(May 9, 2002) -- JetBlue Airways today notified LB's Airport Manager that the firm intends to utilize all 21 of its remaining final allocated slots by October 2002.
JetBlue currently flies five slots at LB Airport and is scheduled to start flying a sixth on June 8.
"By the end of October [2002], JetBlue expects to have honored its commitment to serve Long Beach with 27 daily departures," a company press release said.
JetBlue's announcement comes at a sensitive time as American Airlines and Alaska Airlines have both requested permanent flight slots above the now maxed-out (flying or reserved) 41 noise budgeted daily flight slots now reserved large aircraft.
Both American and Alaska have availed themselves of a city appeal procedure that could bring the issue to the City Council and (if either airline doesn't like the outcome) potentially to court.
As separately reported by LBReport.com, that at its May 14 meeting, the City Council will take up three agenda items supporting defense and advocacy for the city's airport noise ordinance. (To view this story, click Council To Take Up Three Items Supporting Defense and Advocacy For City's Airport Noise Ordinance.)