San Juan Puerto Rico to Orlando, FL
Where: Orlando
When: Dec 8th 2009
Who: not available
Why: On approach to land, the Jetblue Airbus struck a bird. The flight landed safely, although the return flight to San Juan was delayed.
Pictured: A JetBlue Airways Airbus A320-232
Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
Contact photographer John R. Beckman
What: Jetblue Airbus A320-200 en route from Rochester, NY to New York,NY
Where: Rochester
When: Dec 6th 2009
Who: 147 passengers and 5 crew
Why: After takeoff, the flight suffered severe vibration during flap retraction. The Airbus returned to Rochester and made a safe landing, and an alternative flight was provided in less than 5 hours.