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Jetblue Airways

jblu · NASDAQ Industrials
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Ticker jblu
Exchange NASDAQ
Sector Industrials
Industry Airlines, Airports & Air Services
Employees 10,000+
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FY2018 Annual Report · Jetblue Airways
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Dear Fellow Shareholders:

In 2018, we reaffirmed our commitment to delivering value for all our stakeholders: customers, crewmembers 
and our owners. I want to thank our 22,000-plus crewmembers for their outstanding service and for helping us 
deliver positive results. We are proud of our crewmembers, who helped us close the year with industry-leading 
safety metrics. We are also proud of our culture of hospitality, which underpins everything we do at JetBlue. 
Our culture translates into a differentiated experience for our customers, helps us improve our operational 
performance and deliver on our cost goals, driving the value of our company forward. 

This year we generated revenues of $7.7 billion, up 9.2% year over year, and our pre-tax margin, excluding 
special items, was 8.5%. Despite 2018 being a year of significant fuel volatility, we worked to mitigate cost 
pressures and protect our margins following a 30% increase in the price of fuel. We took a number of actions, 
including three capacity cuts through the year. In addition, we chose to increase some of our fares and ancillary 
revenue streams to partially recapture the margin lost from higher fuel costs. We proved a willingness and ability 
to quickly take action to offset challenges faced by our industry and we plan to continue to be nimble in making 
long-term decisions to position our company to thrive. 

Looking back, I could not be prouder of our accomplishments and our teamwork to strengthen the foundation 
of JetBlue. Among some of our highlights in 2018: 

••We selected the A220 aircraft to replace our fleet of Embraer E190s

••We kicked off our cabin restyling program for our fleet of A320s and rolled out carts in the aisles as part of 

the refreshed inflight experience

••We made significant progress ensuring we have the gates and infrastructure we need to continue to grow 

relevance in our focus cities

••We continued investing in our crewmembers and customer experience through our JetBlue Promises training, 

to service our customers with outstanding hospitality standards

••We completed a total of 23 self-service lobbies, deploying technology to improve the customer experience 

in airports

••We invested in our subsidiaries, JetBlue Tech Ventures and JetBlue Travel Products, and positioned Travel 

Products for growth with new leadership

••We executed on our cost guidance, taking a strong step towards our 0-1% CASM CAGR goal for the period 

2018-2020, even as we invested in improving our operation

••We made progress in our Digital 2020 Program and rolled out transformational features to enhance our digital 

platform and shift our customers to use mobile technology

••We successfully established with ALPA our first major labor contract

••At our Investor Day in early October, we announced our comprehensive financial plan, which we believe will 

create long-term value for our owners

We have a comprehensive plan to create shareholder value

Margin is the North Star for JetBlue, and our work during 2018 was focused on creating value for our owners. 
At our Investor Day in October, we laid out an earnings per share (EPS) guide for 2020. Our plan touches every 
part of JetBlue and comprises five “building blocks”: network, product offering, fleet, cost, and capital allocation. 
We believe these building blocks will contribute to our drive towards superior margins, help us improve our 
returns, and grow EPS both through 2020 and beyond. As we execute our plan, our balance sheet - one of 
the strongest in the U.S. airline industry - continues to enable us to invest in our future. 

Our key differentiators

Over the past few years, and particularly in 2018, we continued to strengthen the core of JetBlue by focusing 
our efforts on our three key differentiators, which have made our company very successful over the years:

1. Our high-value geography: 

We’re a 5% player in the domestic U.S. market, but we’re much more significant and relevant in our high value 
focus cities. We believe that building relevance and local scale in our focus cities allows us to maintain our 
competitive strength and sustain superior margins. 

In 2018, our growth continued to come from concentrating our efforts in our three largest focus cities – New York, 
Boston and Fort Lauderdale – through a combination of added frequencies, new markets and added capacity 
with larger aircraft. In some cases, capacity was reallocated from underperforming markets to help strengthen 
our focus cities. Specifically, our focus was on expanding routes between the Northeast and Caribbean and in 
our transcon franchise, where we see the greatest margin opportunities. 

To support our growth plans over the next few years, we made significant progress in securing valuable real 
estate across our network:

••In New York, our hometown focus city, we finalized our move to the renovated Marine Air Terminal at LaGuardia 
Airport. At JFK, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey awarded JetBlue the rights to redevelop 
Terminal 6 and 7, which will connect to our award-winning home at Terminal 5. After we receive the necessary 
approvals from the FAA and Port Authority, we anticipate that we will break ground in 2020 and open our 
first new gates in 2023. This project will allow us to enhance the customer experience and strengthen our 
cooperation with international partners. It will also enable us to expand our own operations as further slots 
become available at JFK in the future. 

••In Boston and Fort Lauderdale, we continued to invest to ensure we have the infrastructure in place to grow 

to 200 and 140 daily flights, respectively, over the next few years. 

••Finally, in Orlando, we continued to enhance the customer experience and are well positioned to become the 

anchor airline at the new South Terminal, expected to open in spring 2021. 

2. Our differentiated product and service: 

Our product offering is built around empowering our crewmembers to provide outstanding service to our 
customers. We believe we have the best crewmembers in the industry, because we offer a special and unique 
place to work, and their incredible service offers our customers a differentiated experience. With the combination 
of product and service, we believe we have a clear competitive advantage.

Our network is concentrated in high-value geography that allows us to offer a superior product at good value 
to our customers. In 2018 we generated approximately $30 in ancillary revenue per customer. Our fare options 
platform facilitated solid performance from our Even More™ Space product offering, which includes up to 
7” more legroom, early boarding and fast lane access at airport security check points. We also continued to 
increase the portfolio of customers using our co-branded JetBlue credit card. 

To leverage the power of our brand and expand our presence in the travel ribbon, we formed a new team to lead 
and accelerate the revenue growth from JetBlue Travel Products. This wholly-owned subsidiary is based in Fort 
Lauderdale. Our goal is to continue capitalizing on our current portfolio of non-air products, which we started 
as JetBlue® Vacations. This includes air+hotel packages, and our partnerships with insurance and car rental 
companies. In addition, our team will look for opportunities to increase the ancillary spend from our customers 
by developing an innovative suite of products, which we believe will lead to significant earnings over time.

This year we also continued working on a number of projects to enhance our value proposition and improve the 
customer experience. We have incorporated technologies that are game-changers, not just from a customer 
perspective, but also from a cost stand point. These technologies support our crewmembers and incentivize 
customers to self-serve, driving higher customer satisfaction scores and reducing costs. We deployed an 
enhanced omni-channel tool to support our reservations teams to better serve our customers. In our airports, 
we rolled out self-bag tagging kiosks in 23 lobbies by year end, installed digital displays at gates, and expanded 
our biometrics technology at JFK, Washington Reagan National and Fort Lauderdale airports. We are seeing 
crewmembers performing fewer transactions, freeing them up to deliver our award-winning hospitality that our 
customers value. 

3. Low costs: 

We believe we have a unique business model that works successfully as we execute on low costs. This is 
why we have put so much focus into this area of JetBlue. Our product and service, combined with a high-
value geography must be underpinned by low costs so we are able to create margin for our owners. When 
we successfully blend these three aspects together, we create a unique competitive advantage, making our 
business sustainable and more resilient to industry challenges.

One of the most important areas of our focus during the year was to improve our unit cost trajectory. In 2018 
we saw the positive impact of our Structural Cost Program, and by the end of the first quarter of 2019 we 
had secured approximately $200 million in 2020 cost savings to support earnings growth. We delivered our 
unit cost guidance for the year, and remain well on track to hit our three-year cost goals. We continued to be 
intently focused on executing our plans to reduce unit costs, while managing capacity pressures to face macro 
and demand headwinds. 

Our fleet is focused on our highest margin opportunities

We closed the year with 253 aircraft in our fleet. On our Airbus A320 fleet, in 2018 we kicked off our three-year 
cabin restyling program. This increases seating capacity while preserving the most legroom of coach based 
on the industry average in the U.S. We are proud that the restyling effort brings the latest onboard experience 
to our A320 fleet with improved seat comfort, inflight entertainment, and enhanced avionics technology to the 
cockpit. The restyled cabin not only results in lower unit costs, but also has increased our Net Promoter Scores, 
a clear win-win for our customers and owners.

Our A321 platform allows us to better utilize and monetize our high-value geography with larger aircraft in both Mint™ and  
all-core configurations. The majority of our deliveries during 2018 were in the all-core configuration, enabling 
us to focus on margin accretive opportunities from Boston and JFK. 

Finally, in July we announced our selection of the A220 to replace our fleet of Embraer E190s. The A220 is a 
perfect fit for our network strategy and customer experience, and equally important for our owners, given its 
compelling economics. We expect the A220 to allow us to sustain our mid- to high single-digit growth rate into 
the 2020s while improving unit cost, margin, and returns. We plan to begin taking A220s from 2020 with a firm 
order of 60 aircraft deliveries through 2025.

Looking into 2019

We expect 2019 will be a stepping stone year to deliver on our 2020 financial goals, and to drive further 
improvements beyond 2020. Our goal is to improve our margins despite elevated fuel prices and changes in 
the competitive environment. In 2019 we expect to see the benefit of our ancillary and network reallocation 
efforts. We also plan to continue strengthening our customer value proposition, maturing our loyalty program 
and ancillary revenue, and making the IT upgrades required to roll out revamped Fare Options later this year. 

The start of the current fiscal year has presented a number of new challenges impacting our network. We have 
made a number of adjustments and continue to believe we can deliver the 2020 EPS goals laid out in our 
Investor Day last October. We are confident in our building blocks and the areas of our business we can control 
directly: our cost structure, our growth rate, new Fare Options, and where we deploy our aircraft. 

Since JetBlue’s first flight two decades ago the company has continued to evolve. We’ve proven we will make 
the changes needed to remain competitive in the industry, while staying true to our values and our mission. As 
our founders did, we continue to place people and culture at the heart of our company. In our path to the future, 
we expect to continue to find smart ways to allocate capital, exploit technology, drive efficiency and deliver a 
great customer experience – at a lower cost. We are very excited about the future and believe we have a truly 
great opportunity to continue to shape a differentiated model in a mature industry.

On behalf of our crewmembers, thank you for your continued support.

Most sincerely,

Robin Hayes

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
 ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018

 TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ______________ to ______________

Commission file number 000-49728

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

DELAWARE
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
27-01 Queens Plaza North, Long Island City, New York 11101
(Address, including zip code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

87-0617894
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

(718) 286-7900
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:
Title of each class
Common Stock, $0.01 par value

Name of each exchange on which registered
The NASDAQ Global Select Market

Indicate by check mark 

YES

NO

•• if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

•• if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
•• whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was 
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
•• whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 
pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or 
for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).

•• if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is 
not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy 
or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to 
this Form 10-K.

•• whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging 
growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer’’, “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth 
company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer 

Accelerated filer 

Non-accelerated filer  

•• if an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the 
extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided 
pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

•• whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Smaller reporting company 

Emerging growth company 

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2018 was approximately 
$5.9 billion (based on the last reported sale price on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on that date). The number of shares outstanding of 
the registrant’s common stock as of January 31, 2019 was 306,533,167 shares.

Designated portions of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for its 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which is to be filed subsequent to the 
date hereof, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, or the Report, to the extent described therein.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Table of Contents

PART I. 

ITEM 1. 

Business  �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������6
Overview ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������6

2018 Operational Highlights ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������6

JetBlue Experience ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������7

Operations and Cost Structure ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������9

Culture ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������12

Regulation ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������14

6

Where You Can Find Other Information ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������15
ITEM 1A.  Risk Factors ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������16
Risks Related to JetBlue �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������16

Risks Associated with the Airline Industry �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������20
ITEM 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������21
Properties ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������21
ITEM 2. 
ITEM 3. 
Legal Proceedings ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������22
ITEM 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������22

PART II. 

23

ITEM 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity; Related Stockholder Matters  

and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������23
ITEM 6. 
Selected Financial Data ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������25
ITEM 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations �����������27
Overview ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������27

Results of Operations ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������28

Liquidity and Capital Resources��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������31

Contractual Obligations ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������32

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������33

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������34

Regulation G Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������35
ITEM 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������38
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������38
ITEM 8. 
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������38

Consolidated Balance Sheets ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������40

Consolidated Statements of Operations ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������42

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������43

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������44

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������45

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������46

02

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportITEM 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure ����������62
ITEM 9A.  Controls and Procedures ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������62
ITEM 9B.  Other Information ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������62

PART III. 

63

ITEM 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������63
ITEM 11.  Executive Compensation��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������64
ITEM 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management  

and Related Stockholder Matters ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������64
ITEM 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence ��������������������������������������������������64
ITEM 14.  Principal Accounting Fees and Services ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������64

PART IV. 

65

ITEM 15.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������65
ITEM 16.  Form 10-K Summary ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������65

03

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportThis page intentionally left blank

Forward-Looking Information

Statements in this Report (or otherwise made by JetBlue or on JetBlue’s 
behalf) contain various forward-looking statements within the meaning of 
Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities 
Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, 
or the Exchange Act, which represent our management’s beliefs and 
assumptions concerning future events. When used in this document and 
in documents incorporated herein by reference, the words “expects,” 
“plans,” “anticipates,” “indicates,” “believes,” “forecast,” “guidance,” 
“outlook,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “targets” and similar expressions 
are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking 
statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions, and are based on 
information currently available to us. Actual results may differ materially from 
those expressed in the forward-looking statements due to many factors, 
including, without limitation, our extremely competitive industry; volatility 
in financial and credit markets which could affect our ability to obtain debt 
and/or lease financing or to raise funds through debt or equity issuances; 
our significant fixed obligations and substantial indebtedness; volatility in 
fuel prices, maintenance costs and interest rates; our reliance on high daily 
aircraft utilization; our ability to implement our growth strategy; our ability 
to attract and retain qualified personnel and maintain our culture as we 
grow; our reliance on a limited number of suppliers; our dependence on 
the New York and Boston metropolitan markets and the effect of increased 
congestion in these markets; our reliance on automated systems and 
technology; our being subject to potential unionization, work stoppages, 
slowdowns or increased labor costs; our presence in some international 
emerging markets that may experience political or economic instability or 

may subject us to legal risk; reputational and business risk from information 
security breaches or cyber-attacks; changes in or additional domestic or 
foreign government regulation; changes in our industry due to other airlines’ 
financial condition; acts of war or terrorism; global economic conditions or 
an economic downturn leading to a continuing or accelerated decrease in 
demand for air travel; the spread of infectious diseases; adverse weather 
conditions or natural disasters; and external geopolitical events and 
conditions. It is routine for our internal projections and expectations to 
change as the year or each quarter in the year progresses, and therefore 
it should be clearly understood that the internal projections, beliefs and 
assumptions upon which we base our expectations may change prior to 
the end of each quarter or year.

Given the risks and uncertainties surrounding forward-looking statements, 
you should not place undue reliance on these statements. You should 
understand that many important factors, in addition to those discussed 
or incorporated by reference in this Report, could cause our results to 
differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. 
Potential factors that could affect our results include, in addition to others 
not described in this Report, those described in Item 1A of this Report 
under “Risks Related to JetBlue” and “Risks Associated with the Airline 
Industry.” In light of these risks and uncertainties, the forward-looking events 
discussed in this Report might not occur. Our forward-looking statements 
speak only as of the date of this Report. Other than as required by law, we 
undertake no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements, 
whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

05

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual Report   
  
PART I

ITEM 1.  Business

Overview

General

JetBlue Airways Corporation, or JetBlue, is New York’s Hometown Airline®. 
In 2018, JetBlue carried over 42 million Customers with an average of 
1,000 daily flights and served 105 destinations in the United States, the 
Caribbean and Latin America.

JetBlue was incorporated in Delaware in August 1998 and commenced 
service on February 11, 2000. As of the end of 2018, we were the sixth 
largest passenger carrier in the U.S. based on available seat miles, or 
ASMs. We believe our differentiated product and culture combined 
with our competitive cost structure enables us to compete effectively in 
the high-value geographies we serve. Looking to the future, we plan to 
continue to grow in our high-value geographies, invest in industry leading 
products and provide award winning service by our more than 22,000 
dedicated employees, whom we refer to as Crewmembers. Going forward, 
we believe we will continue to differentiate ourselves from other airlines, 
enabling us to continue to attract a greater mix of Customers, and to drive 
further profitable growth. We are focused on delivering solid results for our 
Shareholders, our Customers, and our Crewmembers.

 As used in this Report, the terms “JetBlue,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” 
“our” and similar terms refer to JetBlue Airways Corporation and its 
subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise. Our principal executive 
offices are located at 27-01 Queens Plaza North, Long Island City, New 
York 11101 and our telephone number is (718) 286-7900.

2018 Operational Highlights

Our Industry and Competition

The U.S. airline industry is extremely competitive, challenging and results 
are often volatile. It is uniquely susceptible to external factors such as  
fuel costs, downturns in domestic and international economic conditions, 
weather-related disruptions, the spread of infectious diseases, the impact 
of airline restructurings or consolidations, and military actions or acts of 
terrorism. We operate in a capital and energy intensive industry that has 
high fixed costs, as well as heavy taxation and fees. Airline returns are 
sensitive to slight changes in fuel prices, average fare levels, and passenger 
demand. The industry’s principal competitive factors include fares, brand 
and customer service, route networks, flight schedules, aircraft types, safety 
records, code-sharing and interline relationships, in-flight entertainment 
and connectivity systems, and frequent flyer programs.

Price competition is intense in our industry. Our ability to operate successfully 
and grow in this environment depends on, among other things, our ability 
to operate at costs equal to or lower than our competitors.

Since 2001, the majority of traditional network airlines have undergone 
significant financial restructuring including bankruptcies, mergers and 
consolidations. These types of restructurings typically result in a lower cost 
structure through a reduction of labor costs, restructuring of commitments 
including debt terms, leases and aircraft, modification or termination of 
pension plans, increased workforce flexibility, and innovative offerings. These 
actions also have provided the restructured airlines significant opportunities  
for realignment of route networks, alliances, and frequent flyer programs. Each 
factor has had a significant influence on the industry’s improved profitability.

We believe our differentiated product and culture, competitive costs, and 
high-value geography relative to other airlines contributed to our continued 
success in 2018. Our 2018 operational highlights include:

completed by late 2020 and believe this multi-year restyling program  
will allow us to increase capacity in a capital-efficient and customer-
focused way.

•• Product enhancements – Throughout 2018, we continued to invest in 
industry-leading products which we believe will continue to differentiate 
our offerings from the other airlines.

•– During 2018, we continued to expand Mint® service, our premium 
product which includes 16 fully lie-flat seats, four of which are in 
suites with a privacy door, a first in the U.S. domestic market, by 
adding seasonal service from John F. Kennedy International Airport, 
or JFK, to Liberia, Costa Rica, and from Boston to St. Lucia. Liberia 
is our first city in Latin America with Mint® service and we are the only 
airline to operate regularly scheduled flights with a lie-flat premium 
seat between Costa Rica and the U.S.

•– In April 2018, we unveiled our first Airbus A320 aircraft with a restyled 
cabin which includes 162 new seats, larger TV screens with over 
100 channels of free DIRECTV®, and free gate-to-gate Fly-Fi®. As of 
December 31, 2018, we had nine restyled Airbus A320 aircraft in service. 
We expect the restyling of the entire Airbus A320 fleet to be 

•– In June 2018, we announced the next step in our ongoing digital 
transformation with the launch of a redesigned jetblue.com. Our 
new website features a fresh look, homepage global navigation, and 
performance that is optimized to the screen size of a user’s device. 
A new navigation interface allows Customers to more easily find  
the information they need and a focus on the booking experience 
highlights the breadth of travel options available when booking  
through jetblue.com.

•– As part of our ongoing digital transformation, we revealed a new Points 
Pooling™ program for our TrueBlue® members. Points Pooling™ 
allows designated groups to conveniently earn and redeem points 
together, providing more flexibility to our Customers.

•– In partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), we 
rolled out our first fully-integrated biometric self-boarding gate at JFK. 
Customers flying to select international destinations from Terminal 5 can 
now board with a dual-lane biometric self-boarding gate, which uses 
facial recognition technology to verify travelers with a quick photo capture.

06

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART I  
ITEM 1 Business

•• Fleet – During 2018, we took delivery of ten Airbus A321 aircraft, three 

of which were equipped with our Mint® cabin layout.

and JFK in September 2018. Ontario is our tenth city served in California 
and the 73rd nonstop destination from JFK.

We anticipate that we will take delivery of a minimum of six Airbus 
A321new engine option (neo) aircraft in 2019.

In July 2018, we announced an order for 60 Airbus A220-300 aircraft, 
previously called the Bombardier CS300, for expected deliveries beginning 
in 2020 through 2025, with the option for 60 additional aircraft though 
2028. The order followed our intensive review aimed at ensuring the best 
financial performance of the airline’s fleet while providing maximum flexibility  
to execute our network strategy and enhance the customer experience. 
In conjunction with the new order, we also reshaped our Airbus order 
book, which included converting our order for 25 A320 neo aircraft to the 
A321neo and adjusting our delivery schedule. We have the option to take 
certain A321neo deliveries with the long range configuration, the A321-LR.

We plan to phase in the A220-300 as a replacement for our existing 
fleet of 60 Embraer E190 aircraft. We believe the A220-300 range and 
seating capacity will add flexibility to our network as we target growth 
in our focus cities, including options to schedule it for transcontinental 
flying. We expect to incur incremental one-time costs as we work to 
transition the Embraer E190 aircraft out of our fleet.

While the Embraer E190 has played an important role in our network 
since 2005, we determined during our fleet review that the A220-300’s 
economics would allow us to lower costs in the coming years. The 
A220-300 was designed by the previous manufacturer, Bombardier, to 
seat between 130 and 160 passengers, enabling financial and network 
advantages over the current 100-seat Embraer E190 configuration.

We expect to begin reducing flying with our existing fleet of Embraer 
E190 aircraft beginning in 2020. The phase out is expected to continue 
gradually through approximately 2025.

Options for 60 additional A220-300 aircraft deliveries are anticipated 
to begin in 2025 and we would retain the flexibility to convert certain 
aircraft to the smaller A220-100 model. Both members of the A220 
family share commonality in more than 99 percent of their replaceable 
parts and utilize the same family of engines.

•• Network – We continued to expand and grow in our high-value geography. 
In 2018, we expanded our network with four new BlueCities, bringing 
our total as of the end of December 2018 to 105 BlueCities, and added 
several connect-the-dot routes.

We began service in May 2018 from Boston to Minneapolis, our 102nd 
BlueCity. Minneapolis became the 65th nonstop destination from Boston.

As part of our broader series of network enhancements designed to 
better meet the needs of coast-to-coast travelers, we expanded our 
metropolitan Los Angeles service with nonstop flights between Ontario 

JetBlue Experience

In December 2018, we launched seasonal service to Steamboat Springs, 
Colorado with three nonstop routes connecting the internationally-known 
resort destination with three of our focus cities: Boston, Fort Lauderdale-
Hollywood, and Long Beach. JetBlue is the only airline to fly nonstop 
from Steamboat Springs to both Boston and South Florida.

We also launched our first-ever scheduled service to Montana in December 
2018 with seasonal flights between Bozeman and Long Beach. Our 
service to Bozeman allows us to grow further in the western United States.

In February 2019, we plan to begin daily roundtrip services from Fort 
Lauderdale to Guayaquil, Ecuador. Guayaquil will become our sixth 
destination in South America, second in Ecuador and expands our 
broader reach into Latin America and the Caribbean.

In October 2018, we announced a series of network changes that will 
advance our strategy in multiple focus cities, making us even more 
relevant in key markets and ensuring our network is optimized to meet 
customer demand. During the winter, we introduced four new routes to our 
network, connecting more Customers with destinations across the route 
map. In addition to the new nonstop markets being introduced, we also 
increased flights on nearly two dozen of our most popular and profitable 
existing nonstop routes in the Northeast, Florida, and the Caribbean. 
Approximately two-thirds of the added flights will originate in Boston or 
Fort Lauderdale. To support new city and multi-route expansions, we will 
reduce flights in some existing markets. Effective January 8, 2019, we 
will eliminate service in Daytona Beach International Airport, St. Croix’s 
Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, and Washington Dulles International Airport. 
We are also scaling back flying on a number of other routes, including 
certain flights serving Baltimore, Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Santiago, 
Dominican Republic.

•• Customer Service – JetBlue and our Crewmembers were recognized in 
2018 for industry leading customer service. Airline Ratings awarded us 
7 out of 7 stars for safety, and 5 out of 5 stars for our product offerings. 
Additionally, we were recognized by The Points Guy with awards for 
Best Domestic Economy Class and Best Domestic Business Class. We 
were the only airline, domestically and globally, to win awards for both 
economy and business class.

•• Our Crewmembers – During 2018, our Crewmembers recognized 
JetBlue as one of America’s “Best Employers” by Forbes. JetBlue ranked 
#33 through a survey that asked individuals how likely they would be 
to recommend their employer to someone else. We are proud that for 
a seventh year, we have achieved a top score of 100 on the Corporate 
Equality Index, which rates major U.S. companies and their policies and 
practices related to the LGBT community, earning us the designation of 
one of the “Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality.”

We offer our Customers a distinctive flying experience which we refer 
to as the “JetBlue Experience’’. We believe we deliver award winning 
service that focuses on the entire Customer experience, from booking 
an itinerary to arrival at the final destination. Typically, our Customers are 
neither high-traffic business travelers nor ultra-price sensitive travelers. 
Rather, we believe we are the carrier of choice for the majority of travelers 
who have been underserved by other airlines as we offer a differentiated 
product and award winning customer service.

Differentiated Product and Culture

Delivering the JetBlue Experience to our Customers through our differentiated 
product and culture is core to our mission to inspire humanity. We look to 
attract new Customers to our brand and provide current Customers with 
a reason to come back by continuing to innovate and evolve the JetBlue 
Experience. We believe we can adapt to the changing needs of our 

Customers and a key element of our success is the belief that competitive 
fares and quality air travel need not be mutually exclusive.

Our award winning service begins from the moment our Customers 
purchase a ticket through one of our distribution channels such as 
www.jetblue.com, our mobile applications, or our reservations centers. 
Customers can purchase tickets under our Fare Options pricing model, 
at one of three branded fares: Blue, Blue Plus, and Blue Flex. Each fare 
includes different offerings such as free checked bags, reduced change 
fees, and additional TrueBlue® points, with all fares including our core 
offering of free in-flight entertainment, free brand name snacks, and free 
non-alcoholic beverages. Customers can choose to “buy up” to an option 
with additional offerings. These different fares allow Customers to select 
the products or services they need or value when they travel, without 
having to pay for the things they do not need or value.

Upon arrival at the airport, our Customers are welcomed by our dedicated 
Crewmembers and can choose to purchase one or more of our ancillary 

07

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART I  
ITEM 1 Business

options such as Even More® Speed, allowing them to enjoy an expedited 
security experience in most domestic JetBlue locations. Customers who 
select our Blue Flex option or purchase a Mint® seat receive Even More® 
Speed as part of their fare. We additionally have mobile applications for 
both Apple and Android devices which have robust features including real-
time flight information updates and mobile check-in for certain routes. Our 
applications are designed to enhance our Customers’ travel experience 
and are in keeping with the JetBlue Experience.

Our self-service initiative in select BlueCities redesigned the physical layout 
of the airport lobby and the way our Customers travel through it. Our 
new user-friendly kiosks are the first point of contact for each Customer 
traveling through the airport lobby. While all Customers are encouraged to 
use the kiosks, our new lobby layout allows them to choose the check-in 
experience they prefer. Customers who choose to use our kiosk receive 
a virtually queue-less experience. For Customers who prefer a more 
traditional experience, our Help Desk offers full-service check-in. The 
self-service model allows Crewmembers to get out from behind the ticket 
counter and move through the lobby to guide our Customers through the 
check-in process. The self-service lobby opens up the opportunity for our 
Crewmembers to make personal connections with our Customers, to 
assist with bag tagging, to answer Customer questions and direct them 
to their next step in the travel experience.

Once onboard our aircraft, Customers enjoy seats in a comfortable layout 
with the most legroom in the main cabin of all U.S. airlines, based on 
average fleet-wide seat pitch. Our Even More® Space seats are available 
for purchase across our fleet, giving Customers the opportunity to enjoy 
additional legroom. Customers on certain transcontinental or Caribbean 
flights have the option to purchase our premium service, Mint®, which has 
16 fully lie-flat seats, including four suites with privacy doors.

Our in-flight entertainment system onboard the majority of our Airbus A320 
and Embraer E190 aircraft includes 36 channels of free DIRECTV®, 100+ 
channels of free SiriusXM Radio® and premium movie channel offerings 
from JetBlue Features. Customers on our Airbus A321 aircraft and certain 
restyled Airbus A320 aircraft have access to 100+ channels of DIRECTV®, 
100+ channels of SiriusXM Radio® and premium movie channel offerings 
from JetBlue Features. Our Mint® Customers enjoy 15-inch flat screen 
televisions to experience our in-flight entertainment offerings. Our entire 
fleet is equipped with Fly-Fi®, a broadband product, with connectivity that 
we believe is significantly faster than airlines featuring KU-band satellites 
and older ground to air technology. Customers also have access to the 
Fly-Fi® Hub, a content portal where Customers can access a wide range of 
movies, television shows, and additional content from their own personal 
devices. In 2017, we became the first in the U.S. to offer gate-to-gate 
internet connectivity on every aircraft. Gate-to-gate Fly-Fi® eliminates the 
need to wait until reaching cruising altitude to get connected. Instead, 
Customers can email, surf, stream, tweet, and shop from the moment 
they board until they reach the arrival gate.

All Customers may enjoy an assortment of free and unlimited brand name 
snacks and non-alcoholic beverages and have the option to purchase 
additional products such as blankets, pillows, headphones, premium 
beverages and premium food selections. Our Mint® Customers have 
access to an assortment of complimentary food, beverages and products 
including a small-plates menu, artisanal snacks, alcoholic beverages, a 
blanket, pillows, and headphones.

Our Airbus A321 aircraft in a single cabin layout have 200 seats and those 
with our Mint® offering have 159 seats. Our Airbus A320 aircraft generally 

have 150 seats while our Embraer E190 aircraft have 100 seats. As part 
of our cabin restyling program we are increasing the seat density on our 
Airbus A320 fleet to 162 seats. We believe this multi-year restyling program 
will allow us to increase capacity in a capital-efficient and customer-focused 
way. Our first restyled Airbus A320 aircraft entered into revenue service in 
April 2018. As of December 31, 2018, we had nine restyled Airbus A320 
aircraft in service.

Because of our network strength in leisure destinations, we also sell vacation 
packages through JetBlue Vacations®, a one-stop, value-priced vacation 
service for self-directed packaged travel planning. These packages offer 
competitive fares for air travel on JetBlue along with a selection of JetBlue-
recommended hotels and resorts, car rentals, and local attractions. In 
2018, we created a standalone wholly-owned subsidiary, JetBlue Travel 
Products, LLC that absorbed our JetBlue Vacations® business.

We work to provide a superior air travel experience, including communicating 
openly and honestly with Customers about delays and service disruptions. 
We are the only major U.S. airline to have a Customer Bill of Rights. This 
program was introduced in 2007 to provide compensation to Customers 
who experience inconveniences. This Customer Bill of Rights commits 
us to high service standards and holds us accountable if we fall short.

In 2018, we completed 98.1% of our scheduled flights. Unlike most other 
airlines, we have a policy of not overbooking flights.

Our Customers have repeatedly indicated the distinctive JetBlue Experience 
is an important reason why they select us over other carriers. We measure 
and monitor customer feedback regularly which helps us to continuously 
improve customer satisfaction. One way we do so is by measuring our 
net promoter score, or NPS. This metric is used by companies in a broad 
range of industries to measure and monitor the customer experience. Many 
of the leading consumer brands that are recognized for great customer 
service receive high NPS scores. We believe a higher NPS score has positive 
effects on customer loyalty and ultimately leads to increased revenue.

Network/ High-Value Geography

We are a predominately point-to-point system carrier, with the majority of 
our routes touching at least one of our six focus cities: New York, Boston, 
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Orlando, Long Beach, and San Juan, Puerto 
Rico. During 2018, over 85% of our Customers flew on nonstop itineraries.

Leisure traveler focused airlines are often faced with high seasonality. As 
a result, we continually work to manage our mix of Customers to include 
both business travelers and travelers visiting friends and relatives, or 
VFR. VFR travelers tend to be slightly less seasonal and less susceptible 
to economic downturns than traditional leisure destination travelers. 
Understanding the purpose of our Customers’ travel helps us optimize 
destinations, strengthen our network, and increase unit revenues. All six 
of our focus cities are in regions with a diverse mix of traffic.

As of December 31, 2018, our network served 105 BlueCities in 31 states, 
the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin 
Islands, and 21 countries in the Caribbean and Latin America.

We also made changes across our network by announcing new routes 
between existing BlueCities. We group our capacity distribution based 
upon geographical regions rather than on a mileage or a length-of-haul 
basis. The historic distribution of ASMs, or capacity, by region for the 
years ending December 31 was:

2016
Capacity Distribution
28.8%
Transcontinental
30.1
Caribbean & Latin America(1)
29.1
Florida
5.4
East
4.1
Central
2.5
West
TOTAL
100.0%
(1)  Domestic operations as defined by the U.S. Department of Transport, or DOT, include Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, but for the purposes of the capacity distribution table above, 

2017
28.6%
28.3
30.1
6.4
3.8
2.8
100.0%

31.3%
28.7
27.3
6.5
4.0
2.2
100.0%

2018

we have included these locations in the Caribbean and Latin America region.

08

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportDuring the past decade we invested in our network, which had been 
dominated by the New York metropolitan area with approximately half of 
our ASMs. Our network growth over the past few years has been focused 
on the business traveler in Boston as well as travelers to the Caribbean 
and Latin America region. We expect to continue increasing our presence 
in Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood where we believe there is an opportunity to 
increase our operations to destinations throughout the Caribbean and Latin 
America. Our plan is supported by significant investment from the Broward 
County Aviation Department in the airport and surrounding facilities. We 
believe our increased focus on Boston and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood 
makes our ASMs more balanced and the overall network is stronger.

In 2019, we anticipate further expanding our network and have previously 
announced service to the following new destination:

Destination
Guayaquil, Ecuador

Service Scheduled to Commence
February 28, 2019

Airline Commercial Partnerships

Airlines frequently participate in commercial partnerships with other carriers in 
order to increase Customer convenience by providing interline-connectivity, 
code-sharing, coordinated flight schedules, frequent flyer program reciprocity, 
and other joint marketing activities. As of December 31, 2018, we had 
49 airline commercial partnerships. Our commercial partnerships typically 
begin as an interline agreement allowing a Customer to book one itinerary 
with tickets on multiple airlines. During 2018, we entered into a code-
sharing agreement with JetSuiteX, marking the first code-share between 
a semi-private public charter operator and a major U.S. carrier. This code 
sharing agreement provides our Customers access to flights on a variety 
of West Coast routes. Code-sharing is a practice by which one airline 
places its name and flight number on flights operated by another airline. 
In 2019, we expect to continue to seek additional strategic opportunities 
through new commercial partners as well as assess ways to deepen 
existing airline partnerships. We plan to do this by expanding code-
share relationships and other areas of cooperation such as frequent flyer 
programs. We believe these commercial partnerships allow us to better 
leverage our strong network and drive incremental traffic and revenue 
while improving off-peak travel.

Marketing

JetBlue is a widely recognized and respected global brand. JetBlue created 
a new category in air travel and our brand stands for high service quality 
at a reasonable cost. We believe this brand has evolved into an important 
and valuable asset which identifies us as a safe, reliable, high value airline. 
Similarly, we believe customer awareness of our brand has contributed to 
the success of our marketing efforts. It enables us to promote ourselves 
as a preferred marketing partner with companies across many different 
industries.

We market our services through advertising and promotions in various 
media forms including popular social media outlets. We engage in large 
multi-market programs, local events and sponsorships across our route 
network as well as mobile marketing programs. Our targeted public and 
community relations efforts reflect our commitment to the communities 
we serve, as well as promoting brand awareness and complementing 
our strong reputation.

Operations and Cost Structure

PART I  
ITEM 1 Business

Distribution

Our primary and preferred distribution channel to Customers is through 
our website, www.jetblue.com, our lowest cost channel. Our website 
allows us to more closely control and deliver the JetBlue Experience while 
also offering the full suite of JetBlue Fare Options, Even More® Space and 
Speed, and other ancillary services.

Our participation in global distribution systems, or GDS, supports our 
profitable growth, particularly in the business market. We find business 
Customers are more likely to book through a travel agency or a booking 
product which relies on a GDS platform. Although the cost of sales 
through this channel is higher than through our website, the average 
fare purchased through a GDS is generally higher and often covers the 
increased distribution costs. We currently participate in several major GDS 
and online travel agents, or OTA. Due to the majority of our Customers 
booking travel on our website, we maintain relatively low distribution costs 
despite our increased participation in GDS and OTA in recent years.

Customer Loyalty Program

TrueBlue® is our customer loyalty program designed to reward and 
recognize loyal Customers. Members earn points based upon the amount 
paid for JetBlue flights and services from certain commercial partners. 
Our points do not expire, the program has no black-out dates or seat 
restrictions, and any JetBlue destination can be booked if the TrueBlue® 
member has enough points to exchange for the value of an open seat. 
Mosaic® is an additional level for our most loyal Customers who either 
(1) fly a minimum of 30 times with JetBlue and acquire at least 12,000 
base flight points within a calendar year or (2) accumulate 15,000 base 
flight points within a calendar year. Over 2 million TrueBlue® one-way 
redemption awards were flown during 2018, representing approximately 
5% of our total revenue passenger miles.

We currently have co-branded loyalty credit cards available to eligible 
U.S. residents, as well as co-brand agreements in Puerto Rico and 
the Dominican Republic to allow cardholders to earn TrueBlue® points. 
Our current co-branded credit card partnership with Barclaycard® on 
the MasterCard® network exceeded expectations for conversion rates 
and has exceeded our expectations for new member enrollments. We 
also have co-branded loyalty credit cards issued by Banco Santander 
Puerto Rico and MasterCard® in Puerto Rico as well as Banco Popular 
Dominicano and MasterCard® in the Dominican Republic. These credit 
cards allow Customers in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic to 
take full advantage of our TrueBlue® loyalty program.

We have a separate agreement with American Express® that allows any 
American Express® cardholder to convert Membership Rewards® points 
into TrueBlue® points. In 2016, we added a partnership agreement with 
Citibank® to convert Citi ThankYou® Rewards points into TrueBlue® points. 
We became a Chase Ultimate Rewards® point transfer partner in 2018, 
allowing eligible Chase cardmembers to transfer Ultimate Rewards points to 
TrueBlue® points. We have various agreements with other loyalty partners, 
including hotels and car rental companies, that allow their customers to 
earn TrueBlue® points through participation in our partners’ programs. 
Customers can link their TrueBlue® account with Lyft, to take advantage 
of unique discounts, travel perks, and earn TrueBlue® loyalty points on 
any Lyft ride to and from any airport nationwide. We intend to continue 
to develop the footprint of our co-branded credit cards and pursue other 
loyalty partnerships in the future.

Historically, our cost structure has allowed us to price fares lower than 
many of our competitors and is a principal reason for our profitable growth. 
Our current cost advantage relative to some of our competitors is due 
to, among other factors, high aircraft utilization, new and efficient aircraft, 

relatively low distribution costs, and a productive workforce. Because our 
network initiatives and growth plans require a low cost platform, we strive 
to stay focused on our competitive costs, operational excellence, efficiency 
improvements, and enhancing critical elements of the JetBlue Experience.

09

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART I  
ITEM 1 Business

During 2016, we introduced an initiative to reduce our structural cost 
with the goal of saving $250 to $300 million by 2020. The program aims 
to cover all cost categories including our technical operations, corporate 
services, airports, and our distribution network. Through a combination of 
strategic sourcing, planning, automation, and a review of our distribution 
channel strategy, we anticipate delivering structural cost savings which will 
continue to allow us to deliver the JetBlue Experience to our Customers 
while maintaining a competitive cost structure. In the past two years, we 
made significant progress towards achieving this target and have secured 
approximately $199 million of the goal through renegotiated contracts, 
process optimization, and other structural cost initiatives.

Route Structure

Our point-to-point system is the foundation of our operational structure, 
with the majority of our routes touching at least one of our six focus 
cities. This structure allows us to optimize costs as well as accommodate 
Customers’ preference for nonstop itineraries. A vast majority of our 
operations are centered in and around the heavily populated northeast 
corridor of the U.S., which includes the New York and Boston metropolitan 
areas. This airspace is some of the world’s most congested and drives 
certain operational constraints.

Our peak levels of traffic over the course of the year vary by route; the 
East Coast to Florida/Caribbean routes peak from October through April 
and the West Coast routes peak in the summer months. Many of our 
areas of operations in the Northeast experience poor winter weather 
conditions, resulting in increased costs associated with de-icing aircraft, 
canceled flights, and accommodating displaced Customers. Many of our 
Florida and Caribbean routes experience bad weather conditions in the 
summer and fall due to thunderstorms and hurricanes. As we enter new 
markets we could be subject to additional seasonal variations along with 
competitive responses by other airlines.

•• New York metropolitan area – We are New York’s Hometown Airline®. 
Approximately one-half of our flights originate from or are destined to 
the New York metropolitan area, the nation’s largest travel market. JFK 
is New York’s largest airport, and we are the second largest airline at 
JFK as measured by domestic seats. Our 2018 operations accounted 
for 37% of seats offered on domestic routes from JFK. As JFK is a slot 
controlled airport, we have been able to continue to grow our operations 
by adding more seats per departure with the delivery of the Airbus A321 
aircraft, restyling of the Airbus A320 aircraft, as well as continuing to 
optimize routes based upon load factor and costs. We operate from 
Terminal 5, or T5, which includes an international arrivals facility within 
our current T5 footprint. We believe T5 enables us to increase operational 
efficiencies, provide savings, streamline our operations and improve the 
overall travel experience for our Customers arriving from international 
destinations. We also serve New Jersey’s Newark Liberty International 
Airport, or Newark, New York City’s LaGuardia Airport, or LaGuardia, 
New York’s Stewart International Airport, or Newburgh, and New York’s 
Westchester County Airport, or White Plains. We are the leading carrier 
in the average number of flights flown per day between the New York 
metropolitan area and Florida. In December 2017, we moved our 
operation at LaGuardia from the Central Terminal to the historic Marine 
Air Terminal, also known as Terminal A, bringing our Customers greater 
convenience and an improved ground experience while the Central 
Terminal undergoes reconstruction. We also added year-round Mint® 
service this year from New York to Seattle, as well as seasonal service 
to Liberia, our first Mint® city in Latin America.

•• Boston – We are the largest carrier in terms of flights and capacity at 
Boston’s Logan International Airport. At the end of 2018 we flew to 67 
nonstop destinations from Boston and our operations accounted for 
more than 27% of all seats offered in Boston. We continue to capitalize 
on opportunities in the changing competitive landscape by adding 
routes, frequencies and increasing our relevance to local travelers. 
Our plan is to grow Boston with a general target of 200 flights per day. 
In September 2018, we announced nonstop service to Palm Springs 

10

beginning in February 2019. In October 2018, we announced nonstop 
service to Rochester, NY, beginning in January 2019. In November 
2018, we launched nonstop service from Boston to Havana, becoming 
the only airline to fly nonstop between these two cities. To support our 
growing footprint in Boston, we have also executed an agreement with 
Massport that will bring our total number of gates to 30 gates by 2021, 
up from 27 gates at the end of 2018.

•• Caribbean and Latin America – At the end of 2018, we had 38 BlueCities 
in the Caribbean and Latin America and we expect our presence to 
continue to grow. San Juan, Puerto Rico is our only focus city outside 
of the Continental U.S. We are the largest airline in Puerto Rico serving 
more nonstop destinations than any other carrier. We are also the 
largest airline in the Dominican Republic, serving five airports. While the 
Caribbean and Latin American region is a growing part of our network, 
operating in this region can present challenges, including working with 
less developed airport infrastructure, political instability, and vulnerability 
to corruption. The second half of 2017 brought extraordinary weather 
conditions due to several strong hurricanes. In the days after Hurricane 
Maria, we introduced the 100x35JetBlue initiative, with 35 ways and 
100 days, and beyond, of caring for Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. The 
initiatives provided immediate first needs for the community, while also 
focusing on long-term productive partnerships to encourage the return 
of tourism, contribute to the local economy, and invest in the island’s 
future. In June 2018, we marked the return of our full flight schedule on 
the island after the hurricanes in 2017.

•• Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood – We are the largest carrier at Fort 
Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, 
with approximately 24% of all seats offered in 2018. We expect Fort 
Lauderdale-Hollywood to continue to be our fastest growing focus 
city. Flying out of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood instead of nearby Miami 
International Airport helps preserve our competitive cost advantage 
through lower enplanement costs. In 2012, Broward County authorities 
commenced a multi-year refurbishment effort at the airport and surrounding 
facilities including the construction of a new south runway. We operate 
primarily out of Terminal 3 which is now connected to the upgraded and 
expanded international terminal. Terminal 3 allows for easy access to the 
expanded and enhanced airfield and the connection of these terminals 
has streamlined operations for both Crewmembers and Customers. 
Due to these factors, we believe Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood is an ideal 
location between the U.S. and Latin America as well as South Florida’s 
high-value geography. During 2018, we launched nonstop services from 
Fort Lauderdale to Atlanta, Santiago, Dominican Republic, and Grand 
Cayman. These new routes allow us to continually grow our presence in 
Fort Lauderdale. We expect to add new service to Guayaquil, Ecuador 
beginning in February of 2019.

•• Orlando – We are the third largest carrier in terms of capacity at Orlando 
International Airport, or Orlando, with 13% of all seats offered in 2018. 
Orlando is JetBlue’s fourth largest focus city with 31 nonstop destinations 
and a growing mix of traffic including leisure, VFR, and business travelers. 
Our centralized training center, known as JetBlue University, is based 
in Orlando. In 2015, we opened the Lodge at OSC which is adjacent to 
our training center and is used for lodging our Crewmembers when they 
attend training. In May 2018, the Board of the Greater Orlando Airport 
Authority (GOAA) approved a non-binding memorandum of understand 
(MOU) for us to be the leading airline to operate out of the new South 
Terminal that is set to open in 2021. With the move to the South Terminal 
in 2021, we will have priority use of 14 gates that are capable of both 
domestic and international operations, compared to 10 domestic gates 
today. Under the terms of the MOU, we would also have priority rights 
to access more gates as we grow in the years to come.

•• Los Angeles area – We are the sixth largest carrier in the Los Angeles 
area measured by seats, operating from Long Beach Airport, or Long 
Beach, Los Angeles International Airport, or LAX, Burbank’s Bob Hope 
Airport, or Burbank, and Ontario International Airport, or Ontario. We 
are the largest carrier in Long Beach, with 72% of all seats offered in 
2018 operated by JetBlue.

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART I  
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In June 2014, we started operating our premium service, Mint®, from 
LAX. We currently offer up to eleven daily round trips between JFK and 
LAX, up to four daily round trips between Boston and LAX, and up to 
three daily round trips between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood and LAX.

As part of our West Coast strategy, we made a series of network 
enhancements in 2018 that are designed to better meet the needs of 
coast-to-coast travelers. We launched new nonstop services in Ontario, 
California, Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and Bozeman, Montana, further 
growing our presence in the western U.S. We refined our schedule 
in Long Beach to better meet the needs of the market by reducing 
intra-west flying. We also increased frequencies on several popular 
transcontinental routes with the addition of a second daily nonstop 
service between Burbank and JFK. Similarly, we also added a second 
daily flight between Boston and Long Beach.

Fleet Structure

We currently operate Airbus A321, Airbus A320 and Embraer E190 aircraft 
types. In 2018, our fleet had an average age of 9.8 years and operated an 
average of 11.8 hours per day. By scheduling and operating our aircraft 
more efficiently we are able to spread related fixed costs over a greater 
number of ASMs.

The reliability of our fleet is essential to ensuring our operations run efficiently 
and we are continually working with our aircraft and engine manufacturers 
to enhance our performance.

We are working with the Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA, in efforts 
towards implementing the Next Generation Air Transportation System, 
or NextGen, by 2020. NextGen technology is expected to improve 
operational efficiency in the congested airspaces in which we operate. In 
2012, we equipped 35 of our Airbus A320 aircraft to test ADS-B Out, a 
satellite based technology aimed to facilitate the communication between 
pilots and air traffic controllers. In accordance with FAA mandate, all of 
our aircraft are expected to be equipped with ADS-B Out by the fourth 
quarter of 2019. In 2012, we also became the first FAA certified Airbus 
A320 carrier in the U.S. to use satellite-based Special Required Navigation 
Performance Authorization Required, or RNP AR, approaches at two of 
JFK’s prime and most used runways, 13L and 13R. As part of NextGen, 
our aircraft will also be outfitted with the following:

•• Satellite-based Communications: We are putting satellite-based voice 
and data communications (SATCOM) on our Airbus fleet. Every aircraft 
will be assigned a unique phone number, similar to a cell network. This 
will give us positive contact with our aircraft anywhere in the world.

•• Data Comm: Data Comm makes departures more efficient by dramatically 
speeding up the process of aircraft pilots obtaining clearance from air 
traffic controllers. With Data Comm, controllers can simply push clearance 
details to the aircraft and dispatcher, which the pilot can confirm and 
automatically input into the flight computer with the push of a button. We 
recently received approval to equip our entire Airbus fleet with Data Comm. 

Data Comm is currently installed on 52 of our Airbus A321 aircraft and 
will be equipped on all of our Airbus A320 aircraft and future deliveries.

In addition, we have also upgraded our entire fleet to the latest version of 
the Traffic Collision & Avoidance System (TCAS), a critical safety system 
that reduces the chance of a mid-air collision.

Fleet Maintenance

Consistent with our core value of safety, our FAA-approved maintenance 
programs are administered by our technical operations department. We 
use qualified maintenance personnel and ensure they have comprehensive 
training. We maintain our aircraft and associated maintenance records in 
accordance with, if not exceeding, FAA regulations. Fleet maintenance 
work is divided into three categories: line maintenance, heavy maintenance, 
and component maintenance.

The bulk of our line maintenance is handled by JetBlue technicians and 
inspectors. It consists of daily checks, overnight and weekly checks, or 
“A” checks, diagnostics, and routine repairs.

Heavy maintenance checks, or “C” checks, consist of a series of more 
complex tasks taking from one to four weeks to complete and are typically 
performed once every 15 months. All of our aircraft heavy maintenance work 
is performed by third party FAA-approved facilities such as AAR, HAECO, 
Aeromantenimiento S.A., and Lufthansa Technik AG, and are subject to 
direct oversight by JetBlue personnel. We outsource heavy maintenance 
as the costs are lower than if we performed the tasks internally.

Component maintenance on equipment such as engines, auxiliary power 
units, landing gears, pumps, and avionic computers are all performed by 
a number of different FAA-approved third party repair stations. We have 
time and materials agreements with Lufthansa Technik AG and IAE for the 
repair, overhaul, modification, and logistics of our Airbus aircraft engines. 
We also have a maintenance agreement with GE Engine Services, LLC for 
our Embraer aircraft engines. Many of our maintenance service agreements 
are based on a fixed cost per flight hour. These fixed costs vary based 
upon the age of the aircraft and other operating factors impacting the 
related component. Required maintenance not otherwise covered by 
these agreements is performed on a time and materials basis. All other 
maintenance activities are sub-contracted to qualified maintenance, repair 
and overhaul facilities.

Aircraft Fuel

Aircraft fuel continues to be one of our largest expenses. Its price and 
availability has been extremely volatile due to global economic and 
geopolitical factors which we can neither control nor accurately predict. 
We use a third party to assist with fuel management service and to procure 
most of our fuel. Our historical fuel consumption and costs for the years 
ended December 31 were:

Gallons consumed (millions)
Total cost (millions)(1)
Average price per gallon(1)
Percent of operating expenses
(1)  Total cost and average price per gallon each include related fuel taxes as well as effective fuel hedging gains and losses.

2018

2017

2016

849
$ 1,899
2.24
$
25.8%

792
$ 1,363
1.72
$
22.6%

760
$ 1,074
1.41
$
20.2%

We attempt to protect ourselves against the volatility of fuel prices by 
entering into a variety of derivative instruments. These include swaps, caps, 
collars, and basis swaps with underlyings of jet fuel, crude and heating oil.

Financial Health

We strive to maintain financial strength and a cost structure that enables 
us to grow profitably and sustainably. In the first years of our history, we 
relied on financing activities to fund much of our growth. Starting in 2007, 

our growth has largely been funded through internally generated cash from 
operations. Since 2014, while we have invested approximately $5.2 billion 
in capital assets, we have also generated approximately $6.8 billion in 
cash from operations, resulting in approximately $1.6 billion in free cash 
flow. Our improved financial results have resulted in better credit ratings, 
which in turn allows for more attractive financing terms. Since 2014, we 
have also reduced our total debt balance by $0.9 billion.

11

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JetBlue Technology Ventures

JetBlue Travel Products

JetBlue Technology Ventures, LLC, or JTV, is a wholly-owned subsidiary 
of JetBlue. JTV incubates, invests in and partners with early stage startups 
at the intersection of technology, travel and hospitality. The investment 
focus of JTV is as follows:

•• Seamless Customer Journey: Technologies to provide a seamless 
travel experience from the moment Customers think about traveling 
until they return from the journey.

•• Technology Powered Magnificent Service: Technologies that make it 
easier for our Crewmembers and business partners to deliver magnificent 
customer service at every point of the journey.

•• Future of Maintenance and Operations: Technologies and tools for 
technical, flight, system and airport operations that enhance safety, 
reduce maintenance downtime, and increase operational efficiency.

•• Innovation in Distribution, Revenue and Loyalty: Innovations in 
loyalty, e-commerce, distribution, payments, and revenue management 
to enhance revenue, simplify commerce, and provide additional options 
for customers.

•• Evolving Regional Travel: Innovations in new modes of transportation, 
new market places and technologies including electric propulsion, 
robotics, drones, and other disruptions in the regional travel ecosystem 
for traveling distances under 1,000 miles.

In 2018, we launched JBTP, LLC, or JetBlue Travel Products, which 
includes our JetBlue Vacations® brand and other non-air travel products 
including travel insurance, cruises, and car rental. With its Inspiration Center 
headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, we believe JetBlue Travel Products 
will play an important role in delivering our vision of becoming the most 
caring travel provider in the world, extending our reach further across the 
travel ribbon to offer Customers an even more seamless travel experience.

TWA Flight Center Hotel Development

In 2015, the Board of Commissioners of the Port Authority of New York & 
New Jersey, or the PANYNJ approved a construction plan to redevelop 
the TWA Flight Center at JFK on its nearly six-acre site into a hotel with 
over 500 rooms, meeting spaces, restaurants, a spa and an observation 
deck. The complex is planned to feature two six-story hotel towers. As 
part of the plan, a 75-year lease agreement involves Flight Center Hotel 
LLC, a partnership of MCR Development, LLC and JetBlue. We estimate 
our ultimate ownership in the hotel to be approximately 5% to 10% of 
the final total investment. During December 2016, the TWA Flight Center 
Hotel officially broke ground. The hotel is scheduled to open in 2019. It 
will be the first hotel on airport property at JFK since 2009. The only other 
hotels near the airport are budget accommodations a short drive away 
by shuttle bus or taxi.

Culture

Our People

Our success depends on our Crewmembers delivering a terrific Customer 
experience in the sky and on the ground. One of our competitive strengths 
is a service oriented culture grounded in our five key values: safety, caring, 
integrity, passion and fun. We believe a highly productive and engaged 
workforce enhances customer loyalty. Our goal is to hire, train, and retain 
a diverse workforce of caring, passionate, fun and friendly people who 
share our mission to inspire humanity.

Our culture is first introduced to new Crewmembers during the screening 
process and then at an extensive new hire orientation program at JetBlue 
University, our training center in Orlando. Orientation focuses on the JetBlue 
strategy and emphasizes the importance of customer service, productivity, 
and cost control. We provide continuous training for our Crewmembers 
including technical training, a specialized captain leadership training 
program unique in the industry, a leadership program for current company 
managers, an emerging managers program, regular training focused on 
the safety value and front line training for our customer service teams.

Our growth plans necessitate and facilitate opportunities for talent 
development. In 2008, we launched the University Gateway Program, 
one of our many pilot recruitment initiatives, which made us the first airline 
to provide a training program for undergraduate students interested in 

becoming JetBlue First Officers. In 2016, we launched Gateway Select, 
a program for prospective pilots to join us for a rigorous, approximately 
four-year training program that incorporates classroom learning, extensive 
real-world flying experience and instruction in full flight simulators.

We believe a direct relationship between Crewmembers and our leadership 
is in the best interests of our Crewmembers, our Customers, and our 
Shareholders. Except for our pilots and inflight Crewmembers, our 
Crewmembers do not have third-party representation. In April 2014, the 
Air Line Pilots Association, or ALPA, was certified by the National Mediation 
Board, or NMB, as the representative body for JetBlue pilots after winning 
a representation election. We reached a final agreement for our first 
collective bargaining agreement which was ratified by the pilots in July 
2018. The agreement is a four-year renewable contract effective August 
1, 2018 which included changes to compensation, benefits, work rules, 
and other policies. In April 2018, JetBlue inflight Crewmembers elected 
to be solely represented by the Transport Workers Union of America, or 
TWU. The NMB certified the TWU as the representative body for JetBlue 
inflight Crewmembers and we are working with the TWU to reach a 
collective bargaining agreement. As of December 31, 2018, approximately 
44 percent of our full-time equivalent Crewmembers were represented by 
unions. The following table sets forth our Crewmember groups and the 
status of their respective collective bargaining agreements.

Crewmember Group
Pilots
Inflight
(1)  Approximate number of active full-time equivalent Crewmembers as of December 31, 2018.
(2)  Our  relations  with  our  labor  organizations  are  governed  by Title  II  of  the  Railway  Labor Act  of  1926,  pursuant  to  which  the  collective  bargaining  agreements  between  us  and  these 

Representative
Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA)
Transport Workers Union (TWU)

Amendable Date(2)
August 1, 2022
In negotiations

Crewmembers(1)
3,409
4,480

organizations do not expire but instead become amendable as of a certain date if either party wishes to modify the terms of the agreement.

We have individual employment agreements with each of our non-unionized 
FAA licensed Crewmembers which consist of dispatchers, technicians, 
inspectors, and air traffic controllers. Each employment agreement is for 
a term of five years and renews for an additional five-year term, unless the 
Crewmember is terminated for cause or the Crewmember elects not to 

renew. Pursuant to these employment agreements, Crewmembers can 
only be terminated for cause. In the event of a downturn in our business, 
resulting in a reduction of flying and related work hours, we are obligated 
to pay these Crewmembers a guaranteed level of income and to continue 
their benefits. We believe that through these agreements we provide 

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JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART I  
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what we believe to be industry-leading job protection. We believe these 
agreements provide JetBlue and Crewmembers flexibility and allow us to 
react to Crewmember needs more efficiently than collective bargaining 
agreements.

A key feature of the direct relationship with our Crewmembers is our Values 
Committees which are made up of peer-elected frontline Crewmembers from 
each of our major work groups, other than pilots and inflight Crewmembers. 
They represent the interests of our workgroups and help us run our business 
in a productive and efficient manner. We believe this direct relationship 
with Crewmembers drives higher levels of engagement and alignment 
with JetBlue’s strategy, culture, and overall goals.

We believe the efficiency and engagement of our Crewmembers is a result of 
our flexible and productive work rules. We are cognizant of the competition 
for productive labor in key industry positions and new government rules 
requiring higher qualifications as well as more restricted hours that may 
result in potential labor shortages in the upcoming years.

Our leadership team communicates on a regular basis with all Crewmembers 
in order to maintain a direct relationship and to keep them informed about 
news, strategy updates, and challenges affecting the airline and the 
industry. Effective and frequent communication throughout the organization 
is fostered through various means including email messages from our 
CEO and other senior leaders at least weekly, weekday news updates 
to all Crewmembers, Crewmember engagement surveys, a quarterly 
Crewmember magazine, and active leadership participation in new hire 
orientations. Leadership is also heavily involved in periodic open forum 
meetings across our network, called “pocket sessions” which are often 
videotaped and posted on our intranet. By soliciting feedback for ways to 
improve our service, teamwork and work environment, our leadership team 
works to keep Crewmembers engaged and makes our business decisions 
transparent. Additionally, we believe cost and revenue improvements are 
best recognized by Crewmembers on the job.

Our average number of full-time equivalent Crewmembers for the year 
ended December 31, 2018 consisted of 3,372 pilots, 4,452 inflight (whom 
other airlines may refer to as flight attendants), 4,651 airport operations 
personnel, 650 technicians (whom other airlines may refer to as mechanics), 
1,319 reservation agents, and 3,322 management and other personnel. 
For the year ended December 31, 2018, we employed an average of 
15,643 full-time and 5,249 part-time Crewmembers.

Crewmember Programs

We are committed to supporting our Crewmembers through a number 
of programs including:

•• Crewmember Resource Groups (CRGs) – These are groups formed 
by and consisting of Crewmembers to act as a resource for both the 
group members as well as JetBlue. The groups serve as an avenue to 
embrace and encourage different perspectives, thoughts and ideas. 
At the end of 2018, we had five CRGs in place: JetPride, Women in 
Flight, Vets in Blue, Blue Conexión, and the JetBlue African Diaspora 
Experience (JADE). All CRGs are committed to supporting the following 
pillars: professional development, JetBlue success, and recruitment 
and retention.

•• JetBlue Crewmember Crisis Fund (JCCF) – This organization, originally 
formed in 2002, is a non-profit corporation independent from JetBlue 
and recognized by the IRS as of that date as a tax-exempt entity. JCCF 
was created to assist JetBlue Crewmembers and their immediate 
family members (IRS Dependents) in times of crisis. Funds for JCCF 
grants come directly from Crewmember donations via a tax-deductible 
payroll deduction. During 2017 we witnessed several unprecedented 
weather challenges including various hurricanes. JCCF helped provide 
over $2 million in relief to Crewmembers impacted by Hurricanes 
Harvey, Irma and Maria. The assistance process is confidential with 
only the fund administrator and coordinator knowing the identity of the 
Crewmembers in need.

•• JetBlue Scholars – Developed in 2015, this program offers a new and 
innovative model to our Crewmembers wishing to further their education. 
Crewmembers enrolled in the program can earn a bachelor’s degree through 
self-directed online college courses facilitated by JetBlue. Since its inception, 
more than 1,000 Crewmembers have participated in the program with 
nearly 700 currently enrolled. Now in its third year, JetBlue Scholars keeps 
on growing. In the first year, Crewmembers earned 40 degrees and last 
year, 60 degrees. In November 2018 we celebrated the graduation of 60 of 
our Crewmembers who took the initiative and successfully completed their 
undergraduate college degrees. This reemphasizes our continuous effort to 
help provide assistance to our most valued asset, our people. In 2018, the 
JetBlue Scholars program was named a winner of the US. Department of 
Education’s “2018 Reimagining the Higher Education Ecosystem Challenge,” 
as well as a recipient of a “People’s Choice” award after receiving the highest 
score during public voting. This challenge called upon educators, students, 
policymakers, industry leaders, technology developers, and the public to 
develop bold ideas to reimagine what the higher education ecosystem will 
look like in 2030.

••  Lift Recognition Program – Formed in 2012, this Crewmember 
recognition program encourages Crewmembers to celebrate their 
peers for living JetBlue’s values by sending e-thanks through an on-
line platform. Our senior leadership team periodically hosts an event 
for the Crewmembers who receive the highest number of Lift award 
recognitions in each quarter of the year. In 2018, we saw more than 
200,000 Lift awards.

Community Programs

JetBlue is strongly committed to supporting the communities and BlueCities 
we serve through a variety of community programs including:

•• 100x35JetBlue – As the airline with more service than any other carrier in 
Puerto Rico and nearly 500 local Crewmembers, we take our commitment 
to the community very seriously. With 100x35JetBlue, an initiative JetBlue 
launched following Hurricane Maria making landfall in the Caribbean, we 
supported our Crewmembers, Customers, and communities to meet 
urgent needs and ongoing rebuilding efforts. JetBlue’s support included 
helping replenish vegetation and the ecosystem, hosting free meal 
events, donating school supplies, partnering with community leaders 
and influencers to raise awareness and funds, and offering advertising 
space to promote Puerto Rican tourism.

•• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) – The CSR team supports not-
for-profit organizations focusing on youth and education, environment, 
and community in the BlueCities we serve. The team organizes and 
supports community service projects, charitable giving and non-profit 
partnerships such as KaBOOM!, which builds, opens and improves 
playgrounds to benefit millions of young children, and Soar with Reading, 
which works to get books into the hands of children who need them 
most including free book vending machines.

•• JetBlue Foundation – Organized in 2013 as a non-profit corporation, 
the JetBlue Foundation is a JetBlue-sponsored organization to advance 
aviation-related education and to continue our efforts to promote aviation 
as a career choice for students. The foundation intends to do this by 
igniting interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. 
The foundation is legally independent from JetBlue and has a Board of 
Directors as well as an Advisory Committee, both of which are made 
up of Crewmembers. The foundation is recognized by the IRS as a 
tax-exempt entity.

•• USO Center T5/JFK – Continuing our tradition of proudly supporting 
the men, women and families of the U.S. military, in September 2014 
we opened a USO Center in T5 at JFK. The USO Center is open seven 
days a week, 365 days per year for military members and their families 
traveling on any airline at JFK, not just JetBlue. This USO Center is 
fully stocked with computers, televisions, gaming devices/stations, 
furniture, iPads, food, beverages and much more. In conjunction with 
leading airport design firm Gensler, Turner Construction Company, the 

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JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART I  
ITEM 1 Business

PANYNJ and more than 28 contractors and individual donors, 100% 
of the space, services, labor and materials were donated to ensure the 
USO Center would be free of any financial burden. Crewmembers donate 
time throughout the year to help run the USO Center.

•• T5 Farm – Creating a healthier airport environment is a core pillar of 
JetBlue’s sustainability philosophy. Through a partnership with TERRA 

brand and support from GrowNYC and the PANYNJ, we created the 
T5 Farm, a blue potato farm and produce garden on the roof of T5. The 
T5 Farm aims to serve as an agricultural and educational resource for 
the community, as well as a mechanism to absorb rainwater and runoff, 
reducing the possibility of flooding in the adjacent areas. Produce from 
the T5 Farm is donated to local food pantries.

Regulation

Airlines are heavily regulated, with rules and regulations set by various 
federal, state and local agencies. We also operate under specific regulations 
due to our operations within the high density airspace of the northeast 
U.S. Most of our airline operations are regulated by U.S. governmental 
agencies including:

DOT – The DOT primarily regulates economic issues affecting air service 
including, but not limited to, certification and fitness, insurance, consumer 
protection and competitive practices. They set the requirement that carriers 
cannot permit domestic flights to remain on the tarmac for more than three 
hours. The DOT also requires that the advertised price for an airfare or a 
tour package including airfare (such as a hotel/air vacation package) has 
to be the total price to be paid by the Customer, including all government 
taxes and fees. It has the authority to investigate and institute proceedings 
to enforce its economic regulations and may assess civil penalties, revoke 
operating authority and seek criminal sanctions.

FAA – The FAA primarily regulates flight operations, in particular, matters 
affecting air safety. This includes but is not limited to airworthiness 
requirements for aircraft, the licensing of pilots, mechanics and dispatchers, 
and the certification of flight attendants. It requires each airline to obtain an 
operating certificate authorizing the airline to operate at specific airports 
using specified equipment. Like all U.S. certified carriers, JetBlue cannot 
fly to new destinations without the prior authorization of the FAA. After 
providing notice and a hearing, the FAA has the authority to modify, 
suspend temporarily or revoke permanently our authority to provide air 
transportation or that of our licensed personnel for failure to comply with 
FAA regulations. It can additionally assess civil penalties for such failures as 
well as institute proceedings for the imposition and collection of monetary 
fines for the violation of certain FAA regulations. When significant safety 
issues are involved, it can revoke a U.S. carrier’s authority to provide air 
transportation on an emergency basis, without providing notice and a 
hearing. It monitors our compliance with maintenance as well as flight 
operations and safety regulations. It maintains on-site representatives 
and performs frequent spot inspections of our aircraft, Crewmembers and 
records. The FAA also has the authority to issue airworthiness directives 
and other mandatory orders. This includes the inspection of aircraft and 
engines, fire retardant and smoke detection devices, collision and windshear 
avoidance systems, noise abatement, and the mandatory removal and 
replacement of aircraft parts that have failed or may fail in the future. We 
have and maintain FAA certificates of airworthiness for all of our aircraft 
and have the necessary FAA authority to fly to all of the destinations we 
currently serve.

Transportation Security Administration and U.S. Customs and Border 
Protection – The Transportation Security Administration, or TSA, and 
the U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection, or CBP, operate under the 
Department of Homeland Security and are responsible for all civil aviation 
security. This includes passenger and baggage screening; cargo security 
measures; airport security; assessment and distribution of intelligence; 
security research and development; international passenger screening; 
customs; and agriculture. It also has law enforcement powers and the 
authority to issue regulations, including in cases of national emergency, 
without a notice or comment period. It can also assess civil penalties 
for such failures as well as institute proceedings for the imposition and 
collection of monetary fines for the violation of certain regulations.

Taxes & Fees – The airline industry is one of the most heavily taxed in 
the U.S., with taxes and fees accounting for approximately 17% of the 
total fare charged to a Customer. Airlines are obligated to fund all of these 

14

taxes and fees regardless of their ability to pass these charges on to the 
Customer. The September 11 Security Fee which is set by the TSA and 
is passed through to the Customer, is currently $5.60 per enplanement, 
regardless of the number of connecting flights and a round trip fee is 
limited to a maximum of $11.20. Effective December 28, 2015, the Animal 
and Plant Health Inspection Service Aircraft Inspection fee increased from 
$70.75 to $225 per international aircraft arriving in the U.S.

State and Local – We are subject to state and local laws and regulations 
in a number of states in which we operate and the regulations of various 
local authorities operating the airports we serve.

Airport Access – JFK, LaGuardia, and Ronald Reagan Washington 
National Airport, or Reagan National, are slot-controlled airports subject to 
the “High Density Rule” and successor rules issued by the FAA, or Slots. 
These rules were implemented due to the high volume of traffic at these 
popular airports located in the northeast corridor airspace. The rules limit 
the air traffic in and out of these airports during specific times; however, 
even with the rules in place, delays remain among the highest in the nation 
due to continuing airspace congestion. Additionally, we have Slots at other 
Slot-controlled airports governed by unique local ordinances not subject 
to the High Density Rule, including Westchester County Airport in White 
Plains, NY and Long Beach (California) Municipal Airport. Gate access 
is another common issue at certain airports. As an example, we started 
flying to Atlanta in the first half of 2017 and were not granted the agreed 
upon number of gates.

Airport Infrastructure – The northeast corridor of the U.S. contains some 
of the most congested airspaces in the world. The airports in this region 
are some of the busiest in the country, the majority of which are more 
than 60 years old. Due to high usage and aging infrastructure, issues 
arise at these airports that are not necessarily seen in other parts of the 
country. At LaGuardia, in late 2017 we moved from Central Terminal B to 
the historic Marine Air Terminal A. The Marine Air Terminal has a beautiful 
historic design which we plan to honor while adding our own modern 
touches to create an airport experience in line with the award-winning 
service our Customers receive onboard. Our makeover of the Terminal 
included updated and additional concessions post-security, more seating, 
and technology upgrades. The Terminal features an expanded check-in 
area with self-bag-tagging kiosks and a dedicated TSA Pre-Check lane 
with JetBlue as the sole tenant, occupying four gates.

Foreign Operations – International air transportation is subject to extensive 
government regulation. The availability of international routes to U.S. 
airlines is regulated by treaties and related agreements between the U.S. 
and foreign governments. We currently operate international service to 
Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, the Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, the 
Cayman Islands, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Curaçao, the Dominican 
Republic, Ecuador, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, Peru, Saint Lucia, 
St. Maarten, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. To 
the extent we seek to provide air transportation to additional international 
markets in the future, we would be required to obtain necessary authority 
from the DOT and the applicable foreign government.

We believe we are operating in material compliance with DOT, FAA, TSA, 
CBP and applicable international regulations as well as hold all necessary 
operating and airworthiness authorizations and certificates. Should any of 
these authorizations or certificates be modified, suspended or revoked, 
our business could be materially adversely affected.

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportOther

Environmental - We are subject to various federal, state and local laws 
relating to the protection of the environment. This includes the discharge 
or disposal of materials and chemicals as well as the regulation of aircraft 
noise administered by numerous state and federal agencies.

The Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990 recognizes the right of airport 
operators with special noise problems to implement local noise abatement 
procedures as long as those procedures do not interfere unreasonably 
with the interstate and foreign commerce of the national air transportation 
system. Certain airports, including San Diego and Long Beach airports in 
California, have established restrictions to limit noise which can include 
limits on the number of hourly or daily operations and the time of such 
operations. These limitations are intended to protect the local noise-
sensitive communities surrounding the airport. Our scheduled flights 
at Long Beach and San Diego are in compliance with the noise curfew 
limits, but on occasion when we experience irregular operations, we may 
violate these curfews. In 2017, we entered into an agreement with the 
Long Beach City Prosecutor which requires us to pay a $6,000 fine per 
violation. The payments resulting from curfew violations go to support 
the Long Beach Public Library Foundation. This local ordinance has not 
had, and we believe it will not have, a negative effect on our operations.

We report annually on environmental, social, governance (ESG) issues and 
our response to them uses the Sustainable Accounting Standards Board 
(SASB) framework. The report can be found on our Investor Relations 
website at http://investor.jetblue.com.

As part of our sustainability and environmental strategy, we are embracing 
new technologies and making changes that will ultimately benefit our 
Crewmembers, Customers and the environment. In 2018, we began 
replacing our gas-powered Ground Service Equipment (GSE) at JFK with 
electric-powered versions, known as eGSE, which will help the environment 
by reducing fuel consumption and noise. We also partnered with Airbus 
to use a renewable jet fuel blend on selected A321 aircraft acceptance 
and delivery flights in 2018.

In 2017, JetBlue focused our sustainability efforts on three areas: Climate 
Leadership, Sustainable Operations, and Sustainable Tourism. Climate 
Leadership encompasses climate change related risk and greenhouse 
gases associated with the burning of jet fuel, our biggest environmental 
impact and regulatory exposure. Sustainable Operations encompasses 
implementation of operational change and new technologies to reduce 
our cost of natural resources associated with the operations. Sustainable 

Insurance

PART I  
ITEM 1 Business

Tourism encompasses commercial and environmental research to forecast 
future demand for tourism. Additional information can be found on www.
jetblue.com/green/.

During 2016, we entered into a partnership to buy renewable jet fuel 
produced from plant derived oils. This marked the largest, long-term, 
commitment globally by any airline for a jet fuel based on fatty acids. Early 
engagement with a renewable jet fuel supply positions JetBlue to reduce 
costs associated with CO2 emissions.

Concern over climate change, including the impact of global warming, has 
led to significant U.S. and international legislative and regulatory efforts to 
limit GHG emissions, including our aircraft and diesel engine emissions. 
In October 2016, the International Civil Aviation Organization (“ICAO”) 
passed a resolution adopting the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme 
for International Aviation (“CORSIA”), which is a global, market-based 
emissions offset program to encourage carbon-neutral growth beyond 
2020. CORSIA is scheduled to take effect by 2021. ICAO continues to 
develop details regarding implementation, but we believe compliance with 
CORSIA will increase our operating costs.

Foreign Ownership – Under federal law and DOT regulations, JetBlue 
must be controlled by U.S. citizens. In this regard, our president and at 
least two-thirds of our board of directors must be U.S. citizens. Further, 
no more than 24.99% of our outstanding common stock may be voted by 
non-U.S. citizens. We believe we are currently in compliance with these 
ownership provisions.

Other Regulations – All airlines are subject to certain provisions of the 
Communications Act of 1934 due to their extensive use of radio and other 
communication facilities. They are also required to obtain an aeronautical 
radio license from the Federal Communications Commission, or FCC. To 
the extent we are subject to FCC requirements, we take all necessary 
steps to comply with those requirements.

Our labor relations are covered under Title II of the Railway Labor Act of 
1926 and are subject to the jurisdiction of the NMB. In addition, during 
periods of fuel scarcity, access to aircraft fuel may be subject to federal 
allocation regulations.

Civil Reserve Air Fleet – We are a participant in the Civil Reserve Air 
Fleet Program, which permits the U.S. Department of Defense to utilize 
our aircraft during national emergencies when the need for military airlift 
exceeds the capability of military aircraft. By participating in this program, 
we are eligible to bid on and be awarded peacetime airlift contracts with 
the U.S. military.

We carry insurance of types customary in the airline industry and at amounts deemed adequate to protect us and our property as well as comply with 
both federal regulations and certain credit and lease agreements.

Where You Can Find Other Information

Our website is www.jetblue.com. Information contained on our website is not part of this Report. Information we furnish or file with the SEC, including 
our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to or exhibits included in 
these reports are available for download, free of charge, on our website soon after such reports are filed with or furnished to the SEC. Our SEC filings, 
including exhibits filed therewith, are also available at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

15

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART I  
ITEM 1A Risk Factors

ITEM 1A. Risk Factors

Risks Related to JetBlue

We operate in an extremely competitive industry.

The domestic airline industry is characterized by low profit margins, high 
fixed costs and significant price competition in an increasingly concentrated 
competitive field. We currently compete with other airlines on all of our routes. 
Most of our competitors are larger and have greater financial resources 
and name recognition than we do. Following our entry into new markets 
or expansion of existing markets, some of our competitors have chosen 
to add service or engage in extensive price competition. Unanticipated 
shortfalls in expected revenues as a result of price competition or in the 
number of passengers carried would negatively impact our financial results 
and harm our business. The extremely competitive nature of the airline 
industry could prevent us from attaining the level of passenger traffic or 
maintaining the level of fares required to maintain profitable operations in 
new and existing markets and could impede our profitable growth strategy, 
which would harm our business.

Furthermore, there have been numerous mergers and acquisitions within 
the airline industry in recent years. The industry may continue to change. 
Any business combination could significantly alter industry conditions 
and competition within the airline industry and could cause fares of our 
competitors to be reduced. Additionally, if a traditional network airline 
were to fully develop a low cost structure, or if we were to experience 
increased competition from low cost carriers, our business could be 
materially adversely affected.

Our business is highly dependent on the availability of fuel and fuel 
is subject to price volatility.

Our results of operations are heavily impacted by the price and availability 
of fuel. Fuel costs comprise a substantial portion of our total operating 
expenses. Historically, fuel costs have been subject to wide price fluctuations 
based on geopolitical factors as well as supply and demand. The availability 
of fuel is not only dependent on crude oil but also on refining capacity. 
When even a small amount of the domestic or global oil refining capacity 
becomes unavailable, supply shortages can result for extended periods of 
time. The availability of fuel is also affected by demand for home heating 
oil, gasoline and other petroleum products, as well as crude oil reserves, 
dependence on foreign imports of crude oil and potential hostilities in oil 
producing areas of the world. Because of the effects of these factors 
on the price and availability of fuel, the cost and future availability of fuel 
cannot be predicted with any degree of certainty.

Our aircraft fuel purchase agreements do not protect us against price 
increases or guarantee the availability of fuel. Additionally, some of our 
competitors may have more leverage than we do in obtaining fuel. We 
have and may continue to enter into a variety of option contracts and 
swap agreements for crude oil, heating oil, and jet fuel to partially protect 
against significant increases in fuel prices. However, such contracts and 
agreements do not completely protect us against price volatility, are limited 
in volume and duration in the respective contract, and can be less effective 
during volatile market conditions and may carry counterparty risk. Under 
the fuel hedge contracts we may enter from time to time, counterparties 
to those contracts may require us to fund the margin associated with any 
loss position on the contracts if the price of crude oil falls below specified 
benchmarks. Meeting our obligations to fund these margin calls could 
adversely affect our liquidity.

Due to the competitive nature of the domestic airline industry, at times we 
have not been able to adequately increase our fares to offset the increases 
in fuel prices nor may we be able to do so in the future. Future fuel price 
increases, continued high fuel price volatility or fuel supply shortages may 
result in a curtailment of scheduled services and could have a material 
adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

16

We have a significant amount of fixed obligations and we will incur 
significantly more fixed obligations which could harm our ability to service 
our current obligations or satisfy future fixed obligations.

As of December 31, 2018, our debt of $1.7 billion accounted for 28% of 
our total capitalization. In addition to long-term debt, we have a significant 
amount of other fixed obligations under operating leases related to our 
aircraft, airport terminal space, airport hangars, other facilities and office 
space. As of December 31, 2018, future minimum payments under 
noncancelable leases and other financing obligations were approximately 
$2.3 billion for 2019 through 2023 and an aggregate of $2.0 billion for 
the years thereafter. T5 at JFK is under a lease with the PANYNJ that 
ends on the 28th anniversary of the date of beneficial occupancy of T5i. 
The minimum payments under this lease are being accounted for as 
a financing obligation and have been included in the future minimum 
payment totals above.

As of December 31, 2018, we had commitments of approximately $8.4 
billion to purchase 145 additional aircraft and related flight equipment 
through 2025, including estimated amounts for contractual price escalations 
and predelivery deposits. We may incur additional debt and other fixed 
obligations as we take delivery of new aircraft or finance unencumbered 
aircraft in our fleet and other equipment and continue to expand into 
new or existing markets. In an effort to limit the incurrence of significant 
additional debt, we may seek to defer some of our scheduled deliveries, 
sell or lease aircraft to others, or pay cash for new aircraft, to the extent 
necessary or possible. The amount of our existing debt, and other fixed 
obligations, and potential increases in the amount of our debt and other 
fixed obligations could have important consequences to investors and 
could require a substantial portion of cash flows from operations for debt 
service payments, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund 
working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes.

Our level of debt and other fixed obligations could:

•• impact our ability to obtain additional financing to support capital expansion 
plans and for working capital and other purposes on acceptable terms 
or at all;

•• divert substantial cash flow from our operations, execution of our 
commercial initiatives and expansion plans in order to service our fixed 
obligations;

•• require us to incur significantly more interest expense than we currently 
do if rates were to increase, since approximately 18% of our debt has 
floating interest rates; and

•• place us at a possible competitive disadvantage compared to less 
leveraged competitors and competitors with better access to capital 
resources or more favorable financing terms.

Our ability to make scheduled payments on our debt and other fixed 
obligations will depend on our future operating performance and cash flows, 
which in turn will depend on prevailing economic and political conditions 
and financial, competitive, regulatory, business and other factors, many 
of which are beyond our control. We are principally dependent upon 
our operating cash flows and access to the capital markets to fund our 
operations and to make scheduled payments on debt and other fixed 
obligations. We cannot assure that we will be able to generate sufficient 
cash flows from our operations or from capital market activities to pay 
our debt and other fixed obligations as they become due. If we fail to do 
so our business could be harmed. If we are unable to make payments on 
our debt and other fixed obligations, we could be forced to renegotiate 
those obligations or seek to obtain additional equity or other forms of 
additional financing.

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportOur level of indebtedness may limit our ability to incur additional debt 
to meet future financing needs.

We typically finance our aircraft through either secured debt, lease financing 
or through cash from operations. The impact on financial institutions from 
global economic conditions may adversely affect the availability and cost 
of credit to JetBlue as well as to prospective purchasers of our aircraft 
should we undertake to sell in the future, including financing commitments 
we have already obtained for purchases of new aircraft or financing or 
refinancing of existing aircraft. To the extent we finance our activities with 
additional debt, we may become subject to financial and other covenants 
that may restrict our ability to pursue our strategy or otherwise constrain 
our operations.

Our maintenance costs will increase as our fleet ages.

Our maintenance costs will increase as our fleet ages. In the past, we have 
incurred lower maintenance expenses because most of the parts on our 
aircraft were under multi-year warranties, but many of these warranties 
have expired. If any maintenance provider with whom we have a flight 
hour agreement fails to perform or honor such agreements, we could incur 
higher interim maintenance costs until we negotiate new agreements.

Furthermore we expect to implement various fleet modifications over the next 
several years to ensure our aircraft’s continued efficiency, modernization, 
brand consistency and safety. Our plans to restyle our Airbus aircraft 
with new cabins, for example, may require significant modification time. 
These fleet modifications may require significant investment over several 
years, including taking aircraft out of service for several weeks at a time.

Our salaries, wages and benefits costs will increase as our workforce ages.

As our Crewmembers’ tenure with JetBlue matures, our salaries, wages 
and benefits costs increase. As our overall workforce ages, we expect 
our medical and related benefits to increase as well, despite an increased 
corporate focus on Crewmember wellness.

We may be subject to unionization, work stoppages, slowdowns or 
increased labor costs and the unionization of the Company’s pilots and 
inflight Crewmembers could result in increased labor costs.

Our business is labor intensive and the unionization of any of our 
Crewmembers could result in demands that may increase our operating 
expenses and adversely affect our financial condition and results of 
operations. Any of the different crafts or classes of our Crewmembers could 
unionize at any time, which would require us to negotiate in good faith with 
the Crewmember group’s certified representative concerning a collective 
bargaining agreement. In addition, we may be subject to disruptions by 
unions protesting the non-union status of our other Crewmembers. Any 
of these events would be disruptive to our operations and could harm 
our business.

In general, unionization has increased costs in the airline industry. On 
April 22, 2014, approximately 74% of our pilots voted to be represented 
by the Airlines Pilot Association, or ALPA. In July 2018, we reached a 
final agreement for our first collective bargaining agreement which was 
ratified by the pilots and became effective on August 1, 2018. In April 
2018, JetBlue inflight Crewmembers elected to be solely represented by 
the Transport Workers Union of America, or TWU. The NMB certified the 
TWU as the representative body for JetBlue inflight Crewmembers and we 
are working with the TWU to reach a collective bargaining agreement. If 
we are unable to reach agreement on the terms of a collective bargaining 
agreement, or we experience wide-spread Crewmember dissatisfaction, 
we could be subject to adverse actions.

There are risks associated with our presence in some of our international 
emerging markets, including political or economic instability and failure 
to adequately comply with existing legal and regulatory requirements.

Expansion into new international emerging markets may have risks due to 
factors specific to those markets. Emerging markets are countries which 
have less developed economies and may be vulnerable to economic and 
political instability, such as significant fluctuations in gross domestic product, 
interest and currency exchange rates, civil disturbances, government 
instability, nationalization and expropriation of private assets, trafficking and 

PART I  
ITEM 1A Risk Factors

the imposition of taxes or other charges by governments. The occurrence 
of any of these events in markets served by us and the resulting instability 
may adversely affect our business.

We have expanded and expect to continue to expand our service to 
countries in the Caribbean and Latin America, some of which have less 
developed legal systems, financial markets, and business and political 
environments than the United States, and therefore present greater 
political, legal, regulatory, economic and operational risks. We emphasize 
legal compliance and have implemented and continue to implement and 
refresh policies, procedures and certain ongoing training of Crewmembers 
with regard to business ethics and compliance, anti-corruption policies 
and many key legal requirements; however, there can be no assurance 
our Crewmembers or third party service providers in such locations will 
adhere to our code of business conduct, anti-corruption policies, other 
Company policies, or other legal requirements. If we fail to enforce our 
policies and procedures properly or maintain adequate record-keeping 
and internal accounting practices to accurately record our transactions, 
we may be subject to sanctions. In the event we believe or have reason 
to believe our Crewmembers have or may have violated applicable laws or 
regulations, we may be subject to investigation costs, potential penalties 
and other related costs which in turn could negatively affect our reputation, 
and our results of operations and cash flow.

In addition, to the extent we continue to grow our business both domestically 
and internationally, opening new markets requires us to commit a substantial 
amount of resources even before the new services commence. Expansion 
is also dependent upon our ability to maintain a safe and secure operation 
and requires additional personnel, equipment and facilities.

Our high aircraft utilization rate helps us keep our costs low, but also 
makes us vulnerable to delays and cancellations; such delays and 
cancellations could reduce our profitability.

We maintain a high daily aircraft utilization rate which is the amount of 
time our aircraft spend in the air carrying passengers. High daily aircraft 
utilization is achieved in part by reducing turnaround times at airports so 
we can fly more hours on average in a day. Aircraft utilization is reduced by 
delays and cancellations from various factors, many of which are beyond 
our control, including adverse weather conditions, security requirements, 
air traffic congestion and unscheduled maintenance events. The majority 
of our operations are concentrated in the Northeast and Florida, which 
are particularly vulnerable to weather and congestion delays. Reduced 
aircraft utilization may limit our ability to achieve and maintain profitability 
as well as lead to Customer dissatisfaction.

Our business is highly dependent on the New York metropolitan market 
and increases in competition or congestion or a reduction in demand 
for air travel in this market, or governmental reduction of our operating 
capacity at JFK, would harm our business.

We are highly dependent on the New York metropolitan market where we 
maintain a large presence with approximately one-half of our daily flights 
having JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, Westchester County Airport or Newburgh’s 
Stewart International Airport as either their origin or destination. We have 
experienced an increase in flight delays and cancellations at these airports 
due to airport congestion which has adversely affected our operating 
performance and results of operations. Our business could be further 
harmed by an increase in the amount of direct competition we face in the 
New York metropolitan market or by continued or increased congestion, 
delays or cancellations. Our business would also be harmed by any 
circumstances causing a reduction in demand for air transportation in the 
New York metropolitan area, such as adverse changes in local economic 
conditions, health concerns, negative public perception of New York City, 
acts of terrorism or significant price or tax increases linked to increases in 
airport access costs and fees imposed on passengers.

Extended interruptions or disruptions in service at one or more of our 
focus cities could have a material adverse impact on our operations.

Our business is heavily dependent on our operations in the New York 
Metropolitan area, particularly at JFK, and at our other focus cities in 
Boston, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, the Los Angeles basin, and San Juan, 

17

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART I  
ITEM 1A Risk Factors

Puerto Rico. Each of these operations includes flights that gather and 
distribute traffic to other major cities. A significant interruption or disruption 
in service at one or more of our focus cities could have a serious impact 
on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The second half of 2017 had unprecedented weather events, particularly 
in Florida and the Caribbean. Hurricanes Irma and Maria resulted in over 
2,500 canceled flights or 3% of departures. Following large weather 
events, it is common to see lingering demand impact similar to what we 
experienced in New York, following superstorm Sandy in 2012.

We rely heavily on automated systems to operate our business; any 
failure of these systems could harm our business.

We are dependent on automated systems and technology to operate our 
business, enhance the JetBlue Experience and achieve low operating 
costs. The performance and reliability of our automated systems and 
data centers is critical to our ability to operate our business and compete 
effectively. These systems include our computerized airline reservation 
system, flight operations system, telecommunications systems, website, 
maintenance systems, check-in kiosks, and our primary and redundant 
data centers. Our website and reservation system must be able to 
securely accommodate a high volume of traffic and deliver important flight 
information. These systems require upgrades or replacement periodically, 
which involve implementation and other operational risks. Our business 
may be harmed if we fail to operate, replace or upgrade our systems or 
data center infrastructure successfully.

We rely on third party providers of our current automated systems and 
data center infrastructure for technical support. If our current providers 
were to fail to adequately provide technical support for any one of our key 
existing systems or if new or updated components were not integrated 
smoothly, we could experience service disruptions, which could result in 
the loss of important data, increase our expenses, decrease our revenues 
and generally harm our business, reputation and brand. Furthermore, our 
automated systems cannot be completely protected against events beyond 
our control, including natural disasters, computer viruses, cyberattacks, 
other security breaches, or telecommunications failures. Substantial or 
sustained system failures could impact customer service and result in our 
Customers purchasing tickets from other airlines. We have implemented 
security measures and change control procedures and have disaster recovery 
plans. We also require our third party providers to have disaster recovery 
plans; however, we cannot assure you these measures are adequate to 
prevent disruptions, which, if they were to occur, could result in the loss 
of important data, increase our expenses, decrease our revenues and 
generally harm our business, reputation and brand.

We may be impacted by increases in airport expenses relating to 
infrastructure and facilities.

In order to operate within our current markets as well as continue to 
grow in new markets, we must be able to obtain adequate infrastructure 
and facilities within the airports we serve. This includes gates, check-in 
facilities, operations facilities and landing slots, where applicable. The costs 
associated with these airports are often negotiated on a short-term basis 
with the airport authority and we could be subject to increases in costs 
on a regular basis with or without our approval.

In addition, our operations concentrated in older airports may be harmed 
if the infrastructure at those older airports fails to operate as expected due 
to age, overuse or significant unexpected weather events.

Our reputation and business may be harmed and we may be subject 
to legal claims if there is loss, unlawful disclosure or misappropriation 
of, or unsanctioned access to, our Customers’, Crewmembers’, 
business partners’ or our own information or other breaches of our 
information security.

In the current environment, there are numerous and evolving risks to 
cybersecurity and privacy, including criminal hackers, hacktivists, state-
sponsored intrusions, industrial espionage, employee malfeasance and 
human or technological error. High-profile security breaches at other 
companies and in government agencies have increased in recent years, 

18

and security industry experts and government officials have warned about 
the risks of hackers and cyberattacks targeting businesses such as ours. 
Computer hackers routinely attempt to breach our networks. When the 
Company learns of security incidents, we investigate the incident, which 
includes making reports to law enforcement, as appropriate.

We also are aware that hackers may attempt to fraudulently induce 
Crewmembers, Customers, or others to disclose information or unwittingly 
provide access to systems or data. We make extensive use of online 
services and centralized data processing, including through third party 
service providers or business providers. The secure maintenance and 
transmission of Customer and Crewmember information is a critical element 
of our operations. Our information technology and other systems and 
those of service providers or business partners, that maintain and transmit 
customer information, may be compromised by a malicious third party 
penetration of our network security, or of a business partner, or impacted 
by deliberate or inadvertent actions or inactions by our Crewmembers, or 
those of a business partner. The risk of cyberattacks to our Company also 
includes attempted breaches of contractors, business partners, vendors 
and other third parties. As a result, personal information may be lost, 
disclosed, accessed or taken without consent. We transmit confidential 
credit card information by way of secure private retail networks and rely 
on encryption and authentication technology licensed from third parties 
to provide the security and authentication necessary to effect secure 
transmission and storage of confidential information.

While the Company makes significant efforts to ensure the security of its 
computer network, we cannot provide any assurances that our efforts 
will defend against all cyberattacks. Any compromises to our security or 
computer network could have a material adverse effect on the reputation, 
business, operating results and financial condition of the Company, and 
could result in a loss of Customers. Additionally, any material failure by 
the Company to achieve or maintain compliance with the Payment Card 
Industry, or PCI, security requirements or rectify a security issue may 
result in fines and the imposition of restrictions on the Company’s ability 
to accept credit cards as a form of payment. Any such loss, disclosure or 
misappropriation of, or access to, Customers’, Crewmembers’ or business 
partners’ information or other breach of our information security can result 
in legal claims or legal proceedings, including regulatory investigations 
and actions, may have a negative impact on our reputation, may lead to 
regulatory enforcement actions against us, and may materially adversely 
affect our business, operating results and financial condition. Furthermore, 
the loss, disclosure or misappropriation of our business information may 
materially adversely affect our business, operating results and financial 
condition. The regulations in this area continue to develop and evolve. 
International regulation adds complexity as we expand our service and 
include more passengers from other countries.

Data security compliance requirements could increase our costs, and 
any significant data breach could disrupt our operations and harm our 
reputation, business, results of operations and financial condition.

The Company is subject to increasing legislative, regulator and customer 
focus on privacy issues and data security. Our business requires the 
appropriate and secure utilization of Customer, Crewmember, business 
partner and other sensitive information. We cannot be certain that advances 
in criminal capabilities (including cyberattacks or cyber intrusions over 
the Internet, malware, computer viruses and the like), discovery of new 
vulnerabilities or attempts to exploit existing vulnerabilities in our systems, 
other data thefts, physical system or network break-ins or inappropriate 
access, or other developments will not compromise or breach the technology 
protecting the networks that access and store sensitive information. The 
risk of a security breach or disruption, particularly through cyberattack or 
cyber intrusion, including by computer hackers, foreign governments and 
cyber terrorists, has increased as the number, intensity and sophistication 
of attempted attacks and intrusions from around the world have increased.

Furthermore, there has been heightened legislative and regulatory focus 
on data security in the U.S. and abroad, including requirements for varying 
levels of customer notification in the event of a data breach. Many of our 
commercial partners, including credit card companies, have imposed data 

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual Reportsecurity standards that we must meet. In particular, we are required by 
the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council, founded by the 
credit card companies, to comply with their highest level of data security 
standards. The Company will continue its efforts to meet its privacy and 
data security obligations; however, it is possible that certain new obligations 
may be difficult to meet and could increase the Company’s costs.

A significant data security breach or our failure to comply with applicable 
U.S. or foreign data security regulations or other data security standards 
may expose us to litigation, claims for contract breach, fines, sanctions or 
other penalties, which could disrupt our operations, harm our reputation 
and materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and 
financial condition. The costs to remediate breaches and similar system 
compromises that do occur could be material. In addition, as cyber 
criminals become more frequent, intense and sophisticated, the costs 
of proactive defensive measures may increase. Failure to address these 
issues appropriately could also give rise to additional legal risks, which, in 
turn, could increase the size and number of litigation claims and damages 
asserted or subject us to enforcement actions, fines and penalties and 
cause us to incur further related costs and expenses.

Our liquidity could be adversely impacted in the event one or more of our 
credit card processors were to impose material reserve requirements 
for payments due to us from credit card transactions.

We currently have agreements with organizations that process credit card 
transactions arising from purchases of air travel tickets by our Customers. 
Credit card processors have financial risk associated with tickets purchased 
for travel which can occur several weeks after the purchase. Our credit 
card processing agreements provide for reserves to be deposited with the 
processor in certain circumstances. We do not currently have reserves 
posted for our credit card processors. If circumstances were to occur 
requiring us to deposit reserves, the negative impact on our liquidity 
could be significant which could materially adversely affect our business.

If we are unable to attract and retain qualified personnel or fail to maintain 
our company culture, our business could be harmed.

We compete against other major U.S. airlines for pilots, mechanics and other 
skilled labor; some of them offer wage and benefit packages exceeding 
ours. As more pilots in the industry approach mandatory retirement age, 
the U.S. airline industry may be affected by a pilot shortage. We may be 
required to increase wages and/or benefits in order to attract and retain 
qualified personnel or risk considerable Crewmember turnover. If we are 
unable to hire, train and retain qualified Crewmembers, our business 
could be harmed and we may be unable to implement our growth plans.

In addition, as we hire more people and grow, we believe it may be 
increasingly challenging to continue to hire people who will maintain our 
company culture. We believe one of our competitive strengths is our 
service-oriented company culture which emphasizes friendly, helpful, 
team-oriented and customer-focused Crewmembers. Our company 
culture is important to providing high quality customer service and having a 
productive workforce in order to help keep our costs low. As we continue 
to grow, we may be unable to identify, hire or retain enough people who 
meet the above criteria, including those in management or other key 
positions. Our company culture could otherwise be adversely affected 
by our growing operations and broader geographic diversity. If we fail to 
maintain the strength of our company culture, our competitive ability and 
our business may be harmed.

Our results of operations fluctuate due to seasonality, weather and 
other factors.

We expect our quarterly operating results to fluctuate due to seasonality 
including high vacation and leisure demand occurring on our Florida 
routes between October and April and on our western routes during the 
summer. Actions of our competitors may also contribute to fluctuations 
in our results. We are more susceptible to adverse weather conditions, 
including snow storms and hurricanes, as a result of our operations 
being concentrated on the East Coast, than some of our competitors. 
Our Florida and Caribbean operations are subject to hurricanes. As we 
enter new markets we could be subject to additional seasonal variations 

PART I  
ITEM 1A Risk Factors

along with any competitive responses to our entry by other airlines. Price 
changes in aircraft fuel as well as the timing and amount of maintenance 
and advertising expenditures also impact our operations. As a result of 
these factors, quarter-to-quarter comparisons of our operating results 
may not be a good indicator of our future performance. In addition, it is 
possible in any future period our operating results could be below the 
expectations of investors and any published reports or analysis regarding 
JetBlue. In such an event, the price of our common stock could decline, 
perhaps substantially.

We are subject to the risks of having a limited number of suppliers for 
our aircraft, engines and our Fly-Fi® product.

Our current dependence on three types of aircraft and engines for all of 
our flights makes us vulnerable to significant problems associated with 
the International Aero Engines, or IAE V2533-A5 engine on our Airbus 
A321 fleet, the International Aero Engines, or IAE V2527-A5 engine on 
our Airbus A320 fleet and the General Electric Engines CF34-10 engine 
on our Embraer E190 fleet. This could include design defects, mechanical 
problems, contractual performance by the manufacturers, or adverse 
perception by the public which would result in Customer avoidance or in 
actions by the FAA resulting in an inability to operate our aircraft. Carriers 
operating a more diversified fleet are better positioned than we are to 
manage such events.

Our Fly-Fi® service uses technology and satellite access through our 
agreement with LiveTV. An integral component of the Fly-Fi® system is the 
antenna, which is supplied to us by LiveTV. If LiveTV were to stop supplying 
us with its antennas for any reason, we would have to incur significant 
costs to procure an alternate supplier. Additionally, if the satellites Fly-Fi® 
uses were to become inoperable for any reason, we would have to incur 
significant costs to replace the service.

Our reputation and financial results could be harmed in the event of an 
accident or incident involving our aircraft.

An accident or incident involving one of our aircraft could involve significant 
potential claims of injured passengers or others in addition to repair or 
replacement of a damaged aircraft and its consequential temporary or 
permanent loss from service. We are required by the DOT to carry liability 
insurance. Although we believe we currently maintain liability insurance in 
amounts and of the type generally consistent with industry practice, the 
amount of such coverage may not be adequate and we may be forced 
to bear substantial losses from an accident or incident. Substantial claims 
resulting from an accident or incident in excess of our related insurance 
coverage would harm our business and financial results. Moreover, any 
aircraft accident or incident, even if fully insured, could cause a public 
perception we are less safe or reliable than other airlines which would 
harm our business.

Our business depends on our strong reputation and the value of the 
JetBlue brand.

The JetBlue brand name symbolizes high-quality friendly customer 
service, innovation, fun, and a pleasant travel experience. JetBlue is a 
widely recognized and respected global brand; the JetBlue brand is one 
of our most important and valuable assets. The JetBlue brand name and 
our corporate reputation are powerful sales and marketing tools and we 
devote significant resources to promoting and protecting them. Adverse 
publicity, whether or not justified, relating to activities by our Crewmembers, 
contractors or agents could tarnish our reputation and reduce the value of 
our brand. Damage to our reputation and loss of brand equity could reduce 
demand for our services and thus have an adverse effect on our financial 
condition, liquidity and results of operations, as well as require additional 
resources to rebuild our reputation and restore the value of our brand.

We may be subject to competitive risks due to the long-term nature of 
our fleet order book.

At present, we have existing aircraft commitments through 2025. As 
technological evolution occurs in our industry, through the use of composites 
and other innovations, we may be competitively disadvantaged because 
we have existing extensive fleet commitments that would prohibit us from 
adopting new technologies on an expedited basis.

19

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART I  
ITEM 1A Risk Factors

Risks Associated with the Airline Industry

The airline industry is particularly sensitive to changes in economic 
condition.

Fundamental and permanent changes in the domestic airline industry have 
been ongoing over the past several years as a result of several years of 
repeated losses, among other reasons. These losses resulted in airlines 
renegotiating or attempting to renegotiate labor contracts, reconfiguring 
flight schedules, furloughing or terminating Crewmembers, as well as 
considering other efficiency and cost-cutting measures. Despite these 
actions, several airlines have reorganized under Chapter 11 of the U.S. 
Bankruptcy Code to permit them to reduce labor rates, restructure debt, 
terminate pension plans and generally reduce their cost structure. Since 
2005, the U.S. airline industry has experienced significant consolidation and 
liquidations. A global economic recession and related unfavorable general 
economic conditions, such as higher unemployment rates, a constrained 
credit market, housing-related pressures, and increased business operating 
costs can reduce spending for both leisure and business travel. Unfavorable 
economic conditions could also impact an airline’s ability to raise fares to 
counteract increased fuel, labor, and other costs. It is possible that further 
airline reorganizations, consolidation, bankruptcies or liquidations may 
occur in the current global economic environment, the effects of which 
we are unable to predict. We cannot assure you the occurrence of these 
events, or potential changes resulting from these events, will not harm 
our business or the industry.

A future act of terrorism, the threat of such acts or escalation of U.S. 
military involvement overseas could adversely affect our industry.

Acts of terrorism, the threat of such acts or escalation of U.S. military 
involvement overseas could have an adverse effect on the airline industry. 
In the event of an act of terrorism, whether or not successful, the airline 
industry would likely experience increased security requirements and 
significantly reduced demand. We cannot assure you these actions, or 
consequences resulting from these actions, will not harm our business 
or the industry.

Changes in government regulations imposing additional requirements 
and restrictions on our operations could increase our operating costs 
and result in service delays and disruptions.

Airlines are subject to extensive regulatory and legal requirements, both 
domestically and internationally, involving significant compliance costs. In 
the last several years, Congress has passed laws, and the agencies of the 
federal government, including, but not limited to, the DOT, FAA, CBP and 
the TSA have issued regulations relating to the operation of airlines that have 
required significant expenditures. We expect to continue to incur expenses 
in connection with complying with government regulations. Additional laws 
including executive orders, regulations, taxes and airport rates and charges 
have been proposed from time to time that could significantly increase the 
cost of airline operations or reduce the demand for air travel. If adopted 
or materially amended, these measures could have the effect of raising 
ticket prices affecting the perception of the airline industry, reducing air 
travel demand and/or revenue and increasing costs. We cannot assure 
you these and other laws including executive orders, regulations or taxes 
enacted in the future will not harm our business.

In addition, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, has 
proposed changes to underground storage tank regulations that could 
affect certain airport fuel hydrant systems. In addition to the proposed 

EPA and state regulations, several U.S. airport authorities are actively 
engaged in efforts to limit discharges of de-icing fluid to local groundwater, 
often by requiring airlines to participate in the building or reconfiguring of 
airport de-icing facilities.

Federal budget constraints or federally imposed furloughs due to budget 
negotiation deadlocks may adversely affect our industry, business, results 
of operations and financial position.

Many of our airline operations are regulated by governmental agencies, 
including the FAA, the DOT, the CBP, the TSA and others. If the federal 
government were to continue experience issues in reaching budgetary 
consensus in the future resulting in mandatory furloughs and/or other 
budget constraints, or if a government shutdown were to continue for an 
extended period of time, our operations and results of operations could 
be materially negatively impacted. The travel behaviors of the flying public 
could also be affected, which may materially adversely impact our industry 
and our business.

Compliance with future environmental regulations may harm our business.

Many aspects of airlines’ operations are subject to increasingly stringent 
environmental regulations, and growing concerns about climate change 
may result in the imposition of additional regulation. Since the domestic 
airline industry is increasingly price sensitive, we may not be able to 
recover the cost of compliance with new or more stringent environmental 
laws and regulations from our Customers, which could adversely affect 
our business. Although it is not expected the costs of complying with 
current environmental regulations will have a material adverse effect on 
our financial position, results of operations or cash flows, no assurance 
can be made the costs of complying with environmental regulations in 
the future will not have such an effect.

We may be affected by global climate change or by legal, regulatory or 
market responses to such change.

Concern over climate change, including the impact of global warming, has 
led to significant U.S. and international legislative and regulatory efforts to 
limit greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions, including our aircraft emissions. 
In October 2016, the ICAO passed a resolution adopting the Carbon 
Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (“CORSIA”), 
which is a global, market-based emissions offset program to encourage 
carbon-neutral growth beyond 2020. CORISA is scheduled to take effect 
by 2021. ICAO continues to develop details regarding implementation, 
but we believe compliance with CORSIA will increase our operating costs.

We could be adversely affected by an outbreak of a disease or an 
environmental disaster that significantly affects travel behavior.

Any outbreak of a disease affecting travel behavior could have a material 
adverse impact on airlines. In addition, outbreaks of disease could result in 
quarantines of our personnel or an inability to access facilities or our aircraft, 
which could adversely affect our operations. Similarly, if an environmental 
disaster were to occur and adversely impact any of our destination cities, 
travel behavior could be affected and in turn, could materially adversely 
impact our business.

20

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual Report 
PART I  
ITEM 2 Properties

ITEM 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

ITEM 2.  Properties

Aircraft

As of December 31, 2018, we operated a fleet consisting of 63 Airbus A321 aircraft, 130 Airbus A320 aircraft and 60 Embraer E190 aircraft as summarized below:

Aircraft
Airbus A320
Airbus A321
Embraer E190

Seating  
Capacity
162 / 150(1)(2)
200 / 159(1)(3)
100

Owned
115
60
30
205

Capital  
Leased
4
2
—
6

Operating  
Leased
11
1
30
42

Total
130
63
60
253

Average Age  
in Years
13.3
2.5
10.2
9.8

(1)  During 2018, we completed the buyout of two of our aircraft leases.
(2)  Our Airbus A320 with a restyled cabin configuration has a seating capacity of 162 seats. Our Airbus A320 with a classic cabin configuration has a seating capacity of 150 seats.
(3)  Our Airbus A321 with a single cabin layout has a seating capacity of 200 seats. Our Airbus A321 with our Mint® premium service has a seating capacity of 159 seats.

As of December 31, 2018, our aircraft leases had an average remaining 
term of approximately 5 years, with expiration dates between 2019 and 
2028. We have the option to extend most of these leases for additional 
periods or to purchase the aircraft at the end of the related lease term. 
We have 98 owned aircraft subject to secured debt financing; 107 of our 
owned aircraft and 44 spare engines are unencumbered.

In July 2018, we announced an order for 60 Airbus A220-300 aircraft, 
previously called the Bombardier CS300, for expected deliveries beginning 
in 2020 through 2025, with the option for 60 additional aircraft though 
2028. The order followed our intensive review aimed at ensuring the best 
financial performance of the airline’s fleet while providing maximum flexibility 
to execute our network strategy and enhance the customer experience. In 
conjunction with the new order, we also reshaped our Airbus order book, 
which includes converting our order for 25 Airbus A320neo aircraft to the 
A321neo and adjusting our delivery schedule. We have the option to take 
certain A321neo deliveries with the long range configuration, the A321-LR.

We plan to phase in the A220-300 as a replacement for our existing 
fleet of 60 Embraer E190 aircraft from 2020 to 2025. We believe the 
A220-300 range and seating capacity will add flexibility to our network as 
we target growth in our focus cities, including options to schedule it for 
transcontinental flying. We expect to incur incremental one-time costs as 
we work to transition the Embraer E190 aircraft out of our fleet.

While the Embraer E190 has played an important role in our network since 
2005, we determined during our fleet review that the A220-300’s economics 
would allow us to lower costs in the coming years. The A220-300 was 
designed by the previous manufacturer, Bombardier, to seat between 
130 and 160 passengers, enabling financial and network advantages 
over the current 100-seat Embraer E190 configuration.

We expect to begin reducing flying with our existing fleet of Embraer 
E190 aircraft beginning in 2020. The phase out would continue gradually 
through approximately 2025.

Options for 60 additional A220-300 aircraft deliveries are anticipated to 
begin in 2025 and we would retain the flexibility to convert certain aircraft 
to the smaller A220-100 model. Both members of the A220 family share 
commonality in more than 99 percent of their replaceable parts and utilize 
the same family of engines.

As of December 31, 2018, we had 145 aircraft on order scheduled for 
delivery through 2025. Our future aircraft delivery schedule is as follows:

Year
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
TOTAL

Airbus 
A321neo
13
15
16
15
14
12
—
85

Airbus  
A220
—
1
6
8
19
22
4
60

Total
13
16
22
23
33
34
4
145

In October 2018, we received notice from Airbus of anticipated delivery 
delays of the A321neo aircraft. The table above represents the current 
delivery schedule set forth in our Airbus order book as of December 31, 
2018. However, due to delays, we expect a delivery of a minimum of six 
Airbus A321neo aircraft in 2019.

21

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART I  
ITEM 3 Legal Proceedings

Ground Facilities

Airports

Other

All of our facilities at the airports we serve are under leases or other 
occupancy agreements. This space is leased directly or indirectly from the 
local airport authority on varying terms dependent on prevailing practices 
at each airport. Our passenger terminal service facilities consisting of ticket 
counters, gate space, operations support area, and baggage service 
offices generally have agreement terms ranging from less than one year to 
five years. They can contain provisions for periodic adjustments of rental 
rates, landing fees, and other charges applicable under the type of lease. 
Under some of these agreements, we are responsible for the maintenance, 
insurance, utilities, and certain other facility-related expenses and services.

A summary of our most significant lease agreements are:

•• JFK – We have a lease agreement with the PANYNJ for T5 and T5i. We 
have the option to terminate the agreement in 2033, five years prior to 
the end of the original scheduled lease term of October 2038. We also 
executed a supplement to this lease agreement for the T6 property, our 
original base of operations at JFK which afforded us the exclusive right 
to develop on the T6 property. T5i, our expansion of T5 that we use as 
an international arrivals facility opened to Customers in November 2014. 
Another supplement of the original T5 lease was executed in 2013. The 
lease, as amended, now incorporates a total of approximately 19 acres 
of space for our T5 facilities.

•• Boston – We had an initial five year lease agreement with Massport 
for five gates in Terminal C that started on May 1, 2005 and allowed 
JetBlue to grow to 11 gates by 2008. We negotiated an extension as of 
May 1, 2010 whereby the lease had 20 successive one-year automatic 
renewals, each from May 1 through to April 30. With the continued 
growth of our operations in Boston, we increased the number of leased 
gates from Massport to 16 and signed an amendment in May 2014 to 
lease an additional eight gates and related support spaces in Terminal 
C. We further amended our lease in December 2017, which allows us 
to gradually lease up to six additional gates and related support spaces. 
As of December 31, 2018, we leased 27 gates in Boston.

We have entered into use arrangements at each of the airports we serve 
providing for the non-exclusive use of runways, taxiways and other airport 
facilities. Landing fees under these agreements are typically based on the 
number of aircraft landings and the weight of the aircraft.

We lease the following hangars and airport support facilities at our focus 
cities:

•• New York – At JFK we have a ground lease agreement which expires 
in 2030 for an aircraft maintenance hangar, an adjacent office and 
warehouse facility, including a storage facility for aircraft parts. These 
facilities accommodate our technical support and catering operations. 
We also lease a building from the PANYNJ which is mainly used for 
ground equipment maintenance work.

•• Boston – We have a ground lease agreement which expires in 2022 for 
a building which includes an aircraft maintenance hangar and support 
space. We also have leases for facilities to accommodate our ground 
support equipment maintenance and catering operations.

•• Orlando – We have a ground lease agreement for a hangar which 
expires in 2035. We also occupy a training center, JetBlue University, 
with a lease agreement expiring in 2035 which we use for the initial and 
recurrent training of our pilots and inflight Crewmembers, as well as 
support training for our technical operations and airport Crewmembers. 
This facility is equipped with seven full flight simulators, eight flight 
training devices, three cabin trainers, a training pool, classrooms, and 
support areas. In 2015, we opened the Lodge at OSC which is adjacent 
to JetBlue University and is used for lodging our Crewmembers when 
they attend training.

Our primary corporate offices are located in Long Island City, New York 
with our lease expiring in 2023. Our offices in Salt Lake City, Utah contain a 
core team of Crewmembers who are responsible for group sales, customer 
service, at-home reservation agent supervision, disbursements and certain 
other finance functions. The lease for our Salt Lake City facility expires in 
2022. We also maintain other facilities that are necessary to support our 
operations in the cities we serve.

ITEM 3.  Legal Proceedings

In the ordinary course of our business, we are party to various legal proceedings and claims which we believe are incidental to the operation of our 
business. Other than as described under Note 12 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, 
we believe the ultimate outcome of these proceedings to which we are currently a party will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial 
position, results of operations or cash flows.

ITEM 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

22

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART II

ITEM 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity; 
Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer 
Purchases of Equity Securities

Market Information and Stockholder Matters

Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol JBLU. As of January 31, 2019, there were approximately 416 
holders of record of our common stock.

We have not paid cash dividends on our common stock and have no current intention to do so. Any future determination to pay cash dividends would 
be at the discretion of our Board of Directors, subject to applicable limitations under Delaware law. This decision would be dependent upon our results 
of operations, financial condition, and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors.

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchases

In September 2015, the Board of Directors authorized a three-year 
share repurchase program starting in 2016, of up to $250 million worth 
of shares. On December 7, 2016, the Board approved changes to our 
share repurchase program to increase the aggregate authorization to 
$500 million worth of shares, and extended the term of the program 
through December 31, 2019. This authorization was completed in 2017.

On December 8, 2017, the Board of Directors approved a two-year 
share repurchase authorization starting on January 1, 2018, of up to 
$750 million worth of JetBlue common stock. The authorization can be 

executed through repurchases in open market transactions pursuant to 
Rules 10b-18 and/or 10b5-1 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, 
as amended, and/or one or more privately-negotiated accelerated stock 
repurchase transactions. We may adjust or change our share repurchase 
practices based on market conditions and other alternatives. During 2018, 
the following shares were repurchased under the program (in millions, 
except per share data):

Total Number of  
Shares Purchased as  
Part of Publicly  
Announced Plans

Approximate Dollar  
Value of Shares that  
May Yet be Purchased 
Under the Plans or  
Programs
625
500
500
375
375

Total Number of 
Shares Purchased

Average Price Paid 
Per Share

Period
March 2018
May 2018
July 2018
August 2018
September 2018
TOTAL
(1)   On March 1, 2018, JetBlue entered into an accelerated share repurchase, or ASR, agreement with Goldman, Sachs & Co. (“GS&Co.”) paying $125 million. The term of the ASR concluded 

5.8 $
5.3
1.3
5.7
1.0
19.1

5.8(1)
5.3(2)
1.3(2)
5.7(3)
1.0(3)

19.1

on March 23, 2018. A total of 5.8 million shares, at an average price of $21.49 per share, were repurchased under the agreement.

(2)   On May 24, 2018, JetBlue entered into an ASR agreement with Citibank, N.A. (“Citibank”) paying $125 million for an initial delivery of 5.3 million shares. The term of the ASR concluded on 
July 23, 2018 with Citibank delivering 1.3 million additional shares to JetBlue. A total of 6.6 million shares, at an average price of $18.85 per share, were repurchased under the agreement.
(3)   On August 1, 2018, JetBlue entered into an ASR agreement with Barclays Bank PLC (“Barclays”) paying $125 million for an initial delivery of 5.7 million shares. The term of the ASR 
concluded on September 28, 2018 with Barclays delivering 1.0 million additional shares to JetBlue. A total of 6.7 million shares, at an average price of $18.69 per share, were repurchased 
under the agreement.

23

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART II  
ITEM 5 Market for Registrant’s Common Equity; Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Stock Performance Graph

This performance graph shall not be deemed “filed” with the SEC or subject to Section 18 of the Exchange Act, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by 
reference in any of our filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

The following line graph compares the cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock with the cumulative total return of the Standard & 
Poor’s 500 Stock Index and the NYSE Arca Airline Index from December 31, 2014 to December 31, 2018. The comparison assumes the investment of 
$100 in our common stock and in each of the foregoing indices and reinvestment of all dividends. The stock performance shown represents historical 
performance and is not representative of future stock performance.

In $

180

140

100

60

12/31/14

12/31/15

12/31/16

12/31/17

12/31/18

JetBlue Airways Corporation

S&P 500 Stock Index

NYSE Arca Airline Index

JetBlue Airways Corporation
S&P 500 Stock Index
NYSE Arca Airline Index

$

12/31/2014
100
100
100

$

12/31/2015
143
99
83

$

12/31/2016
141
109
106

$

12/31/2017
141
130
112

$

12/31/2018
101
122
87

24

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportITEM 6.  Selected Financial Data

The following financial information for each of the prior five years ending on December 31 has been derived from our consolidated financial statements. 
This information should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this Report.

PART II  
ITEM 6 Selected Financial Data

(in millions except per share data)
Statements of Operations Data
Operating revenues
Operating expenses:

Aircraft fuel and related taxes
Salaries, wages and benefits
Landing fees and other rents
Depreciation and amortization
Aircraft rent
Sales and marketing
Maintenance, materials and repairs
Other operating expenses
Special items(2)

Total operating expenses

Operating income
Other income (expense)(3)
Income before income taxes
Income tax expense (benefit)(4)(5)
NET INCOME
Earnings per common share:

Basic
Diluted(2)(4)(5)

2018

2017

2016

2015(1)

2014(1)

$ 7,658

$

7,012

$

6,584

$

6,416

$

5,817

1,899
2,044
420
491
103
294
625
1,059
435
7,370
288
(69)
219
31
188

0.60
0.60

$

$
$

1,363
1,887
397
446
100
271
622
933
—
6,019
993
(79)
914
(211)
1,125

3.42
3.41

$

$
$

1,074
1,698
357
393
110
263
563
866
—
5,324
1,260
(96)
1,164
437
727

2.23
2.13

$

$
$

1,348
1,540
342
345
122
264
490
749
—
5,200
1,216
(119)
1,097
420
677

2.15
1.98

$

$
$

1,912
1,294
321
320
124
231
418
682
—
5,302
515
108
623
222
401

1.36
1.19

$

$
$

Other Financial Data:
Operating margin
Pre-tax margin(2)(3)
Net cash provided by operating activities
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(1)  Amounts prior to 2016 do not reflect the impact of the adoption of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) of the Codification, in the first 

8.9%
10.7%
912
(379)
(417)

$ 1,217
(1,156)
113

1,598
(1,134)
(487)

1,632
(1,046)
(472)

1,396
(979)
(553)

14.2%
13.0%

19.0%
17.1%

19.1%
17.7%

3.8%
2.9%

$

$

$

$

(2) 

quarter of 2018. Refer to Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for details.
In 2018, we had special items of $435 million related to the transition of our Embraer E190 fleet and the ratification of our pilots’ union contract. Pre-tax margin excluding the special items 
in 2018 was 8.5%. The impact of special items to our diluted earnings per share was $1.04. Refer to Note 18 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for details.
In 2014, we had a gain of $241 million from the sale of our wholly-owned subsidiary, LiveTV, LLC. Pre-tax margin excluding the gain on the sale of LiveTV was 6.6%.

(3) 
(4)  Our 2017 results included a $551 million tax benefit, or $1.67 of diluted earnings per share, from the remeasurement of our deferred taxes to reflect the impact of the enactment of the 

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

(5)  Our 2018 results included a $28 million tax benefit, or $ $0.09 of diluted earnings per share, resulting from measurement period adjustments related to the enactment of the Tax Cuts and 

Jobs Act.

25

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART II  
ITEM 6 Selected Financial Data

(in millions)
Balance Sheet Data:
Cash and cash equivalents
Investment securities
Total assets
Total long-term debt and capital leases
Common stockholders’ equity

2018

2017

2016

2015(1)

2014(1)

$

474
416
10,426
1,670
4,611

$

303
392
9,781
1,199
4,732

$

433
628
9,323
1,384
3,933

$

318
607
8,499
1,827
3,210

$

341
427
7,643
2,211
2,529

2018

2017

2016

2015(1)

2014(1)

32,078
37,813
44,994

40,038
47,240
56,007

42,150
50,790
59,881

35,101
41,711
49,258

38,263
45,619
53,620

Operating Statistics:
Revenue passengers (thousands)
Revenue passenger miles (millions)
Available seat miles (ASMs) (millions)
Load factor
Aircraft utilization (hours per day)
Average fare
Yield per passenger mile (cents)
Passenger revenue per ASM (cents)
Operating revenue per ASM (cents)
Operating expense per ASM (cents)
Operating expense per ASM, excluding fuel(2)
Departures
Average stage length (miles)
Average number of operating aircraft during period
Average fuel cost per gallon, including fuel taxes
Fuel gallons consumed (millions)
Average number of full-time equivalent Crewmembers(3)
(1)  Amounts prior to 2016 do not reflect the impact of the adoption of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) of the Codification, in the first 

84.0%
11.8
$ 166.57
14.13
11.88
12.93
11.78
7.53
294,800
1,088
196.2
2.99
639
13,280

84.3%
11.7
$ 168.88
14.31
12.07
12.52
10.75
8.25
353,681
1,072
233.5
1.72
792
17,118

84.7%
11.9
$ 167.89
14.13
11.96
13.03
10.56
7.82
316,505
1,092
207.9
1.93
700
14,537

85.1%
12.0
$ 166.74
13.99
11.90
12.28
9.93
7.88
337,302
1,093
218.9
1.41
760
15,696

84.8%
11.8
$ 175.11
14.53
12.33
12.79
12.31
8.34
366,619
1,096
246.8
2.24
849
17,766

$

$

$

$

$

quarter of 2018. Refer to Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for details.

(2)  Refer to our “Regulation G Reconciliation” section for more information on this non-GAAP measure.
(3)  Excludes results of operations and employees of LiveTV, LLC, which were unrelated to our airline operations and are immaterial to our consolidated operating results. As of June 10, 2014, 

employees of LiveTV, LLC were no longer part of JetBlue.

Glossary of Airline terminology

Airline terminology used in this section and elsewhere in this Report:

 • Aircraft utilization – The average number of block hours operated per 

day per aircraft for the total fleet of aircraft.

 • Available seat miles – The number of seats available for passengers 

multiplied by the number of miles the seats are flown.

 • Average fare – The average one-way fare paid per flight segment by 

a revenue passenger.

 • Average fuel cost per gallon – Total aircraft fuel costs, including fuel 
taxes and effective portion of fuel hedging, divided by the total number 
of fuel gallons consumed.

 • Average stage length – The average number of miles flown per flight.

 • Load factor – The percentage of aircraft seating capacity actually utilized, 
calculated by dividing revenue passenger miles by available seat miles.

 • Operating expense per available seat mile – Operating expenses 

divided by available seat miles.

 • Operating expense per available seat mile, excluding fuel – Operating 
expenses, less aircraft fuel, other non-airline expenses, and special items, 
divided by available seat miles.

 • Operating revenue per available seat mile – Operating revenues 

divided by available seat miles.

 • Passenger revenue per available seat mile – Passenger revenue 

divided by available seat miles.

 • Revenue passengers – The total number of paying passengers flown 

on all flight segments.

 • Revenue passenger miles – The number of miles flown by revenue 

passengers.

 • Yield per passenger mile – The average amount one passenger pays 

to fly one mile.

26

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART II  
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

ITEM 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of 

Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Overview

In 2018, we experienced the persistent competitiveness of the airline 
industry and the impact of the volatility in the price of jet fuel. Even with 
these external factors, we managed to generate operating revenue growth 
of almost 9.2% year-over-year. We remain committed to striving to deliver 
a safe and reliable JetBlue Experience for our Customers and increasing 
returns for our Shareholders. We believe our continued focus on cost 
discipline, product innovation and network enhancements, combined 
with our commitment to service excellence, will drive our future success.

2018 Highlights

 • We generated $7.7 billion in operating revenue, an increase of $646 million 
compared to 2017 due primarily to a 5.3% increase in revenue passengers 
and a 3.7% increase in average fare.

 • Our earnings per diluted share were $0.60. Our results included pre-tax 
charges of $435 million related to one-time costs associated with the 
ratification of our pilots’ collective bargaining agreement and the transition 
of our Embraer E190 fleet. Our earnings per share also included a fourth 
quarter tax benefit of $17 million. Excluding these items, our diluted 
earnings per share would be $1.55.

 • We generated $1.2 billion in cash from operations. The significant amount 
of cash we generated provided the opportunity to pay cash for all 2018 
aircraft deliveries, buy out two aircraft leases, invest in our infrastructure 
and customer experience, and execute share repurchases.

 • Operating expenses per available seat mile increased 14.5% to 12.31 cents, 
primarily driven by an increase in aircraft fuel expense and the pre-tax 
charges mentioned above. Excluding fuel and related taxes, operating 
expenses related to our non-airline businesses, and the pre-tax charges 
for special items, our cost per available seat mile increased 1.1% in 2018.

Company Initiatives

Balance Sheet

We ended 2018 with unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term 
investments of $887 million and undrawn lines of credit of approximately 
$625 million. In June 2017, Moody’s Investor Service upgraded our debt 
rating to Ba1 from Ba3 with a stable outlook reflecting the strength of our 
financial position. In November 2017, Standard & Poor’s Rating Services 
upgraded our debt rating to BB from BB- with a stable outlook. At 
December 31, 2018, unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term 
investments was approximately 12% of trailing twelve months revenue. In 
2018, we repaid $222 million of regularly scheduled debt and raised $687 
million in secured aircraft debt. We had 107 unencumbered aircraft and 
44 unencumbered spare engines as of December 31, 2018. During 2018, 
we acquired approximately 19.1 million shares of our common stock for 
approximately $375 million under our share repurchase program, returning 
excess capital to our Shareholders. Our adjusted debt to capitalization 
ratio was 34% at December 31, 2018.

Aircraft and Airport Infrastructure Investments

During 2018, we took delivery of 10 Airbus A321 aircraft and bought out 
the leases on two aircraft, one of which was an Airbus A321 aircraft and 
the other was an Airbus A320 aircraft.

In 2018, we opened a new Federal Inspection Station, FIS, in Terminal A 
at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The 
FIS enables our international and domestic flights to arrive at the same 
terminal and thus provides a better experience to our Customers by 
reducing connection times.

We introduced self-tagging kiosks to eleven BlueCities in 2018: Las 
Vegas, Reagan National at Washington D.C., Fort Myers, Tampa, Seattle, 
Hartford, Salt Lake City, Philadelphia, Richmond, Pittsburgh, and Baltimore. 
Self-tagging kiosks were available at 23 of our BlueCities as of December 
31, 2018. These kiosks helped streamline the airport experience for our 
Customers and we plan to introduce the improvements to additional 
BlueCities in 2019.

Network

As part of our ongoing network initiatives and route optimization efforts, 
we continued to make schedule and frequency adjustments throughout 
2018. As a result, we added four new destinations to our growing network 
and also new routes between existing BlueCities.

Outlook for 2019

We believe we will improve our long-term return for Shareholders as we 
implement our structural cost initiatives. We plan to add new destinations 
and route pairings based upon market demand. We are continuously looking 
to expand our other ancillary revenue opportunities, improve our TrueBlue® 
loyalty program, and deepen our portfolio of commercial partnerships. As 
in the past, we intend to invest in infrastructure and product enhancements 
in 2019, which we believe will enable us to reap future benefits. We also 
plan to continue strengthening the balance sheet.

For the full year 2019, we estimate our operating capacity will increase 
by approximately 5.0% to 7.0% over 2018 with the expected delivery 
of six Airbus A321neo aircraft to our operating fleet. We are expecting 
our cost per available seat mile, excluding fuel and related taxes, and 
operating expenses related to other non-airline businesses (CASM 
ex-fuel), for 2019 to increase by between approximately 0.0% to 2.0% 
over the level in 2018. We anticipate CASM ex-fuel growth to be higher 
in the first half of 2019 primarily driven by the pilots’ collective bargaining 
agreement which became effective on August 1, 2018. We expect to 
see further benefits to CASM ex-fuel from the Structural Cost Program 
and greater impact from the Airbus A320 cabin restyle program during 
the second half of 2019.

27

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART II  
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Results of Operations

2018 Compared to 2017

Overview

We reported net income of $188 million, operating income of $288 million 
and operating margin of 3.8% for the year ended December 31, 2018. This 
compares to net income of $1.1 billion, operating income of $1.0 billion, 
and operating margin of 14.2% for the year ended December 31, 2017. 
Diluted earnings per share were $0.60 for 2018 compared to $3.41 for 
the same period in 2017.

Operating Revenues

(revenues in millions; percent changes based on unrounded numbers)
Passenger revenue
Other revenue
Operating revenues

Average fare
Yield per passenger mile (cents)
Passenger revenue per ASM (cents)
Operating revenue per ASM (cents)
Average stage length (miles)
Revenue passengers (thousands)
Revenue passenger miles (millions)
Available seat miles (ASMs) (millions)
Load factor

Our 2018 and 2017 reported results included the effects of special items 
and the implementation of new tax reform legislation. Adjusting for these 
one-time items, our net income was $487 million, operating income was $723 
million, and operating margin was 9.5% for the year ended December 31, 
2018. This compares to adjusted net income of $574 million, operating 
income of $1.0 billion, and operating margin of 14.2% for the year ended 
December 31, 2017. Excluding one-time items, diluted earnings per shares 
was $1.55 and $1.74 for 2018 and 2017, respectively.

$

$

2018

7,381
277
7,658

175.11
14.53
12.33
12.79
1,096
42,150
50,790
59,881

$

2017

6,761
251
7,012

$ 168.88
14.31
12.07
12.52
1,072
40,038
47,240
56,007

84.8%

84.3%

Year-over-Year Change
%
9.2
10.5
9.2

$
620
26
646

6.23
0.22
0.26
0.27
24
2,112
3,550
3,874

3.7
1.5
2.1
2.1
2.2
5.3
7.5
6.9
0.5 pts

Passenger revenue accounted for 96.4% of our total operating revenue 
for the year ended December 31, 2018. In addition to seat revenue, 
passenger revenue includes revenue from our ancillary product offerings 
such as Even More® Space. Revenue generated from international routes, 
including Puerto Rico, accounted for 29.7% of our passenger revenues 
in 2018. Passenger revenue, including certain ancillary fees directly 
related to passenger tickets, is recognized when the transportation is 
provided. Passenger revenue from unused tickets and passenger credits 
are recognized in proportion to flown revenue based on estimates of 
expected expiration or when the likelihood of the Customer exercising his 
or her remaining rights becomes remote. We measure capacity in terms 
of available seat miles, which represents the number of seats available for 
passengers multiplied by the number of miles the seats are flown. Yield, 
or the average amount one passenger pays to fly one mile, is calculated 
by dividing Passenger revenue by Revenue passenger miles. We attempt 

to increase Passenger revenue primarily by increasing our yield per flight 
which produces higher revenue per available seat mile. Our objective is to 
optimize our fare mix to increase our overall average fare while continuing 
to provide our Customers with competitive fares.

In 2018, the increase in Passenger revenue was mainly attributable to a 
5.3% increase in revenue passengers and a 3.7% increase in average 
fare. Fee revenue increased by $60 million as a result of changes in our 
baggage and change fee policies. Our largest ancillary product remains 
the Even More® Space seats, generating approximately $274 million in 
revenue, an increase of over 14% compared to 2017.

Other revenue is primarily comprised of the marketing component of the 
sales of our TrueBlue® points. It also includes revenue from the sale of 
vacations packages, ground handling fees received from other airlines, 
and rental income.

Operating Expenses

(in millions; per ASM data in cents; 
percentages based on unrounded numbers)
Aircraft fuel and related taxes
Salaries, wages and benefits
Landing fees and other rents
Depreciation and amortization
Aircraft rent
Sales and marketing
Maintenance, materials and repairs
Other operating expenses
Special items
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES

28

2018
$

1,899
2,044
420
491
103
294
625
1,059
435
7,370

$

2017

1,363
1,887
397
446
100
271
622
933
—
6,019

$

$

Year-over-Year Change
%
39.4
8.3
5.8
9.9
2.6
8.4
0.5
13.5
—
22.4

$
536
157
23
45
3
23
3
126
435
1,351

2018

per ASM
2017

3.17
3.41
0.70
0.82
0.17
0.49
1.04
1.78
0.73
12.31

2.43
3.37
0.71
0.80
0.18
0.49
1.11
1.66
—
10.75

% Change
30.4
1.3
(1.0)
2.8
(4.0)
1.4
(6.0)
6.2
—
14.5

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART II  
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Aircraft Fuel and Related Taxes

Aircraft fuel and related taxes represented 26% of our total operating 
expenses in 2018 compared to 23% in 2017. The average fuel price 
increased 30.2% in 2018 to $2.24 per gallon. This was coupled with 
an increase in our fuel consumption of approximately 57 million gallons. 
Additional fuel consumption was mainly due to our increase in the average 
number of operating aircraft. Based on our expected fuel volume for 2019, 
a 10% per gallon increase in the cost of aircraft fuel would increase our 
annual fuel expense by approximately $180 million.

In 2018, we recognized fuel hedge losses of $2 million compared to $15 
million in fuel hedge gains in 2017 and these were recorded in Aircraft fuel 
and related taxes. We are unable to predict the potential loss of hedge 
accounting, which is determined on a derivative-by-derivative basis, due 
to the volatility in the forward markets for these commodities.

Salaries, Wages and Benefits

Salaries, wages and benefits represented 28% of our total operating 
expenses in 2018 compared to 31% in 2017. The increase in salaries, 
wages and benefits was primarily driven by the incremental costs of the 
new pilots’ collective bargaining agreement which became effective on 
August 1, 2018. Our Crewmember headcount also increased year-over-year. 
During 2018, the average number of full-time equivalent Crewmembers 
increased by 4% and the average tenure of our Crewmembers was 7 years. 
The increasing tenure of our Crewmembers, rising healthcare costs and 
efforts to maintain competitiveness in our overall compensation packages 
will continue to pressure our costs in 2019.

Our profit sharing is calculated as 10% of adjusted pre-tax income excluding 
special items, and reduced by Retirement Plus contributions. Profit sharing 
decreased by $38 million in 2018 compared to 2017, primarily driven 
by higher fuel prices which negatively impacted our adjusted pre-tax 
income. Refer to Note 10 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for 
additional information.

In 2018, maintenance, materials and repairs increased by $3 million, or 
0.5% compared to 2017. The marginal increase was primarily driven by 
a change in the pricing structure of our Airbus A320 engine maintenance 
program which became effective in September 2017 and the timing of 
engine overhauls.

Other Operating Expenses

Other operating expenses consist of the following categories: outside services 
(including expenses related to fueling, ground handling, skycap, security 
and janitorial services), insurance, personnel expenses, professional fees, 
onboard supplies, shop and office supplies, bad debts, communication 
costs, and taxes other than payroll and fuel taxes.

In 2018, other operating expenses increased by $126 million, or 13.5%, 
compared to 2017, primarily due to an increase in airport services and 
passenger onboard supplies resulting from an increased number of 
passengers flown and additional Mint® offerings.

Special Items

Special items in 2018 consist of $362 million of impairment and one-time 
transition costs related to our Embraer E190 fleet exit, and $73 million of 
one-time costs related to the ratification of our pilots’ collective bargaining 
agreement.

Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate was 13.9% in 2018, compared to a benefit of 23.0% 
in 2017. Our 2018 and 2017 effective tax rate included a fourth quarter 
2018 benefit of $17 million related to implementation of various provisions 
of the new tax legislation and $551 million benefit in 2017 related to the 
remeasurement of our deferred taxes at the time the new tax legislation 
was enacted. We estimate that our underlying tax rate in 2019 will be 
approximately 26%.

Landing Fees and Other Rents

2017 Compared to 2016

Landing fees and other rents include landing fees, which are at premium rates 
in the heavily trafficked northeast corridor of the U.S. where approximately 
75% of our operations reside. Other rents primarily consist of rent for airports 
in our 105 BlueCities. Landing fees and other rents increased $23 million, 
or 5.8%, in 2018 primarily due to our increased number of departures.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization primarily include depreciation for our owned 
and capital leased aircraft, engines, and in-flight entertainment systems. 
Depreciation and amortization increased $45 million, or 9.9%, primarily 
driven by a 5.7% increase in the average number of aircraft operating in 
2018 compared to the same period in 2017.

Maintenance, Materials and Repairs

Maintenance, materials and repairs are generally expensed when incurred 
unless covered by a long-term flight hour services contract. The average 
age of our aircraft in 2018 was 9.8 years which is relatively young compared 
to our competitors. However, as our fleet ages our maintenance costs will 
increase significantly, both on an absolute basis and as a percentage of 
our unit costs, as older aircraft require additional, more expensive repairs 
over time. We had an average of 13.3 additional total operating aircraft 
in 2018 compared to 2017.

Overview

We reported net income of $1.1 billion, operating income of $1.0 billion and 
operating margin of 14.2% for the year ended December 31, 2017. This 
compares to net income of $727 million, operating income of $1.3 billion 
and operating margin of 19.1% for the year ended December 31, 2016. 
Diluted earnings per share were $3.41 for 2017 compared to $2.13 for 
the same period in 2016.

Approximately 75% of our operations are centered in and around the 
heavily populated northeast corridor of the U.S., which includes the New 
York and Boston metropolitan areas. During the third quarter of 2017, we 
saw unprecedented weather challenges for JetBlue and the entire airline 
industry, with two large hurricanes impacting our network. We estimate 
that, due to the severe hurricane season, revenue was negatively impacted 
by approximately $110 million for the full year 2017. Revenue per available 
seat mile (RASM) was negatively impacted by approximately 0.3 points 
for the full year by the hurricanes. Operating income was negatively 
impacted by approximately $82 million.

29

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART II  
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Operating Revenues

(revenues in millions; percent changes based on unrounded numbers)
Passenger revenue
Other revenue
Operating revenues

Average fare
Yield per passenger mile (cents)
Passenger revenue per ASM (cents)
Operating revenue per ASM (cents)
Average stage length (miles)
Revenue passengers (thousands)
Revenue passenger miles (millions)
Available seat miles (ASMs) (millions)
Load factor

$

2017

6,761
251
7,012

$ 168.88
14.31
12.07
12.52
1,072
40,038
47,240
56,007

$

2016

6,380
204
6,584

$ 166.74
13.99
11.90
12.28
1,093
38,263
45,619
53,620

84.3%

85.1%

Year-over-Year Change
%
6.0
22.8
6.5

$
381
47
428

2.14
0.32
0.17
0.24
(21)
1,775
1,621
2,387

1.3
2.3
1.5
2.0
(1.9)
4.6
3.6
4.5
(0.8) pts

Passenger revenue accounted for over 96.4% of our total operating 
revenues for the year ended December 31, 2017. In addition to seat 
revenue, passenger revenue includes revenue from our ancillary product 
offerings such as Even More® Space. Revenue generated from international 
routes, including Puerto Rico, accounted for 28.7% of our passenger 
revenues in 2017. Passenger revenue, including certain ancillary fees 
directly related to passenger tickets, is recognized when the transportation 
is provided. Passenger revenue from unused tickets and passenger credits 
are recognized in proportion to flown revenue based on estimates of 
expected expiration or when the likelihood of the Customer exercising his 
or her remaining rights becomes remote. We measure capacity in terms 
of available seat miles, which represents the number of seats available for 
passengers multiplied by the number of miles the seats are flown. Yield, 

or the average amount one passenger pays to fly one mile, is calculated 
by dividing Passenger revenue by Revenue passenger miles. We attempt 
to increase Passenger revenue primarily by increasing our yield per flight 
which produces higher Revenue per available seat mile. Our objective is to 
optimize our fare mix to increase our overall average fare while continuing 
to provide our Customers with competitive fares.

In 2017, the increase in Passenger revenue was mainly attributable to a 
4.6% increase in revenue passengers and a 1.3% increase in average 
fare. Fee revenue increased by $47 million primarily resulting from changes 
in our baggage fee policy. Our largest ancillary product was Even More® 
Space, generating approximately $241 million in revenue, an increase of 
2% compared to 2016.

Operating Expenses

(in millions; per ASM data in cents; 
percentages based on unrounded numbers)
Aircraft fuel and related taxes
Salaries, wages and benefits
Landing fees and other rents
Depreciation and amortization
Aircraft rent
Sales and marketing
Maintenance, materials and repairs
Other operating expenses
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES

2017

2016

$

$

1,363
1,887
397
446
100
271
622
933
6,019

$

$

1,074
1,698
357
393
110
263
563
866
5,324

Year-over-Year Change
%
26.9
11.1
11.1
13.7
(9.0)
3.0
10.5
7.6
13.1

$
289
189
40
53
(10)
8
59
67
695

2017

2.43
3.37
0.71
0.80
0.18
0.49
1.11
1.66
10.75

per ASM

2016 % Change
21.5
6.4
6.3
8.9
(12.9)
(1.4)
5.8
3.0
8.2

2.00
3.17
0.67
0.73
0.21
0.49
1.04
1.62
9.93

Aircraft Fuel and Related Taxes

Aircraft fuel and related taxes represented 23% of our total operating 
expenses in 2017 compared to 20% in 2016. The average fuel price 
increased 22.0% in 2017 to $1.72 per gallon. This was coupled with 
an increase in our fuel consumption of approximately 32 million gallons. 
Additional fuel consumption was mainly due to our increase in capacity.

In 2017, we recognized fuel hedge gains of $15 million compared to 
$9 million in 2016 which were recorded in Aircraft fuel and related taxes.

Our profit sharing is calculated as 10% of adjusted pre-tax income, reduced 
by Retirement Plus contributions. Profit sharing decreased by $133 million 
in 2017 compared to 2016, primarily driven by our change in policy. During 
2017, the average number of full-time equivalent Crewmembers increased 
by 9% and the average tenure of our Crewmembers was 6.6 years.

Retirement Plus contributions, which equate to 5% of all of our eligible 
Crewmembers wages, increased by $13 million and our 3% retirement 
contribution for a certain portion of our FAA-licensed Crewmembers, which 
we refer to as Retirement Advantage, increased by approximately $3 million.

Salaries, Wages and Benefits

Landing Fees and Other Rents

Salaries, wages and benefits represented approximately 31% of our total 
operating expenses in 2017 compared to 32% in 2016. The increase 
in salaries, wages and benefits was primarily driven by an increase in 
our Crewmember headcount and an 8% raise for profit sharing eligible 
Crewmembers effective January 1, 2017 and a modified profit sharing plan.

Landing fees and other rents include landing fees, which are at premium rates 
in the heavily trafficked northeast corridor of the U.S. where approximately 
75% of our operations resided. Other rents primarily consisted of rent for 
airports in our 101 BlueCities. Landing fees and other rents increased 
$40 million, or 11.1%, in 2017 primarily due to increased departures.

30

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART II  
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Depreciation and Amortization

Other Operating Expenses

Depreciation and amortization primarily include depreciation for our owned 
and capital leased aircraft, engines, and in-flight entertainment systems. 
Depreciation and amortization increased $53 million, or 13.7%, primarily 
driven by a 6.7% increase in the average number of aircraft operating in 
2017 compared to the same period in 2016.

Other operating expenses consist of the following categories: outside services 
(including expenses related to fueling, ground handling, skycap, security 
and janitorial services), insurance, personnel expenses, professional fees, 
onboard supplies, shop and office supplies, bad debts, communication 
costs and taxes other than payroll and fuel taxes.

Maintenance, Materials and Repairs

Maintenance, materials and repairs are generally expensed when incurred 
unless covered by a long-term flight hour services contract. The average 
age of our aircraft in 2017 was 9.2 years which was relatively young 
compared to our competitors. We had an average of 14.6 additional 
total operating aircraft in 2017 compared to 2016. In 2017, Maintenance, 
materials and repairs increased by $59 million, or 10.5% compared to 
2016, primarily driven by increased flight hours on our engine flight-hour 
based maintenance agreements and by the number of airframe heavy 
maintenance repairs.

In 2017, Other operating expenses increased by $67 million, or 7.6%, 
compared to 2016, primarily due to an increase in airport services and 
passenger onboard supplies resulting from an increased number of 
passengers flown.

Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate was a benefit of 23.0% in 2017, compared to our 
effective tax rate of 37.6% in 2016. Our effective tax rate decreased 
primarily due to a one-time benefit of $551 million from the remeasurement 
of our deferred taxes to reflect the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs 
Act of 2017.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The airline business is capital intensive. Our ability to successfully execute 
our profitable growth plans is largely dependent on the continued availability 
of capital on attractive terms. In addition, our ability to successfully operate 
our business depends on maintaining sufficient liquidity. We believe 
we have adequate resources from a combination of cash and cash 
equivalents, investment securities on-hand, and two available lines of 
credit. Additionally, as of December 31, 2018, we had 107 unencumbered 
aircraft and 44 unencumbered spare engines which we believe could be 
an additional source of liquidity, if necessary.

We believe a healthy liquidity position is a crucial element of our ability 
to weather any part of the economic cycle while continuing to execute 
on our plans for profitable growth and increased returns. Our goal is to 
continue to be diligent with our liquidity, maintaining financial flexibility and 
allowing for prudent capital spending.

As of December 31, 2018, we had unrestricted cash and cash equivalents 
of $474 million and short-term investments of $413 million. We believe 
our current level of unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term 
investments of approximately 12% of trailing twelve months revenue, 
combined with our approximately $625 million in available lines of credit 
and our portfolio of unencumbered assets, provides a strong liquidity 
position. We believe we have taken several important steps during 2018 
in solidifying our strong balance sheet and overall liquidity position. Our 
adjusted debt to capitalization ratio at December 31, 2018 was 34%.

Analysis of Cash Flows

We had unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of $474 million as of 
December 31, 2018. This compares to $303 million and $433 million as 
of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. We held both short and 
long-term investments in 2018, 2017 and 2016. Our short-term investments 
totaled $413 million as of December 31, 2018 compared to $390 million 
and $538 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. 
Our long-term investments totaled $3 million as of December 31, 2018 
compared to $2 million and $90 million as of December 31, 2017 and 
2016, respectively.

operations in 2017 compared to 2016 was primarily a result of a 22.0% 
increase in the price of fuel. As of December 31, 2018, our unrestricted cash, 
cash equivalents and short-term investments as a percentage of trailing twelve 
months revenue was approximately 12%. We rely primarily on cash flows 
from operations to provide working capital for current and future operations.

Investing Activities 

During 2018, capital expenditures related to our purchase of flight equipment 
included $519 million for the purchase of 10 new Airbus A321 aircraft and the 
buyout of two aircraft leases, $206 million for flight equipment deposits, $163 
million for flight equipment work-in-progress, and $130 million for spare part 
purchases. Other property and equipment capital expenditures included ground 
equipment purchases and facilities improvements for $97 million. Investing 
activities also included the net purchase of $28 million in investment securities.

During 2017, capital expenditures related to our purchase of flight equipment 
included $759 million for the purchase of 16 new Airbus A321 aircraft and the 
buyout of three aircraft leases, $128 million for flight equipment deposits, $156 
million for flight equipment work-in-progress, and $61 million for spare part 
purchases. Other property and equipment capital expenditures included ground 
equipment purchases and facilities improvements for $98 million. Investing 
activities also included the net purchase of $236 million in investment securities.

During 2016, capital expenditures related to our purchase of flight equipment 
included $588 million for the purchase of 10 new Airbus A321 aircraft, 
and the buyout of nine aircraft leases, $161 million for flight equipment 
deposits, $96 million for flight equipment work-in-progress, and $18 million 
for spare part purchases. Other property and equipment capital expenditures 
included ground equipment purchases and facilities improvements for 
$148 million. Investing activities also included the net purchase of $23 million 
in investment securities.

We currently anticipate 2019 capital expenditures to be between $1.2 billion 
and $1.4 billion, including approximately $1.05 billion and $1.2 billion related 
to aircraft and predelivery deposits. The remaining capital expenditures of 
approximately $150 million to $200 million relate to non-aircraft projects.

Operating Activities

Financing Activities

Cash flows provided by operating activities totaled approximately $1.2 
billion in 2018, compared to $1.4 billion and $1.6 billion in 2017 and 2016, 
respectively. There was a $179 million decrease in cash flows from operating 
activities in 2018 compared to 2017. Lower earnings, principally driven by an 
increase in aircraft fuel expenses, partially offset by higher operating revenues, 
contributed to this reduction. The $236 million decrease in cash flows from 

Financing activities during 2018 consisted of the issuance of $687 million of 
debt partially offset by the scheduled repayment of $222 million in debt and 
capital lease obligations. In addition, we acquired $382 million in treasury 
shares of which $375 million related to our accelerated share repurchases 
during 2018. During this period, we realized $48 million in proceeds from 
the issuance of stock related to employee share-based compensation.

31

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART II  
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Financing activities during 2017 consisted of the scheduled repayment 
of $194 million relating to debt and capital lease obligations, as a result, 
three aircraft became unencumbered. In addition, we acquired $390 million 
in treasury shares of which $380 million related to our accelerated share 
repurchases during 2017. During this period, we realized $48 million in 
proceeds from the issuance of stock related to employee share-based 
compensation.

Financing activities during 2016 consisted of the scheduled repayment 
of $368 million relating to debt and capital lease obligations, as a result, 
17 aircraft became unencumbered. In addition, we acquired $134 million 
in treasury shares of which $120 million related to our accelerated share 
repurchases in the fourth quarter of 2016. During this period, we realized 
$45 million in proceeds from the issuance of stock related to employee 
share-based compensation. During 2016, $86 million of our Series B 6.75% 
convertible debentures were converted by holders, as a result, we issued 
approximately 17.6 million shares of our common stock.

In November 2015, we filed an automatic shelf registration statement 
with the SEC. Under this shelf registration statement, we, or one or more 
selling security holders, had the capacity to offer and sell from time to 
time common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, depositary shares, 
warrants, stock purchase contracts, stock purchase units, subscription 
rights, and pass-through certificates. Through to December 31, 2018, we 
had not issued any securities under this registration statement. We may 
utilize a replacement automatic shelf registration statement filed with the 
SEC, in the future to raise capital to fund the continued development of 
our products and services, the commercialization of our products and 
services or for other general corporate purposes.

None of our lenders or lessors are affiliated with us.

Capital Resources

We have been able to generate sufficient funds from operations to meet 
our working capital requirements and we have historically paid cash or 
financed our aircraft through either secured debt or lease financing. As of 
December 31, 2018, we operated a fleet of 253 aircraft which included 
43 Airbus A321 aircraft, 63 Airbus A320 aircraft and one Embraer E190 
aircraft that were unencumbered. Of our remaining aircraft, 42 were 
under operating leases, six were financed under capital leases and 98 
were financed by private and public secured debt. Additionally, we have 
44 unencumbered spare engines. Approximately 35% of our property 
and equipment is pledged as security under various loan arrangements.

Dependent on market conditions, we anticipate using a mix of cash and 
debt financing for the expected deliveries of Airbus A321neo aircraft 
in 2019. To the extent we cannot secure financing on terms we deem 
attractive, we may be required to pay in cash, further modify our aircraft 
acquisition plans or incur higher than anticipated financing costs. Although 
we believe debt and/or lease financing should be available to us if needed, 
we cannot give assurance we will be able to secure financing on terms 
attractive to us, if at all.

Contractual Obligations

Working Capital

We had a working capital deficit of $944 million as of December 31, 2018 
compared to a deficit of $940 million as of December 31, 2017. Working 
capital deficits can be customary in the airline industry since air traffic 
liability is classified as a current liability.

In 2012, we entered into a revolving line of credit with Morgan Stanley 
for up to $200 million. This line of credit is secured by a portion of our 
investment securities held by Morgan Stanley and the borrowing amount 
may vary accordingly. This line of credit bears interest at a floating rate 
based upon the London Interbank Offered Rate, or LIBOR, plus a margin. 
We did not borrow on this facility in 2018 or 2017 and the line was undrawn 
as of December 31, 2018.

In April 2017, we increased our Credit and Guaranty Agreement with 
Citibank, N.A. as the administrative agent to $425 million. The term of 
the Amended and Restated Facility runs through April 6, 2021. Borrowing 
under the Amended and Restated Facility bears interest at a variable rate 
equal to LIBOR, plus a margin. The Amended and Restated Facility is 
secured by Slots at JFK, LaGuardia, Reagan National and certain other 
assets. The Amended and Restated Facility includes covenants that 
require us to maintain certain minimum balances in unrestricted cash, cash 
equivalents, and unused commitments available under all revolving credit 
facilities. In addition, the covenants restrict our ability to incur additional 
indebtedness, issue preferred stock or pay dividends. During 2018 and 
2017, we did not borrow on this facility and the line was undrawn as of 
December 31, 2018.

We expect to meet our obligations as they become due through available 
cash, investment securities and internally generated funds, supplemented 
as necessary by financing activities, as they may be available to us. We 
expect to generate positive working capital through our operations. 
However, we cannot predict what the effect on our business might be from 
the extremely competitive environment we are operating in or from events 
beyond our control, such as volatile fuel prices, economic conditions, 
weather-related disruptions, the spread of infectious diseases, the impact 
of airline bankruptcies, restructurings or consolidations, U.S. military actions 
or acts of terrorism. We believe there is sufficient liquidity available to us 
to meet our cash requirements for at least the next 12 months.

Debt and Capital Leases

As part of our efforts to effectively manage our balance sheet and improve 
return on invested capital, or ROIC, we expect to continue to actively manage 
our debt balances. Our approach to debt management includes managing 
the mix of fixed versus floating rate debt, annual maturities of debt and the 
weighted average cost of debt. Additionally, our unencumbered assets, 
including 107 aircraft and 44 engines, allow some flexibility in managing 
our cost of debt and capital requirements.

Our noncancelable contractual obligations at December 31, 2018 include the following (in billions):

Total

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Payments due in

$

0.3
0.1
1.3
0.4
2.1
$
Includes actual interest and estimated interest for floating-rate debt based on December 31, 2018 rates.

Debt and capital lease obligations(1)
Lease commitments
Flight equipment obligations
Other obligations(2)
TOTAL
(1) 
(2)  Amounts include noncancelable commitments for the purchase of goods and services.

1.9
1.0
8.4
3.1
14.4

0.4
0.2
1.2
0.3
2.1

$

$

$

$

$

$

0.3
0.1
1.4
0.3
2.1

$

$

0.3
0.1
1.3
0.3
2.0

$

$

0.2
0.1
1.6
0.3
2.2

Thereafter
0.4
$
0.4
1.6
1.5
3.9

$

32

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART II  
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The interest rates are fixed for $1.4 billion of our debt and capital lease 
obligations, with the remaining $0.2 billion having floating interest rates. 
The floating interest rates adjust either quarterly or semi-annually based 
on LIBOR. The weighted average maturity of all of our debt was six years 
as of December 31, 2018.

In July 2018, we entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) 
for 60 Airbus A220-300 aircraft, previously called the Bombardier CS300, 
for delivery beginning in 2020, and the option for 60 additional aircraft 
beginning in 2025. The MOU was finalized into a purchase agreement 
in December 2018.

As of December 31, 2018, we believe we were in compliance with the 
covenants of our debt and lease agreements and approximately 35% 
of our owned property and equipment were pledged as security under 
various loan agreements.

As of December 31, 2018, we had operating lease obligations for 42 
aircraft with lease terms that expire between 2019 and 2028. Our aircraft 
lease agreements contain termination provisions which include standard 
maintenance and return conditions. Our policy is to record these lease 
return conditions when they are probable and the costs can be estimated. 
We also lease airport terminal space and other airport facilities in each 
of our markets, as well as office space and other equipment. We have 
approximately $31 million of restricted assets pledged under standby 
letters of credit related to certain of our leases which will expire at the end 
of the related leases. As of December 31, 2018, the average age of our 
operating fleet was 9.8 years.

Our firm aircraft order book as of December 31, 2018 is as follows:

Year
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
TOTAL

Airbus 
A321neo
13
15
16
15
14
12
—
85

Airbus  
A220
—
1
6
8
19
22
4
60

Total
13
16
22
23
33
34
4
145

In October 2018, we received notice from Airbus of anticipated delivery 
delays of the A321neo aircraft. The table above represents the current 
delivery schedule set forth in our Airbus order book as of December 31, 
2018. However, due to delays, we expect a delivery of a minimum of six 
Airbus A321neo aircraft in 2019.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

None of our operating lease obligations are reflected on our consolidated 
balance sheets. Although some of our aircraft lease arrangements are 
with variable interest entities, as defined by the Consolidations topic 
of the Codification, none of them require consolidation in our financial 
statements. The decision to finance these aircraft through operating leases 
rather than through debt was based on an analysis of the cash flows and 
tax consequences of each financing alternative and a consideration of 
liquidity implications. We are responsible for all maintenance, insurance, and 
other costs associated with operating these aircraft. However, we are not 
obligated to provide any residual value or other guarantees to our lessors.

We have determined that we hold a variable interest in, but are not the 
primary beneficiary of, certain pass-through trusts. The beneficiaries of 
these pass-through trusts are the purchasers of equipment notes issued 

Committed expenditures for our firm aircraft and spare engines include 
estimated amounts for contractual price escalations and predelivery 
deposits. We expect to meet our predelivery deposit requirements for 
our aircraft by paying cash or by using short-term borrowing facilities 
for deposits generally required six to 24 months prior to delivery. Any 
predelivery deposits paid by the issuance of notes are fully repaid at the 
time of delivery of the related aircraft.

Our Terminal at JFK, T5, is governed by a lease agreement we entered 
into with the PANYNJ in 2005. We are responsible for making various 
payments under the lease. This includes ground rents for the terminal 
site which began at the time of the lease execution in 2005 and facility 
rents commenced in October 2008 upon our occupancy of T5. The 
facility rents are based on the number of passengers enplaned out of 
the terminal, subject to annual minimums. The PANYNJ reimbursed us 
for construction costs of this project in accordance with the terms of the 
lease, except for approximately $76 million in leasehold improvements 
provided by us. In 2013, we amended this lease to include additional 
ground space for our international arrivals facility, T5i, which we opened in 
November 2014. For financial reporting purposes, the T5 project is being 
accounted for as a financing obligation, with the constructed asset and 
related liability being reflected on our consolidated balance sheets. The 
T5i project was accounted for at cost. Minimum ground and facility rents 
at JFK totaling $272 million are included in the commitments table above 
as lease commitments and financing obligations.

We enter into individual employment agreements with each of our non-
unionized FAA-licensed Crewmembers, inspectors, and air traffic controllers. 
Each employment agreement is for a term of five years and automatically 
renews for an additional five-year term unless the Crewmember is terminated 
for cause or the Crewmember elects not to renew it. Pursuant to these 
agreements, these Crewmembers can only be terminated for cause. In 
the event of a downturn in our business requiring a reduction in flying 
and related work hours, we are obligated to pay these Crewmembers 
a guaranteed level of income and to continue their benefits. As we are 
not currently obligated to pay this guaranteed income and benefits, no 
amounts related to these guarantees are included in the contractual 
obligations table above.

by us to finance the acquisition of aircraft. Each trust maintains a liquidity 
facility whereby a third party agrees to make payments sufficient to pay 
up to 18 months of interest on the applicable certificates if a payment 
default occurs.

We have also made certain guarantees and indemnities to other 
unrelated parties that are not reflected on our consolidated balance 
sheets, which we believe will not have a significant impact on our 
results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. We have no 
other off-balance sheet arrangements. See Notes 3, 4 and 12 to our 
Consolidated Financial Statements for a more detailed discussion of 
our variable interests and other contingencies, including guarantees 
and indemnities.

33

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART II  
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity 
with U.S. GAAP requires management to adopt accounting policies as 
well as make estimates and judgments to develop amounts reported 
in our financial statements and accompanying notes. We maintain a 
thorough process to review the application of our accounting policies 
and to evaluate the appropriateness of the estimates that are required to 
prepare our financial statements. We believe our estimates and judgments 
are reasonable; however, actual results and the timing of recognition of 
such amounts could differ from those estimates. In addition, estimates 
routinely require adjustment based on changing circumstances and the 
receipt of new or better information.

Critical accounting policies and estimates are defined as those that are 
reflective of significant judgments and uncertainties that could potentially 
result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. 
The policies and estimates discussed below have been reviewed with our 
independent registered public accounting firm and with the Audit Committee 
of our Board of Directors. For a discussion of these and other significant 
accounting policies, see Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Passenger Revenue

Ticket sales and the fees collected for related ancillary services are initially 
deferred in air traffic liability. Air traffic liability represents tickets sold but not 
yet flown, credits which can be used for future travel and a portion of the 
liability related to our TrueBlue® loyalty program. We allocate the transaction 
price to each performance obligation identified in a passenger ticket on a 
relative standalone basis. Passenger revenue, including certain ancillary fees 
directly related to passenger tickets, is recognized when the transportation 
is provided. Taxes that we are required to collect from our Customers, 
including foreign and U.S. federal transportation taxes, security taxes, 
and airport facility charges, are excluded from passenger revenue. Those 
taxes and fees are recorded as a liability upon collection and are relieved 
from the liability upon remittance to the applicable governmental agency.

The majority of the tickets sold are non-refundable. Non-refundable fares 
may be canceled prior to the scheduled departure date for a credit for 
future travel. Refundable fares may be canceled at any time prior to the 
scheduled departure date. Failure to cancel a refundable fare prior to 
departure will result in the cancellation of original ticket and an issuance 
of a credit for future travel. Passenger credits can be used for future travel 
up to a year from the date of issuance. Passenger breakage revenue from 
unused tickets and passenger credits will be recognized in proportion to 
flown revenue based on estimates of expected expiration of when the 
likelihood of the Customer exercising his or her remaining rights becomes 
remote. Breakage revenue consists of nonrefundable tickets that remain 
unused past the departure date, have continued validity, and are expected 
to ultimately expire unused, as well as passenger credits that are not 
expected to be redeemed prior to expiration. JetBlue used estimates based 
on historical experience of expired tickets and credits and considered other 
factors that could impact future expiration patterns of tickets and credits. 
Tickets which do not have continued validity past the departure date are 
recognized as revenue after the scheduled departure date has lapsed.

Passenger ticket costs primarily include credit card fees, commissions 
paid, and global distribution systems booking fees. Costs are allocated 
entirely to the purchased travel services and are capitalized until recognized 
when travel services are provided to the Customer.

Loyalty Program

Customers may earn points under our customer loyalty program, TrueBlue®, 
based on the fare paid and fare product purchased for a flight. Customers can 
also earn points through business partners such as credit card companies, 
hotels, car rental companies, and our participating airline partners.

Points Earned From a Ticket Purchase. When a TrueBlue® member 
travels, we recognize a portion of the fare as revenue and defer in air 
traffic liabilities the portion that represents the value of the points net 
of spoilage, or breakage. We allocate the transaction price to each 
performance obligation on a relative standalone basis. We determine the 
standalone selling price of TrueBlue® points issued using the redemption 
value approach. To maximize the use of observable inputs, we utilize the 
actual ticket value of the tickets purchased with TrueBlue® points. The 
liability is relieved and passenger revenue is recognized when the points 
are redeemed and the free travel is provided.

Points Sold to TrueBlue® Partners. Our most significant contract to sell 
TrueBlue® points is with our co-branded credit card partner. Co-branded 
credit card partnerships have the following identified performance obligations: 
air transportation; use of the JetBlue brand name, and access to our 
frequent flyer customer lists; advertising; and other airline benefits. In 
determining the estimated selling price, JetBlue considered multiple 
inputs, methods and assumptions, including: discounted cash flows; 
estimated redemption value, net of fulfillment discount; points expected 
to be awarded and redeemed; estimated annual spending by cardholders; 
estimated annual royalty for use of JetBlue’s frequent flyer customer lists; 
and estimated utilization of other airline benefits. Payments are typically 
due monthly based on the volume of miles sold during the period, and the 
terms of our marketing contracts are generally from one to seven years. The 
overall consideration received is allocated to each performance obligation 
based on their standalone relative selling prices. The air transportation 
element is deferred and recognized as passenger revenue when the points 
are utilized. The other elements are recognized as other revenue when 
the performance obligation related to those service are satisfied, which 
is generally the same period as when consideration is received from the 
participating company.

Amounts allocated to the air transportation element which are initially 
deferred include a portion that are expected to be redeemed during the 
following twelve months (classified as a component of Air traffic liability), 
and a portion that are not expected to be redeemed during the following 
twelve months (classified as Air traffic liability - loyalty non-current). We 
periodically update this analysis and adjust the split between current and 
non-current liabilities as appropriate.

Points earned by TrueBlue® members never expire. TrueBlue® members 
can pool points between small groups of people, branded as Points 
Pooling™. Breakage is estimate using historical redemption patterns to 
determine a breakage rate. Breakage rates used to estimate breakage 
revenue are evaluated annually. Changes to breakage estimates impact 
revenue recognition prospectively.

Accounting for Long-Lived Assets

In accounting for long-lived assets, we make estimates about the expected 
useful lives, projected residual values and the potential for impairment. In 
estimating useful lives and residual values of our aircraft, we have relied 
upon actual industry experience with the same or similar aircraft types and 
our anticipated utilization of the aircraft. Changing market prices of new 
and used aircraft, government regulations and changes in our maintenance 
program or operations could result in changes to these estimates.

Our long-lived assets are evaluated for impairment when events and 
circumstances indicate the assets may be impaired. Indicators include 
operating or cash flow losses, significant decreases in market value, or 
changes in technology.

To determine whether impairment exist for aircraft used in operations, 
we group assets at the fleet-type level (the lowest level for which there 
are identifiable cash flows) and then estimate future cash flows based on 
projections of capacity, passenger yield, fuel costs, labor costs, and other 

34

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART II  
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

relevant factors. If an impairment occurs, the impairment loss recognized is 
the amount by which the fleet’s carrying amount exceeds its estimated fair 
value. We estimate aircraft fair value using published sources, appraisals, 
and bids received from third parties, as available.

In 2018, we recorded an impairment charge of flight equipment and other 
property and equipment related to the Embraer E190 fleet transition. Refer 
to Note 18 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for details.

Lease Accounting

We operate airport facilities, office buildings, and aircraft under operating 
leases with minimum lease payments. We recognize the costs associated 
with these agreements as rent expense on a straight-line basis over the 
expected lease term. Within the provisions of certain leases, there are 
minimum escalations in payments over the base lease term. There are 
also periodic adjustments of lease rates, landing fees, and other charges 
applicable under such agreements, as well as renewal periods. The 
effects of the escalations and other adjustments have been reflected in 
rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. This includes 
renewal periods when it is deemed to be reasonably assured at the 
inception of the lease that we would incur an economic penalty for not 
renewing. The amortization period for leasehold improvements is the term 
used in calculating straight-line rent expense or their estimated economic 
life, whichever is shorter.

Derivative Instruments used for Aircraft Fuel

We utilize financial derivative instruments to manage the risk of changing 
aircraft fuel prices. We do not purchase or hold any derivative instrument 
for trading purposes. Fair values are determined using commodity prices 
provided to us by independent third parties. When possible, we designate 
these instruments as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes, as defined 
by the Derivatives and Hedging topic of the Codification which permits the 
deferral of the effective˚ portions of gains or losses until contract settlement.

The Derivatives and Hedging topic is a complex accounting standard. It 
requires us to develop and maintain a significant amount of documentation 
related to:

(1) our fuel hedging program and fuel management approach,

(2) statistical analysis supporting a highly correlated relationship between 
the underlying commodity in the derivative financial instrument and the 
risk being hedged, i.e. aircraft fuel, on both a historical and prospective 
basis, and

(3) cash flow designation for each hedging transaction executed, to be 
developed concurrently with the hedging transaction.

This documentation requires us to estimate forward aircraft fuel prices 
since there is no reliable forward market for aircraft fuel. These prices are 
developed through the observation of similar commodity futures prices, 
such as crude oil and/or heating oil, and adjusted based on variations to 
those like commodities. Historically, our hedges have settled within 24 
months; therefore, the deferred gains and losses have been recognized 
into earnings over a relatively short period of time.

Regulation G Reconciliations of Non-Gaap Financial Measures

We sometimes use non-GAAP measures that are derived from the 
consolidated financial statements, but that are not presented in accordance 
with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S., or U.S. GAAP. We 
believe these non-GAAP measures provide a meaningful comparison of our 
results to others in the airline industry and our prior year results. Investors 
should consider these non-GAAP financial measures in addition to, and 
not as a substitute for, our financial performance measures prepared in 

accordance with U.S. GAAP. Further, our non-GAAP information may be 
different from the non-GAAP information provided by other companies. 
We believe certain charges included in our operating expenses on a 
GAAP basis make it difficult to compare our current period results to prior 
periods as well as future periods and guidance. The tables below show 
a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures used in this filing to the 
most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

Operating Expenses per Available Seat Mile, excluding fuel

Operating expenses per available seat mile, or CASM, is a common 
metric used in the airline industry. Our CASM for 2018 through 2014 
are summarized in the table below. We exclude aircraft fuel and related 
taxes, operating expenses related to other non-airline businesses, such 
as JetBlue Technology Ventures and JetBlue Travel Products, and special 
items from operating expenses to determine CASM ex-fuel. During the 
periods presented below, special items consisted of the impairment and 
one-time costs related to the Embraer E190 fleet transition, as well as 

one-time costs related to the ratification of our pilots’ collective bargaining 
agreement. We believe that CASM ex-fuel provides investors with the ability 
to measure financial performance excluding items beyond our control, 
such as fuel costs which are subject to many economic and political 
factors, or not related to the generation of an available seat mile, such as 
operating expense related to other non-airline businesses. We believe this 
non-GAAP measure is more indicative of our ability to manage airline costs 
and is more comparable to measures reported by other major airlines.

Reconciliation of Operating expense per ASM, excluding fuel

2018

2017

2016

2015(1)

2014(1)

(in millions; per ASM data in cents)
Total operating expenses
Less:

$
$ 7,370

per ASM

$

per ASM

$

per ASM

$

per ASM

$

12.31 $ 6,019

10.75 $ 5,324

9.93 $ 5,200

10.56 $ 5,302

per ASM
11.78

Aircraft fuel and related taxes
Other non-airline expenses(2)
Special items

4.25
1,899
—
44
—
435
7.53
Operating expenses, excluding fuel $ 4,992
(1)  Amounts prior to 2016 do not reflect the impact of the adoption of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) of the Codification, in the 

1,912
—
—
7.82 $ 3,390

1,363
3.17
35
0.07
0.73
—
8.34 $ 4,621

1,074
26
—
8.25 $ 4,224

1,348
—
—
7.88 $ 3,852

2.43
0.07
—

2.74
—
—

2.00
0.05
—

first quarter of 2018. Refer to Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for details.

(2)  Other non-airline expenses for 2016 includes operating expenses related to JetBlue Technology Ventures only.

35

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART II  
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Reconciliation of Operating Expense, Income before Taxes, Net Income and Earnings per Share, excluding Tax 
Reform Impact and Special Items

Our GAAP results in the applicable periods include the impacts of the 2017 
tax reform and charges that are deemed special items which we believe 
make our results difficult to compare to prior periods as well as future 
periods and guidance. During the periods presented below, special items 
consisted of the impairment and one-time costs related to the Embraer 
E190 fleet transition, as well as one-time costs related to the ratification 

of our pilots’ collective bargaining agreement. We believe the impacts 
of the 2017 tax reform and special items distort our overall trends and 
that our metrics and results are enhanced with the presentation of our 
results excluding the impact of these items. The table below provides a 
reconciliation of our GAAP reported amounts to the non-GAAP amounts 
excluding the impact of the 2017 tax reform and special items.

(in millions except per share amounts)
Total operating expenses
Less: Special items
Total operating expenses excluding special items

Operating income
Add back: Special items
Operating income excluding special items

Income before income taxes
Add back: Special items
Income before income taxes excluding special items

Income before income taxes excluding special items
Less: Income tax expense (benefit)
Less: Income tax related to special items
Less: Tax reform impact
Net Income excluding special items and tax reform impact

Earnings Per Common share:
Basic
Add back: Special items, net of tax
Less: Tax reform impact
Basic excluding special items and tax reform impact

Diluted
Add back: Special items, net of tax
Less: Tax reform impact
Diluted excluding special items and tax reform impact

Year Ended December 31,

2018

2017

2016

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

7,370
435
6,935

288
435
723

219
435
654

654
31
108
28
487

0.60
1.05
(0.09)
1.56

0.60
1.04
(0.09)
1.55

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

6,019
—
6,019

993
—
993

914
—
914

914
(211)
—
551
574

3.42
—
(1.67)
1.75

3.41
—
(1.67)
1.74

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

5,324
—
5,324

1,260
—
1,260

1,164
—
1,164

1,164
437
—
—
727

2.23
—
—
2.23

2.13
—
—
2.13

36

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART II  
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Return on Invested Capital

Return on invested capital, or ROIC, is an important financial metric which we believe provides meaningful information as to how well we generate 
returns relative to the capital invested in our business. During 2018, our ROIC was 8.6% compared to 10.4% in 2017, primarily due to the increase in 
fuel prices. We are committed to taking appropriate actions which will allow us to produce returns greater than our cost of capital while adding capacity 
and continuing to grow.

We believe this non-GAAP measure provides a meaningful comparison of our results to the airline industry and our prior year results. Investors should 
consider this non-GAAP financial measure in addition to, and not as a substitute for, our financial performance measures prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Reconciliation of Return on Invested Capital (Non-GAAP)

(in millions, except as otherwise noted)
Numerator
Operating Income

Add: Interest income (expense) and other
Add: Interest component of capitalized aircraft rent(1)
Add: Special items(3)

Subtotal

Less: Income tax expense impact

Operating Income After Tax, Adjusted

Denominator
Average Stockholders' equity
Average total debt
Capitalized aircraft rent(1)
Invested Capital

Return on Invested Capital
(1)  Capitalized Aircraft Rent

Aircraft rent, as reported

Capitalized aircraft rent (7 * aircraft rent)(2)

Twelve Months Ended December 31,
2017

2018

$

$

288
13
54
435
790
200
590

$ 4,671
1,435
720
$ 6,826

8.6%

$

103

720

$

$

$

$

$

993
6
53
—
1,052
394
658

4,333
1,291
702
6,326

10.4%

100

702

(2) 

Interest component of capitalized aircraft rent (Imputed interest at 7.5%)
In determining the Invested Capital component of ROIC we include a non-GAAP adjustment for aircraft operating leases, as operating lease obligations are not reflected on our balance 
sheets but do represent a significant financing obligation. In making the adjustment we used a multiple of seven times our aircraft rent as this is the multiple which is routinely used within 
the airline community to represent the financing component of aircraft operating lease obligations.

54

53

(3)  During the periods presented above, special items include the impairment and one-time costs related to the Embraer E190 fleet transition as well as one-time costs related to the ratification 

of our pilots’ collective bargaining agreement.

Free Cash Flow (Non-GAAP)

The table below reconciles cash provided by operations determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP to Free Cash Flow, a non-GAAP measure. 
Management believes that Free Cash Flow is a relevant metric in measuring our financial strength and is useful in assessing our ability to fund future 
capital commitments and other obligations. Investors should consider this non-GAAP financial measure in addition to, and not as a substitute for, our 
financial measures prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Reconciliation of Free Cash Flow (Non-GAAP)

(in millions)
912
Net cash provided by operating activities
(806)
Less: Capital expenditures(1)
(127)
Less: Predelivery deposits for flight equipment
Free Cash Flow
(21)
(1)  Capital expenditures in 2014 included two capital leases for approximately $76 million which were classified as a non-cash financing activity in our consolidated statements of cash flows.

1,396
(1,074)
(128)
194

1,598
(837)
(104)
657

1,632
(850)
(161)
621

1,217
(908)
(206)
103

2014

2017

2018

2015

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Year Ended December 31,
2016

37

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART II  
ITEM 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures 

About Market Risk

The risk inherent in our market risk sensitive instruments and positions is 
the potential loss arising from adverse changes to the price of fuel and 
interest rates as discussed below. The sensitivity analyses presented do 
not consider the effects such adverse changes may have on the overall 
economic activity, nor do they consider additional actions we may take 
to mitigate our exposure to such changes. Variable-rate leases are not 
considered market sensitive financial instruments and, therefore, are not 
included in the interest rate sensitivity analysis below. Actual results may differ 
from the sensitivity analyses. See Notes 1, 3 and 13 to our Consolidated 
Financial Statements for accounting policies and additional information.

Aircraft fuel

Our results of operations are affected by changes in the price and availability 
of aircraft fuel. Market risk is estimated as a hypothetical 10% increase in 
the December 31, 2018 cost per gallon of fuel. Based on projected 2019 
fuel consumption, such an increase would result in an increase to aircraft 
fuel expense of approximately $180 million in 2019. This is compared 
to an estimated $170 million for 2018 measured as of December 31, 
2017. As of December 31, 2018 we had hedged approximately 4% of 
our projected 2019 fuel requirements. All hedge contracts existing as of 
December 31, 2018 settle by June 30, 2019.

The financial derivative instrument agreements we have with our 
counterparties may require us to fund all, or a portion of, outstanding 
loss positions related to these contracts prior to their scheduled maturities. 
The amount of collateral posted, if any, is periodically adjusted based on 
the fair value of the hedge contracts.

Interest

Our earnings are affected by changes in interest rates due to the impact 
those changes have on interest expense from variable-rate debt instruments 
and on interest income generated from our cash and investment balances. 
The interest rate is fixed for $1.4 billion of our debt and capital lease 
obligations, with the remaining $247 million having floating interest rates. 
If interest rates were on average 100 basis points higher in 2019 than they 
were during 2018, our interest expense would increase by approximately 
$3 million. This is determined by considering the impact of the hypothetical 
change in interest rates on our variable rate debt.

If interest rates were an average 100 basis points lower in 2019 than 
they were during 2018, our interest income from cash and investment 
balances would remain relatively constant. These amounts are determined 
by considering the impact of the hypothetical interest rates on our cash 
and cash equivalents and short-term investment securities balances.

ITEM 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of 
JetBlue Airways Corporation

Basis for Opinion

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of JetBlue 
Airways Corporation (the Company) as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 
and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive 
income, cash flows and stockholders’ equity for each of the three years 
in the period ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes and 
financial statement schedule listed in Item15(2) (collectively referred to as 
the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated 
financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated 
financial position of JetBlue Airways Corporation at December 31, 2018 
and 2017, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows 
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, in 
conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public 
Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the 
Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 
2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework 
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway 
Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated February 20, 2019 
expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Adoption of New Accounting Standard

As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company changed 
its method of accounting for revenue in 2018 due to the adoption of 
Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts 
with Customers (Topic 606), and the amendments.

38

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s 
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s 
financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting 
firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with 
respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws 
and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange 
Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. 
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain 
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of 
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. Our audits included 
performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of 
the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing 
procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, 
on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the 
financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting 
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as 
evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe 
that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2001.

New York, New York

February 20, 2019

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of 
JetBlue Airways Corporation

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial 
Reporting

We have audited JetBlue Airways Corporation’s internal control over 
financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established 
in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of 
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) 
(the COSO criteria). In our opinion, JetBlue Airways Corporation (the 
Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over 
financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on the COSO criteria.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public 
Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the 2018 
consolidated financial statements of the Company and our report dated 
February 20, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal 
control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness 
of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying 
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our 
responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control 
over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting 
firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with 
respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws 
and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange 
Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. 
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain 
reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial 
reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over 
financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, 
testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal 
control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures 
as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our 
audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control 
Over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed 
to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial 
reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes 
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s 
internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures 
that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, 
accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets 
of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are 
recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in 
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts 
and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance 
with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and 
(3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection 
of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets 
that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting 
may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation 
of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may 
become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree 
of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

New York, New York

February 20, 2019

39

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

JetBlue Airways Corporation

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in millions, except per share data)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents
Investment securities
Receivables, less allowance (2018-$1; 2017-$1)
Inventories, less allowance (2018-$18; 2017-$14)
Prepaid expenses and other

Total current assets

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Flight equipment
Predelivery deposits for flight equipment

Total flight equipment and predelivery deposits, gross

Less accumulated depreciation

Total flight equipment and predelivery deposits, net

Other property and equipment
Less accumulated depreciation

Total other property and equipment, net

Assets constructed for others
Less accumulated depreciation

Total assets constructed for others, net
Total property and equipment, net

OTHER ASSETS

Investment securities
Restricted cash
Other

Total other assets

TOTAL ASSETS

December 31,

2018

2017

$

474
413
211
78
298
1,474

9,525
293
9,818
2,448
7,370
1,074
461
613
561
229
332
8,315

$

303
390
245
55
213
1,206

8,980
204
9,184
2,125
7,059
1,041
405
636
561
207
354
8,049

3
59
575
637
10,426

$

2
56
468
526
$ 9,781

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

40

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

JetBlue Airways Corporation

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in millions, except per share data)
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES

Accounts payable
Air traffic liability
Accrued salaries, wages and benefits
Other accrued liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt and capital leases

Total current liabilities

LONG-TERM DEBT AND CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS
CONSTRUCTION OBLIGATION
DEFERRED TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES

Deferred income taxes
Air traffic liability - loyalty non-current
Other

Total deferred taxes and other liabilities

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Notes 11 & 12)
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 25 shares authorized, none issued
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 900 shares authorized, 422 and 418 shares issued and 306 and  
321 shares outstanding at 2018 and 2017, respectively
Treasury stock, at cost; 116 and 97 shares at 2018 and 2017, respectively
Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive income

Total stockholders’ equity

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

December 31,

2018

2017

$

437
1,035
313
324
309
2,418
1,361
424

1,088
447
77
1,612

$

378
966
313
293
196
2,146
1,003
441

999
385
75
1,459

—

—

4
(1,272)
2,203
3,679
(3)
4,611
$ 10,426

4
(890)
2,127
3,491
—
4,732
$ 9,781

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

41

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

JetBlue Airways Corporation

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(in millions, except per share amounts)
OPERATING REVENUES

Passenger
Other

Total operating revenues

OPERATING EXPENSES

Aircraft fuel and related taxes
Salaries, wages and benefits
Landing fees and other rents
Depreciation and amortization
Aircraft rent
Sales and marketing
Maintenance, materials and repairs
Other operating expenses
Special items

Total operating expenses

OPERATING INCOME
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)

Interest expense
Capitalized interest
Interest income and other

   Total other income (expense)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
Income tax expense (benefit)
NET INCOME
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

Basic
Diluted

Years Ended December 31,

2018

2017

2016

$

$

$
$

7,381
277
7,658

1,899
2,044
420
491
103
294
625
1,059
435
7,370
288

(92)
10
13
(69)
219
31
188

0.60
0.60

$

$

$
$

6,761
251
7,012

1,363
1,887
397
446
100
271
622
933
—
6,019
993

(95)
10
6
(79)
914
(211)
1,125

3.42
3.41

$

$

$
$

6,380
204
6,584

1,074
1,698
357
393
110
263
563
866
—
5,324
1,260

(111)
8
7
(96)
1,164
437
727

2.23
2.13

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

42

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

JetBlue Airways Corporation

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(in millions)

NET INCOME
Changes in fair value of derivative instruments, net of reclassifications into earnings,  
net of tax benefit/(expense) of $2, $8, and $(8) in 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Years Ended December 31,

2018

$

188

(3)
(3)
185

$

2017

$

1,125

(13)
(13)
1,112

$

2016

$

727

16
16
743

$

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

43

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

JetBlue Airways Corporation

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in millions)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

Years Ended December 31,

2018

2017

2016

$

188

$

1,125

$

727

Deferred income taxes
Depreciation
Impairment of long-lived assets
Amortization
Stock-based compensation
Changes in certain operating assets and liabilities:

(Increase) decrease in receivables
(Increase) decrease in inventories, prepaid and other
Increase in air traffic liability
Increase in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities

Other, net

Net cash provided by operating activities
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Capital expenditures
Predelivery deposits for flight equipment
Purchase of held-to-maturity investments
Proceeds from the maturities of held-to-maturity investments
Purchase of available-for-sale securities
Proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale securities
Other, net

Net cash used in investing activities
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Proceeds from issuance of common stock
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
Repayment of long-term debt and capital lease obligations
Acquisition of treasury stock
Other, net

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period(1)

$

(1)  Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:

90
423
319
68
28

46
(174)
131
96
2
1,217

(908)
(206)
(429)
505
(979)
875
(14)
(1,156)

48
687
(222)
(382)
(18)
113
174
359
533

(297)
383
—
63
29

(52)
15
101
53
(24)
1,396

(1,074)
(128)
(207)
244
(245)
444
(13)
(979)

48
—
(194)
(390)
(17)
(553)
(136)
495
359

$

(in millions)
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash

Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

Years Ended December 31,

2018

2017

$

$

474
59
533

$

$

303
56
359

251
337
—
56
23

(21)
1
119
156
(17)
1,632

(850)
(161)
(276)
333
(597)
517
(12)
(1,046)

45
—
(368)
(134)
(15)
(472)
114
381
495

2016

433
62
495

$

$

$

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

44

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

JetBlue Airways Corporation

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

(in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2015
Cumulative Effect for the adoption 
of ASU 2016-09
Cumulative effect for the adoption 
of ASU 2014-09
Net income
Other comprehensive income
Vesting of restricted stock units
Exercise of stock options
Stock compensation expense
Stock issued under Crewmember 
stock purchase plan
Shares repurchased under 2012 
share repurchase plan
Convertible debt redemption
Balance at December 31, 2016
Net income
Other comprehensive (loss)
Vesting of restricted stock units
Exercise of stock options
Stock compensation expense
Stock issued under Crewmember 
stock purchase plan
Shares repurchased under 2016 
share repurchase plan
Balance at December 31, 2017
Net income
Other comprehensive (loss)
Vesting of restricted stock units
Stock compensation expense
Stock issued under Crewmember 
stock purchase plan
Shares repurchased under 2018 
share repurchase plan
Balance at December 31, 2018

Common 
Shares
392

Common 
Stock
4
$

Treasury 
Shares
70

Treasury  
Stock

$

(366)

Additional 
Paid-In 
Capital
$ 1,896

Retained 
Earnings
$ 1,679

Accumulated 
Other 
Comprehensive  
Income (Loss)

$

(3)

Total
$ 3,210

—

—
—
—
1
1
—

2

—
18
414
—
—
1
—
—

3

—
418
—
—
1
—

3

—
422

—

—
—
—
—
—
—

—

—
—
4
—
—
—
—
—

—

—
4
—
—
—
—

—

—
4

$

$

$

—

—
—
—
1
—
—

—

6
—
77
—
—
1
—
—

—

19
97
—
—
—
—

—

—

—
—
—
(14)
—
—

—

(120)
—
(500)
—
—
(10)
—
—

—

(380)
(890)
—
—
(7)
—

—

$

$

—

—
—
—
—
10
23

35

8

(48)
727
—
—
—
—

—

—
86
$ 2,050
—
—
—
4
29

—
—
$ 2,366
1,125
—
—
—
—

—

—
—
16
—
—
—

—

—
—
$ 13
—
(13)
—
—
—

8

(48)
727
16
(14)
10
23

35

(120)
86
$ 3,933
1,125
(13)
(10)
4
29

44

—

—

44

—
$ 2,127
—
—
—
28

—
$ 3,491
188
—
—
—

48

—

—
$ —
—
(3)
—
—

—

—
(3)

$

(380)
$ 4,732
188
(3)
(7)
28

48

(375)
$ 4,611

19
116

(375)
$ (1,272)

—
$ 2,203

—
$ 3,679

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

45

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART II

ITEM 8.  Financial Statements and 

Supplementary Data

PART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

JetBlue Airways Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

JetBlue Airways Corporation, or JetBlue, is New York’s Hometown Airline®. 
We believe our differentiated product and service offerings combined with 
our competitive cost advantage enables us to effectively compete in the 
high-value geography we serve. As of December 31, 2018, we served 105 
destinations in 31 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of 

Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and 21 countries in the Caribbean 
and Latin America. In 2018, we created a standalone wholly-owned 
subsidiary, JetBlue Travel Products, LLC that absorbed our JetBlue 
Vacations® business.

NOTE 1 

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

Accounts and Other Receivables

JetBlue provides air transportation services across the United States, 
the Caribbean and Latin America. Our consolidated financial statements 
have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally 
accepted in the U.S., or U.S. GAAP, and include the accounts of JetBlue 
and our subsidiaries. All majority-owned subsidiaries are consolidated with 
all intercompany transactions and balances being eliminated.

Accounts and other receivables are carried at cost. They primarily consist 
of amounts due from credit card companies associated with sales of 
tickets for future travel. We estimate an allowance for doubtful accounts 
based on known troubled accounts, if any, and historical experience of 
losses incurred.

Investment Securities

Investment securities consist of available-for-sale investment securities 
and held-to-maturity investment securities. When sold, we use a specific 
identification method to determine the cost of the securities.

Available-for-sale investment securities

Our available-for-sale investment securities include highly liquid investments 
such as certificates of deposit and U.S. treasury bills with maturities between 
three and twelve months which are stated at fair value.

Held-to-maturity investment securities

Our held-to-maturity investments consist of investment-grade interest 
bearing instruments, primarily U.S. treasury notes and bills, which are stated 
at amortized cost. We do not intend to sell these investment securities 
and the contractual maturities are not greater than 24 months. Those with 
maturities less than twelve months are included in short-term investments 
on our consolidated balance sheets. Those with remaining maturities in 
excess of twelve months are included in long-term investments on our 
consolidated balance sheets. We did not record any material gains or 
losses on these securities during the years ended December 31, 2018, 
2017 or 2016. The estimated fair value of these investments approximated 
their carrying value as of December 31, 2018 and 2017.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements and accompanying 
notes in conformity with U.S. GAAP require us to make certain estimates 
and assumptions. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Fair Value

The Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures topic of the Financial 
Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, Accounting Standards Codification®, 
or Codification, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and 
requires enhanced disclosures about fair value measurements. This 
topic clarifies that fair value is an exit price, representing the amount 
that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an 
orderly transaction between market participants. The topic also requires 
disclosure about how fair value is determined for assets and liabilities 
and establishes a hierarchy for which these assets and liabilities must be 
grouped, based on significant levels of inputs. Refer to Note 14 to our 
Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Our cash and cash equivalents include short-term, highly liquid investments 
which are readily convertible into cash. These investments include money 
market securities and commercial paper with maturities of three months 
or less when purchased.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash primarily consists of security deposits, funds held in escrow 
for estimated workers’ compensation obligations, and performance bonds 
for aircraft and facility leases.

46

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The carrying values of investment securities consisted of the following at December 31, 2018 and 2017 (in millions):

Available-for-sale securities

Time deposits
U.S. Treasury
Debt securities
Total available-for-sale securities

Held-to-maturity securities

U.S. Treasury
Corporate bonds
Total held-to-maturity securities

TOTAL INVESTMENT SECURITIES

Derivative Instruments

Derivative instruments, including fuel hedge contracts, fuel basis swap 
agreements, and interest rate swap agreements are stated at fair value, net 
of any collateral postings. Derivative instruments are included in other current 
assets and other current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. Refer 
to Note 13 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.

Inventories

Inventories consist of expendable aircraft spare parts and supplies that are 
stated at average cost, as well as aircraft fuel that is accounted for on a 

December 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

$

$

190
39
7
236

180
—
180
416

$ 130
—
6
136

220
36
256
$ 392

first-in, first-out basis. These items are expensed when used or consumed. 
An allowance for obsolescence on aircraft spare parts is provided over the 
remaining useful life of the related aircraft fleet.

Property and Equipment

We record our property and equipment at cost and depreciate these assets 
on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives to their estimated 
residual values. We capitalize additions, modifications enhancing the operating 
performance of our assets and the interest related to predelivery deposits used 
to acquire new aircraft and the construction of our facilities.

Estimated useful lives and residual values for our property and equipment are as follows:

Property and Equipment Type
Aircraft
In-flight entertainment systems
Aircraft parts
Flight equipment leasehold improvements
Ground property and equipment
Leasehold improvements—other
Buildings on leased land

Estimated Useful Life
25 years
5-10 years
Fleet life
Lower of lease term or economic life
2-10 years
Lower of lease term or economic life
Lease term

Residual Value
20%
0%
10%
0%
0%
0%
0%

Property under capital leases is initially recorded at an amount equal to the 
present value of future minimum lease payments which is computed on 
the basis of our incremental borrowing rate or, when known, the interest 
rate implicit in the lease. Amortization of property under capital leases is 
on a straight-line basis over the expected useful life and is included in 
depreciation and amortization expense.

We record impairment losses on long-lived assets used in operations when 
events and circumstances indicate the assets may be impaired and the 
undiscounted future cash flows estimated to be generated by the assets 
are less than the assets’ net book value. If impairment occurs, the loss is 
measured by comparing the fair value of the asset to its carrying amount.

Software

We capitalize certain costs related to the acquisition and development of 
computer software. We amortize these costs using the straight-line method 
over the estimated useful life of the software, which is generally between five 
and ten years. The net book value of computer software, which is included 
in other assets on our consolidated balance sheets, was $96 million and 
$92 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Amortization 

expense related to computer software was $46 million, $41 million and $32 
million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively. 
As of December 31, 2018, amortization expense related to computer 
software is expected to be approximately $36 million in 2019, $18 million 
in 2020, $14 million in 2021, $11 million in 2022, and $6 million in 2023.

Intangible Assets

Our intangible assets consist primarily of acquired take-off and landing 
slots, or Slots, at certain domestic airports. Slots are the rights to take-off 
or land at a specific airport during a specific time period of the day and 
are a means by which airport capacity and congestion can be managed. 
We account for Slots at High Density Airports, including Reagan National 
Airport in Washington, D.C., LaGuardia Airport, and JFK Airport, both 
in New York City, as indefinite life intangible assets which results in no 
amortization expense. We evaluate our intangible assets for impairment 
at least annually or when events and circumstances indicate they may 
be impaired. Indicators include operating or cash flow losses as well as 
significant decreases in market value. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, 
our intangible assets for Slots at High Density Airports with indefinite lives 
was $139 million.

47

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Passenger Revenue

Ticket sales and the fees collected for related ancillary services are initially 
deferred in air traffic liability. Air traffic liability represents tickets sold but 
not yet flown, credits which can be used for future travel, and a portion 
of the liability related to our TrueBlue® loyalty program. We allocate the 
transaction price to each performance obligation identified in a passenger 
ticket on a relative standalone basis. Passenger revenue, including certain 
ancillary fees directly related to passenger tickets, is recognized when 
the transportation is provided. Taxes that we are required to collect from 
our Customers, including foreign and U.S. federal transportation taxes, 
security taxes, and airport facility charges, are excluded from passenger 
revenue. Those taxes and fees are recorded as a liability upon collection 
and are relieved from the liability upon remittance to the applicable 
governmental agency.

The majority of the tickets sold are non-refundable. Non-refundable fares 
may be canceled prior to the scheduled departure date for a credit for 
future travel. Refundable fares may be canceled at any time prior to the 
scheduled departure date. Failure to cancel a refundable fare prior to 
departure will result in the cancellation of original ticket and an issuance 
of a credit for future travel. Passenger credits can be used for future travel 
up to a year from the date of issuance. Passenger breakage revenue from 
unused tickets and passenger credits will be recognized in proportion to 
flown revenue based on estimates of expected expiration of when the 
likelihood of the Customer exercising his or her remaining rights becomes 
remote. Breakage revenue consists of nonrefundable tickets that remain 
unused past the departure date, have continued validity, and are expected 
to ultimately expire unused, as well as passenger credits that are not 
expected to be redeemed prior to expiration. JetBlue used estimates based 
on historical experience of expired tickets and credits and considered other 
factors that could impact future expiration patterns of tickets and credits. 
Tickets which do not have continued validity past the departure date are 
recognized as revenue after the scheduled departure date has lapsed.

Passenger ticket costs primarily include credit card fees, commissions 
paid, and global distribution systems booking fees. Costs are allocated 
entirely to the purchased travel services and are capitalized until recognized 
when travel services are provided to the Customer.

Loyalty Program

Customers may earn points under our customer loyalty program, TrueBlue®, 
based on the fare paid and fare product purchased for a flight. Customers can 
also earn points through business partners such as credit card companies, 
hotels, car rental companies, and our participating airline partners.

Points Earned From a Ticket Purchase. When a TrueBlue® member 
travels, we recognize a portion of the fare as revenue and defer in air 
traffic liabilities the portion that represents the value of the points net 
of spoilage, or breakage. We allocate the transaction price to each 
performance obligation on a relative standalone basis. We determine the 
standalone selling price of TrueBlue® points issued using the redemption 
value approach. To maximize the use of observable inputs, we utilize the 
actual ticket value of the tickets purchased with TrueBlue® points. The 
liability is relieved and passenger revenue is recognized when the points 
are redeemed and the free travel is provided.

Points Sold to TrueBlue® Partners. Our most significant contract to sell 
TrueBlue® points is with our co-branded credit card partner. Co-branded 
credit card partnerships have the following identified performance obligations: 
air transportation; use of the JetBlue brand name and access to our frequent 
flyer customer lists; advertising; and other airline benefits. In determining 
the estimated selling price, JetBlue considered multiple inputs, methods 
and assumptions, including: discounted cash flows; estimated redemption 
value, net of fulfillment discount; points expected to be awarded and 
redeemed; estimated annual spending by cardholders; estimated annual 
royalty for use of JetBlue’s frequent flyer customer lists; and estimated 
utilization of other airline benefits. Payments are typically due monthly 

48

based on the volume of miles sold during the period, and the terms of 
our marketing contracts are generally from one to seven years. The overall 
consideration received is allocated to each performance obligation based 
on their standalone relative selling prices. The air transportation element 
is deferred and recognized as passenger revenue when the points are 
utilized. The other elements are recognized as other revenue when the 
performance obligation related to those service are satisfied, which is 
generally the same period as when consideration is received from the 
participating company.

Amounts allocated to the air transportation element which are initially 
deferred include a portion that are expected to be redeemed during the 
following twelve months (classified as a component of Air traffic liability), 
and a portion that are not expected to be redeemed during the following 
twelve months (classified as Air traffic liability - loyalty non-current). We 
periodically update this analysis and adjust the split between current and 
non-current liabilities as appropriate.

Points earned by TrueBlue® members never expire. TrueBlue® members 
can pool points between small groups of people, branded as Points 
Pooling™. Breakage is estimated using historical redemption patterns to 
determine a breakage rate. Breakage rates used to estimate breakage 
revenue are evaluated annually. Changes to breakage estimates impact 
revenue recognition prospectively.

Airframe and Engine Maintenance and Repair

Regular airframe maintenance for owned and leased flight equipment is 
charged to expense as incurred unless covered by a third-party long-term 
flight hour service agreement. We have separate service agreements in 
place covering scheduled and unscheduled repairs of certain airframe line 
replacement unit components as well as the engines in our fleet. Certain 
of these agreements, whose original terms generally range from 10 to 15 
years, require monthly payments at rates based either on the number of 
cycles each aircraft was operated during each month or the number of flight 
hours each engine was operated during each month, subject to annual 
escalations. These power by the hour agreements transfer certain risks, 
including cost risks, to the third-party service providers. They generally 
fix the amount we pay per flight hour or number of cycles in exchange for 
maintenance and repairs under a predefined maintenance program, which 
are representative of the time and materials that would be consumed. 
These costs are expensed as the related flight hours or cycles are incurred.

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs, which are included in sales and marketing, are expensed 
as incurred. Advertising expense was $72 million in 2018, $66 million in 
2017 and $65 million in 2016.

Share-Based Compensation 

We record compensation expense for share-based awards based on the 
grant date fair value of those awards. Share-based compensation expense 
includes an estimate for pre-vesting forfeitures and is recognized over the 
requisite service periods of the awards on a straight-line basis.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes utilizing the liability method. Deferred income 
taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences 
between the tax and financial statement reporting bases of assets and 
liabilities. A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is provided unless 
realizability is judged by us to be more likely than not. Our policy is to 
recognize interest and penalties accrued on any unrecognized tax benefits 
as a component of income tax expense.

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportNew Accounting Standards

New accounting rules and disclosure requirements can impact our financial 
results and the comparability of our financial statements. The authoritative 
literature which has recently been issued and that we believe will impact 
our consolidated financial statements is described below. There are also 
several new proposals under development. If and when enacted, these 
proposals may have a significant impact on our financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) 
of the Codification, which requires lessees to recognize leases on the 
balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. 
Topic 842 was subsequently amended by ASU 2018-01, Land Easement 
Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842; ASU 2018-10, Codification 
Improvements to Topic 842, Leases; ASU 2018-11, Targeted Improvements; 
and ASU 2018-20, Narrow-Scope Improvements for Lessors. Under the 
new standard, a lessee will recognize liabilities on the balance sheet, initially 
measured at the present value of the lease payments, and right-of-use 
(ROU) assets representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease 
term. For leases with a term of 12 months or less at the commencement 
date, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election not to 
recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. The new standard also eliminates 
the current build-to-suit lease accounting guidance which will result in the 
derecognition of build-to-suit assets and liabilities that remained on the 
balance sheet after the end of the construction period.

The new standard is effective for us on January 1, 2019 with early adoption 
permitted. A modified retrospective transition approach is required, applying 
the new standard to all leases existing at the date of initial application. An 
entity may choose either its effective date or the beginning of the earliest 
comparative period presented on the financial statements as its date of 
initial application. An entity electing to apply the standard prospectively at 
its effective date would recognize a cumulative effect adjustment to the 
opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption and will 
not recast prior period results presented. We have substantially completed 
our assessment of the new standard and expect to adopt as of January 1, 
2019 utilizing the modified retrospective transition method. We will record 
a cumulative adjustment to retained earnings as of January 1, 2017 for 
the impacts of the new standard.

For JetBlue, we believe the most significant impact of the new standard 
relates to the recognition of new assets and liabilities on our balance 
sheet for operating leases related to our aircraft, engines, airport terminal 
space, airport hangars, office space, and other facilities and equipment. 
Upon adoption, we expect to recognize additional lease assets and 
lease liabilities ranging from $1.0 billion to $1.4 billion. We also expect to 
derecognize the existing asset constructed for others and construction 
obligation related to our JFK T5 build-to-suit project which was $561 
million and $457 million, respectively, as of January 1, 2017. The effects 
of changing the method of accounting for the JFK T5 facility under the 
new lease standard will result in approximately $24 million of previously 
reported interest expense to be reported as rent expense for the period 
ended December 31, 2017. The new standard is not expected to have a 
material impact on our results of operations or cash flows.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, Intangibles—Goodwill 
and Other— Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s 
Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing 
Arrangement That Is a Service Contract. The update provides guidance 
for determining if a cloud computing arrangement is within the scope of 
internal-use software guidance, and would require capitalization of certain 
implementation costs. ASU 2018-15 is effective for annual reporting periods 
beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. We 
are still evaluating the full impact of adopting the amendments on our 
consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement 
(Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements 
for Fair Value Measurement. The update eliminates, adds, and modifies 
certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. ASU 2018-
13 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 
2019, with early adoption permitted of the entire standard or of only the 

PART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

provisions that eliminate or modify disclosure requirements. We are still 
evaluating the full impact of adopting the amendments on our consolidated 
financial statements.

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued 
ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) of 
the Codification, which supersedes existing revenue recognition guidance. 
Under the new standard, a company will recognize revenue when it 
transfers goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the 
consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for 
those goods or services. We adopted the requirements of ASU 2014-09 
as of January 1, 2018 utilizing the full retrospective method of transition. 
We recorded a $48 million cumulative adjustment to retained earnings as 
of January 1, 2016, the beginning of the retrospective reporting period, 
for the impacts of the new accounting standard. The adoption of the new 
standard did not have a significant impact on our earnings.

For JetBlue, the most significant impact of the new standard relates to the 
accounting for our TrueBlue® Loyalty Program. The new standard eliminated 
the incremental cost method for loyalty program accounting which we 
previously used. As a result, we revalued the liability for points earned 
on qualifying JetBlue purchases using a relative fair value approach. The 
application of a relative fair value approach increased our air traffic liability 
by $286 million, net of breakage, as of the beginning of the retrospective 
reporting period.

In addition, we had a liability for outstanding points that were earned in 
conjunction with our previous co-branded credit card agreement that 
had been recorded using the residual method. The new standard does 
not permit the use of the residual method for this contract and instead, 
the transaction price is now allocated to the performance obligations on 
a relative selling price basis. This change decreased the relative value 
allocated to the air transportation performance obligation and resulted 
in a decrease of $159 million, net of breakage, to the liability as of the 
beginning of the retrospective reporting period.

The standard also resulted in a change in the timing and classification of our 
revenue recognition for certain ancillary fees directly related to passenger 
tickets. As a result, we reclassified $471 million and $425 million from other 
revenue under the prior presentation to passenger revenue for the years 
ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Refer to Note 2 to our 
Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.

During the first quarter of 2018, we adopted ASU 2016-01, Financial 
Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of 
Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities of the Codification. The update 
made several changes, including the elimination of the available-for-sale 
classification of equity investments, and requires equity investments with 
readily determinable fair values to be measured at fair value with changes 
in fair value recognized in earnings. For equity investments without readily 
determinable fair values, the standard provides an alternative which allows 
entities to measure these investments at cost, less any impairment, adjusted 
for changes from observable price changes in orderly transactions for 
identifiable or similar investments of the same issuer. Our wholly-owned 
subsidiary, JetBlue Technology Ventures, LLC, or JTV, has several equity 
investments in emerging companies which do not have readily determinable 
fair values. These investments were accounted for at cost during 2017. 
Under the updated standard, these investments are now accounted for 
using the measurement alternative. As of December 31, 2018, the carrying 
amount of these investments was $25 million.

During the first quarter of 2018, we adopted ASU 2016-18, Statement of 
Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash of the Codification. The update 
clarified how entities should present restricted cash and restricted cash 
equivalents in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-18 requires entities 
to show the changes in the total of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash 
and restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. As a result, 
entities will no longer present transfers between cash and cash equivalents 
and restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statement of 
cash flows. Our consolidated statement of cash flows for the years ended 
December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 reflect retrospective application.

49

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging 
(Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities 
of the Codification. The update expands the activities that qualify for hedge 
accounting and simplifies the rules for reporting hedging relationships. ASU 

2017-12 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 
15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We elected to early adopt this 
update prospectively as of January 1, 2018. Our adoption of this update 
had no impact to the Company’s financial results.

NOTE 2 

Revenue Recognition

The Company categorizes the revenues received from contracts with its Customers by revenue source as we believe it best depicts the nature, amount, timing, 
and uncertainty of our revenue and cash flow. The following table provides the revenues recognized by revenue source for the years ended December 31, 
2018, 2017, and 2016 (in millions):

Passenger revenue
Passenger travel
Loyalty revenue - air transportation

Other Revenue

Loyalty revenue
Other revenue
TOTAL REVENUE

Contract Liabilities

2018

2017

2016

$

$

7,221
160

168
109
7,658

$ 6,659
102

140
111
$ 7,012

$ 6,324
56

92
112
$ 6,584 

Our contract liabilities primarily consist of ticket sales for which transportation has not yet been provided, unused credits available to Customers, and outstanding 
loyalty points available for redemption.

(in millions)
Air traffic liability - passenger travel
Air traffic liability - loyalty program (air transportation)
Deferred revenue
TOTAL

$ 

December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
836
502
13
1,351

892
580
10
1,482

$ 

$

$

During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, we recognized passenger revenue of $825 million and $821 million respectively, that was included in 
passenger travel liability at the beginning of the respective periods.

The Company elected the practical expedient that allows entities to not disclose the amount of the remaining transaction price and its expected timing of 
recognition for passenger tickets if the contract has an original expected duration of one year or less or if certain other conditions are met. We elected to apply 
this practical expedient to our contract liabilities relating to passenger travel and ancillary services as our tickets or any related passenger credits expire one 
year from the date of issuance.

TrueBlue® points are combined in one homogeneous pool and are not separately identifiable. As such, the revenue is comprised of the points that were part of 
the air traffic liability balance at the beginning of the period as well as points that were issued during the period.

The table below presents the activity of the current and non-current air traffic liability, and includes points earned and sold to participating companies (in millions).

Balance at December 31, 2016
TrueBlue® points redeemed
TrueBlue® points earned and sold
Balance at December 31, 2017
TrueBlue® points redeemed
TrueBlue® points earned and sold
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2018

$

$ 

$

417
(102)
187
502
(160)
238
580

The timing of our TrueBlue® point redemptions can vary; however, the majority of our points are redeemed within approximately three years of the date 
of issuance.

50

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual Report 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Note 3 

Long-term Debt, Short-term Borrowings and Capital Lease Obligations

Long-term debt and capital lease obligations and the related weighted average interest rate at December 31, 2018 and 2017 consisted of the following (in millions):

Secured Debt
Floating rate equipment notes, due through 2028(1)
Fixed rate enhanced equipment notes, due through 2023(2)
Fixed rate equipment notes, due through 2028(3)
Fixed rate specialty bonds, due through 2036(4)
Capital Leases(5)
Total debt and capital lease obligations

Less: Current maturities
Less: Debt acquisition cost

LONG-TERM DEBT AND CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS

2018

2017

$

247
152
1,131
43
107
1,680
(309)
(10)
$ 1,361 

4.9%
4.5%
4.7%
4.9%
4.7%

$

153
171
716
43
124
1,207
(196)
(8)
$ 1,003 

4.7%
4.5%
5.4%
4.9%
4.5%

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 
(4) 

Interest rates adjust quarterly or semi-annually based on LIBOR, plus a margin. In 2018, we issued $120 million in floating rate equipment notes due through 2028, which are secured by 
six Airbus A320 aircraft and one Airbus A321 aircraft.
In March 2014, we completed a private placement of $226 million in pass-through certificates, Series 2013-1. The certificates were issued by a pass-through trust and are not obligations of 
JetBlue. The proceeds from the issuance of the pass-through certificates were used to purchase equipment notes issued by JetBlue and secured by 14 of our aircraft. Principal and interest 
are payable semi-annually.
In 2018, we issued $567 million in fixed rate equipment notes due through 2028, which are secured by 14 Airbus A320 aircraft and 10 Airbus A321 aircraft.
In November 2005, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, or GOAA, issued special purpose airport facilities revenue bonds to JetBlue as reimbursement for certain airport facility construction 
and other costs. In April 2013, GOAA issued $42 million in special purpose airport facility revenue bonds to refund the bonds issued in 2005. The proceeds from the refunded bonds were 
loaned to us and we recorded the issuance of $43 million, net of $1 million premium, as long-term debt on our consolidated balance sheets.

(5)   As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, four capital leased Airbus A320 aircraft and two capital leased Airbus A321 aircraft were included in property and equipment at a cost of $253 million 
with accumulated amortization of $72 million and $64 million, respectively. The future minimum lease payments under these non-cancelable leases are $23 million in 2019, $35 million in 
2020, $39 million in 2021, $9 million in 2022, $9 million in 2023 and $5 million in the years thereafter. Included in the future minimum lease payments is $14 million representing interest, 
resulting in a present value of capital leases of $107 million with a current portion of $17 million and a long-term portion of $90 million.

As of December 31, 2018, we believe we were in material compliance with all of our covenants in relation to our debt and lease agreements.

Maturities of long-term debt and capital leases, net of debt acquisition costs, for the next five years are as follows (in millions):

Year
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
Thereafter

$

Maturities
306
273
262
240
223
366

Aircraft, engines, and other equipment and facilities having a net book value of $2.9 billion at December 31, 2018 were pledged as security under various 
financing arrangements. Cash payments for interest related to debt and capital lease obligations, net of capitalized interest, aggregated $59 million, $60 million 
and $78 million in 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our long-term debt, net of debt acquisition costs, at December 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows (in millions):

Public Debt
Fixed rate special facility bonds, due through 2036
Non-Public Debt
Fixed rate enhanced equipment notes, due through 2023
Floating rate equipment notes, due through 2028
Fixed rate equipment notes, due through 2028
TOTAL(1)

December 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

Carrying  
Value

Estimated  
Fair Value

Carrying  
Value

Estimated  
Fair Value

$ 

42

$ 

44

 $

42

$ 

46

151
245
1,125
1,563

$

153
245
1,135
1,577

169
152
712
$ 1,075

$

178
159
771
$ 1,154

(1)  Total excludes capital lease obligations of $107 million and $124 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

The estimated fair values of our publicly held long-term debt are classified 
as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair values of our enhanced 
equipment notes and our special facility bonds were based on quoted 
market prices in markets with low trading volumes. The fair value of our 
non-public debt was estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis 
based on our borrowing rates for instruments with similar terms and 
therefore classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair values of 
our other financial instruments approximate their carrying values. Refer 

to Note 14 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for an explanation 
of the fair value hierarchy structure.

We have financed certain aircraft with Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates, 
or EETCs. One of the benefits of this structure is being able to finance 
several aircraft at one time, rather than individually. The structure of 
EETC financing is that we create pass-through trusts in order to issue 
pass-through certificates. The proceeds from the issuance of these 

51

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual Report 
 
   
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

certificates are then used to purchase equipment notes which are issued 
by us and are secured by our aircraft. These trusts meet the definition of 
a variable interest entity, or VIE, as defined in the Consolidations topic of 
the Codification, and must be considered for consolidation in our financial 
statements. Our assessment of our EETCs considers both quantitative 
and qualitative factors including the purpose for which these trusts were 
established and the nature of the risks in each. The main purpose of the 
trust structure is to enhance the credit worthiness of our debt obligation 

through certain bankruptcy protection provisions and liquidity facilities, 
and also to lower our total borrowing cost. We concluded that we are 
not the primary beneficiary in these trusts because our involvement in 
them is limited to principal and interest payments on the related notes, 
the trusts were not set up to pass along variability created by credit risk 
to us and the likelihood of our defaulting on the notes. Therefore, we have 
not consolidated these trusts in our financial statements.

Short-term Borrowings

We have two lines of credit which bear interest at a floating rate based upon LIBOR plus a margin range of between 1.0% and 2.0%.

Citibank Line of Credit

We have a revolving Credit and Guaranty Agreement with Citibank, N.A. 
as the administrative agent for up to approximately $425 million. The 
term of the facility runs through April 2021. Borrowings under the Credit 
and Guaranty Agreement bear interest at a variable rate equal to LIBOR, 
plus a margin. The Credit and Guaranty Agreement is secured by Slots at 
John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and Reagan 
National Airport, as well as certain other assets. Slots are rights to take-off 
or land at a specific airport during a specific time period during the day 

and a means by which airport capacity and congestion can be managed. 
The Credit and Guaranty Agreement includes covenants that require us to 
maintain certain minimum balances in unrestricted cash, cash equivalents, 
and unused commitments available under all revolving credit facilities. In 
addition, the covenants restrict our ability to, among other things, dispose 
of certain collateral, or merge, consolidate, or sell assets. As of and for the 
years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, we did not have a balance 
outstanding or borrowings under this line of credit.

Morgan Stanley Line of Credit

We have a revolving line of credit with Morgan Stanley for up to approximately $200 million. This line of credit is secured by a portion of our investment 
securities held by Morgan Stanley and the amount available to us under this line of credit may vary accordingly. This line of credit bears interest at a 
floating rate based upon LIBOR, plus a margin. As of and for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, we did not have a balance outstanding 
or borrowings under this line of credit.

NOTE 4 

Operating Leases

We lease aircraft, all of our facilities at the airports we serve, office space, and 
other equipment. These leases have varying terms and conditions, with some 
having early termination clauses which we determine to be the lease expiration 
date. The length of the lease depends upon the type of asset being leased, with 
the latest lease expiring in 2035. Total rental expense for all of our operating leases 
was $331 million in 2018, $315 million in 2017 and $294 million in 2016. As of 
December 31, 2018, we have approximately $31 million in assets that serve as 
collateral for letters of credit. These letters of credit relate to a certain number of 
our leases and are included in restricted cash.

As of December 31, 2018, 42 of the 253 aircraft in our fleet were leased under 
operating leases, with lease expiration dates ranging from 2019 to 2028. None 
of the 42 aircraft operating leases have variable rate rent payments based on 

LIBOR. Leases for 40 of our aircraft can generally be renewed at rates based 
on fair market value at the end of the lease term for one or two years. We have 
purchase options for 42 of our aircraft leases at the end of their lease term. These 
purchase options are at fair market value and have a one-time option during 
the term at fixed amounts that were expected to approximate the fair market 
value at lease inception.

We bought out the operating leases on one Airbus A320 aircraft and one Airbus 
A321 aircraft for a total of approximately $65 million, three Airbus A320 aircraft 
for approximately $51 million, and nine Airbus 320 aircraft for approximately 
$164 million, during 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.

Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating leases, including those described above, with initial or remaining terms in excess of one year at 
December 31, 2018, are as follows (in millions):

2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
Thereafter
TOTAL MINIMUM OPERATING LEASE PAYMENTS

Aircraft
54
$
52
46
41
45
67
305

$

Other
105
86
78
72
64
379
784

$

$

$

Total
159
138
124
113
109
446
$ 1,089

We have sale-leaseback arrangements with a third party lender for 40 of 
our operating aircraft. The sale-leasebacks occurred simultaneously with 
the delivery of the related aircraft to us from their manufacturers. Each 
sale-leaseback transaction was structured with a separate trust set up 
by the third party lender, the assets of which consist of the one aircraft 
initially transferred to it following the sale by us and the subsequent lease 
arrangement with us. Because of their limited capitalization and the potential 
need for additional financial support, these trusts are VIEs as defined in 
the Consolidations topic of the Codification and must be considered for 
consolidation in our financial statements. Our assessment of each trust 
considers both quantitative and qualitative factors, including whether we 
have the power to direct the activities and to what extent we participate 

in the sharing of benefits and losses of the trusts. JetBlue does not retain 
any equity interests in any of these trusts and our obligations to them are 
limited to the fixed rental payments we are required to make to them. 
These were approximately $257 million as of December 31, 2018 and 
are reflected in the future minimum lease payments in the table above. 
Our only interest in these entities is the purchase options to acquire the 
aircraft as specified above. Since there are no other arrangements, either 
implicit or explicit, between us and the individual trusts that would result in 
our absorbing additional variability from the trusts, we concluded we are 
not the primary beneficiary of these trusts. We account for these leases 
as operating leases, following the appropriate lease guidance as required 
by the Leases topic in the Codification.

52

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 5 

JFK Terminal 5

We operate out of T5 at JFK and our occupancy is governed by various 
lease agreements with the PANYNJ. Under the terms of the facility lease 
agreement we were responsible for the construction of the 635,000 
square foot 26-gate terminal, a parking garage, roadways, and an AirTrain 
Connector, all of which are owned by the PANYNJ and collectively referred 
to as the T5 Project. In 2014, we completed construction of an international 
arrivals facility and additional gates, T5i. T5i includes six international arrival 
gates comprised of three new gates and three converted gates from T5, 
as well as an international arrivals hall with full U.S. Customs and Border 
Protection services.

Total costs incurred for the elements of the T5 Project were $637 million, 
of which $561 million is classified as Assets Constructed for Others and 
the remaining $76 million is classified as leasehold improvements in our 
consolidated balance sheets. Assets Constructed for Others are being 
amortized over the shorter of the 25 year non-cancelable lease term or 
their economic life. We recorded amortization expense of $22 million, 
$22 million, and $23 million during in 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively. 
Our total expenditures relating to T5i were approximately $207 million, 
all of which were incurred prior to 2016 and are classified as leasehold 
improvements in our consolidated balance sheets.

We executed an extension to the original T5 lease in 2013. The lease, as 
amended, now incorporates a total of approximately 19 acres of space for 
our T5 facilities and ends on the 28th anniversary of the date of beneficial 
occupancy of T5i. We have the option to terminate the agreement in 2033, 
five years prior to the end of the original scheduled lease term of October 
2038. We are responsible for various payments under the leases, including 
ground rents which are reflected in the future minimum lease payments 
table in Note 4 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, and facility rents 
which are included below. The facility rents are based upon the number 
of passengers enplaned out of the terminal, subject to annual minimums.

We were considered the owner of the T5 Project for financial reporting 
purposes only and have been required to reflect an asset and liability for 
the T5 Project on our consolidated balance sheets since construction 
commenced in 2005. The cost of the T5 Project and the related liability 
are being accounted for as a financing obligation. Our construction of T5i 
is accounted for at cost with no financing obligation.

The PANYNJ has reimbursed us for the amounts currently included in Assets 
Constructed for Others. These reimbursements and related interest are 
reflected as Construction Obligation in our consolidated balance sheets. 
When the facility rents are paid they are treated as a debt service on the 
Construction Obligation, with the portion not relating to interest reducing 
the principal balance. Minimum estimated facility payments including 
escalations associated with the facility lease are estimated to be $40 million 
per year in 2019 through 2023 and $416 million in total thereafter. The 
portion of these scheduled payments serving to reduce the principal 
balance of the Construction Obligation is $18 million in 2019, $19 million 
in 2020, $20 million in 2021, $21 million in 2022 and $22 million in 2023. 
Payments could exceed these amounts depending on future enplanement 
levels at JFK. Scheduled facility payments representative of interest totaled 
$23 million in 2018, $24 million in 2017, and $25 million in 2016.

Refer to Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of 
the new lease accounting standard that will be adopted on January 1, 2019.

NOTE 6 

Stockholders’ Equity

On September 10, 2015, our Board of Directors authorized a share 
repurchase program for up to $250 million worth of shares of common stock 
over a three year period beginning on January 1, 2016. On December 7, 
2016, the Board approved certain changes to our share repurchase 
program, or the 2016 Repurchase Authorization, to increase the aggregate 
authorization in the value of the program to $500 million worth of shares, 
and extended the term of the program through December 31, 2019. 
The program included authorization for repurchases in open market 
transactions pursuant to Rules 10b-18 and/or 10b5-1 of the Securities 
and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Exchange Act, and/or one or 
more accelerated stock repurchase programs through privately-negotiated 
accelerated stock repurchase transactions.

In 2016, we entered into two separate accelerated share repurchase, or 
ASR, agreements for a sum of $120 million. A total of 5.8 million shares 
were repurchased under these ASR agreements with an average price 
paid per share of $20.84.

In 2017, we entered into three separate ASR agreements for a sum of 
$380 million. A total of 18.7 million shares were repurchased under these 
ASR agreements with an average price paid per share of $20.36. The 
shares repurchased under the 2017 ASR agreements concluded our 2016 
Repurchase Authorization.

On December 8, 2017, the Board of Directors approved a two year share 
repurchase authorization starting on January 1, 2018, of up to $750 million 
worth of shares. The authorization can be executed through repurchases 
in open market transactions pursuant to Rules 10b-18 and/or 10b5-1 of 
the Exchange Act, and/or one or more privately-negotiated accelerated 
stock repurchase transactions.

In 2018, we entered into three separate ASR agreements for a sum of 
$375 million. A total of 19.1 million shares were repurchased under these 
ASR agreement with an average price paid per share of $19.60.

The total shares purchased by JetBlue under each of the ASRs in 2018, 
2017, and 2016 were based on the volume weighted average prices of 
JetBlue’s common stock during the terms of the respective agreements.

As of December 31, 2018, we had a total of 22.4 million shares of our 
common stock reserved for issuance. These shares are primarily related 
to our equity incentive plans. Refer to Note 8 to our Consolidated Financial 
Statements for further details on our share-based compensation.

As of December 31, 2018, we had a total of 116.1 million shares of 
treasury stock, the majority of which relate to shares repurchased under 
our share repurchase programs and the return of borrowed shares under 
our share lending agreement with Morgan Stanley which was terminated 
in January 2016.

53

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 7 

Earnings Per Share

The following table shows how we computed basic and diluted earnings per common share for the years ended December 31 (dollars and share data in millions):

Numerator:
Net income
Effect of dilutive securities:

Interest on convertible debt, net of income taxes and profit sharing

Net income applicable to common stockholders after assumed conversions for diluted 
earnings per share
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share
Effect of dilutive securities:

Employee stock options and restricted stock units
Convertible debt

Adjusted weighted average shares outstanding and assumed conversions for diluted 
earnings per share

2018

2017

2016

$

$

188

$

1,125

—

—

188

$

1,125

$

$

312.9

328.7

1.6
—

1.7
—

314.5

330.4

727

2

729

326.5

2.1
13.6

342.2

During 2016, holders voluntarily converted approximately $86 million in 
principal amount of the 6.75% Series B convertible debentures. As a 
result, we issued 17.6 million shares of our common stock.

As discussed in Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, we 
adopted ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, during the 
first quarter of 2018. The adoption of this standard reduced previously 
reported net income by approximately $22 million and $32 million for 
2017 and 2016, respectively.

NOTE 8 

Share-Based Compensation

We have various equity incentive plans under which we have granted stock 
awards to our eligible Crewmembers and members of our Board of Directors. 
These include the JetBlue Airways Corporation Restated and Amended 2002 
Stock Incentive Plan, or 2002 Plan, which was replaced by the JetBlue Airways 
Corporation 2011 Incentive Compensation Plan, or 2011 Plan. We additionally 
have a Crewmember Stock Purchase Plan, or CSPP, that is available to all 
eligible Crewmembers. Both the 2011 Plan and CSPP were amended in 2015 
by Shareholders at our annual meeting.

Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, which was approximately 
$22.6 million as of December 31, 2018, related to a total of 2.2 million unvested 
restricted stock units, or RSUs, performance stock units, or PSUs, and 
deferred stock units, or DSUs, under our 2011 Plan. We expect to recognize 
this stock-based compensation expense over a weighted average period of 
approximately one year.

The total stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 
31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 was $28 million, $29 million, and $23 million, 
respectively.

2011 Incentive Compensation Plan

At our Annual Shareholders Meeting held on May 26, 2011, our Shareholders 

Restricted Stock Units

As discussed in Note 6 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, JetBlue 
entered into ASRs in 2018, 2017, and 2016 and purchased approximately 
19.1 million, 18.7 million, and 5.8 million shares, respectively, for $375 
million, $380 million, and $120 million, respectively. The number of shares 
repurchased are based on the volume weighted average prices of JetBlue’s 
common stock during the term of the ASR agreements.

approved the JetBlue Airways Corporation 2011 Incentive Compensation 
Plan. This replaced the Restated and Amended 2002 Stock Incentive Plan 
which was set to expire at the end of 2011. Upon inception, the 2011 Plan 
had 15.0 million shares of our common stock reserved for issuance. The 
2011 Plan, by its terms, will terminate no later than May 2021. RSUs vest 
in annual installments over three years which can be accelerated upon 
the occurrence of a change in control. Under this plan, we grant RSUs to 
certain Crewmembers. Our policy is to grant RSUs based on the market 
price of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. Under this 
plan, we grant DSUs to members of our Board of Directors and PSUs to 
certain members of our executive leadership team.

The 2011 Plan was amended and restated effective January 1, 2014, to 
include the definition of retirement eligibility. Once a Crewmember meets 
the definition, they will continue to vest their shares as if they remained 
employed by JetBlue, regardless of their actual employment status with the 
Company. In accordance with the Compensation-Stock Compensation topic 
of the Codification, the grant’s explicit service condition is non-substantive 
and the grant has effectively vested at the time retirement eligibility is met.

At our Annual Shareholders Meeting held on May 21, 2015, our Shareholders 
approved amendments to the 2011 Plan increasing the number of shares 
of Company common stock that remain available for issuance under the 
plan by 7.5 million.

The following is a summary of RSU activity under the 2011 Plan for the year ended December 31, 2018 (in millions except per share data):

Nonvested at beginning of year
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
NONVESTED AT END OF YEAR

54

Shares
1.6
1.1
(0.8)
(0.2)
1.7

Weighted Average  
Grant Date Fair Value

$

$

20.14
20.62
19.71
20.51
20.59

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART II

ITEM 8.  Financial Statements and 

Supplementary Data

PART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The total intrinsic value, determined as of the date of vesting, for all RSUs 
that vested and converted to shares of common stock during the year 
ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $16 million, $20 million 
and $30 million, respectively. The weighted average grant-date fair value 
of share awards during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 
2016 was $20.62, $19.76, and $22.95, respectively.

The vesting period for DSUs under the 2011 Plan is either one or three 
years of service. Once vested, shares are issued six months and one 
day following a Director’s departure from our Board of Directors. During 
the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, we granted a 
nominal amount of DSUs, almost all of which remain outstanding at 
December 31, 2018. In 2018, 2017, and 2016, we granted a nominal 
amount of PSUs to members of our executive leadership team, payment 
of which are based upon achievements of certain performance criteria.

Crewmember Stock Purchase Plan

In May 2011, our Shareholders approved the 2011 Crewmember Stock 
Purchase Plan, or the CSPP. At inception, the CSPP had 8 million shares 
of our common stock reserved for issuance. The CSPP, by its terms, will 
terminate no later than the last business day of April 2021.

At our Annual Shareholders Meeting held on May 21, 2015, our Shareholders 
approved amendments to the CSPP increasing the number of shares of Company 
common stock that remain available for issuance under the plan by 15 million.

The CSPP has a series of six month offering periods, with a new offering 
period beginning on the first business day of May and November each year. 
Crewmembers can enroll in CSPP nearly year-round, with the exception 

of specific blackout dates. Crewmembers may contribute up to 10% of 
their pay towards the purchase of common stock via payroll deductions. 
Purchase dates occur on the last business day of April and October each 
year. The purchase price is the stock price on the purchase date, less a 15% 
discount. The compensation cost relating to the discount is recognized over 
the offering period. The total expense recognized relating to the CSPP for the 
years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 was approximately $9 
million, $8 million and $6 million, respectively. Under this plan, Crewmembers 
purchased 3.2 million, 2.5 million, and 2.2 million new shares for the years 
ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively, at weighted 
average prices of $15.21, $17.46, and $15.88 per share, respectively.

Under the CSPP, should we be acquired by merger or sale of substantially 
all of our assets or sale of more than 50% of our outstanding voting 
securities, all outstanding purchase rights will automatically be exercised 
immediately prior to the effective date of the acquisition at a price equal to 
85% of the fair market value per share immediately prior to the acquisition.

Taxation

The Compensation-Stock Compensation topic of the Codification requires 
deferred taxes be recognized on temporary differences that arise with 
respect to stock-based compensation attributable to nonqualified stock 
options and awards. However, no tax benefit is recognized for stock-based 
compensation attributable to incentive stock options, or ISO, or CSPP shares 
until there is a disqualifying disposition, if any, for income tax purposes. 
A portion of our historical stock-based compensation was attributable to 
CSPP shares; therefore, our effective tax rate was subject to fluctuation.

NOTE 9 

Income Taxes

Our income tax (benefit) expense consisted of the following for the years ended December 31 (in millions):

Deferred:
Federal
State
Foreign

Deferred income tax (benefit) expense
Current:
Federal
State
Foreign

Current income tax (benefit) expense
TOTAL INCOME TAX (BENEFIT) EXPENSE

2018

$

$

82
7
1
90

(60)
(5)
6
(59)
31

2017

$ (344)
24
23
(297)

93
18
(25)
86
$ (211)

2016

$ 227
24
—
251

129
26
31
186
$ 437

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, or The Act, was enacted on December 22, 
2017. The Act made significant changes to the federal tax code, including 
a reduction in the federal corporate statutory tax rate from 35% to 21%. 
At December 31, 2017, the Company was able to make a reasonable 
estimate of the tax effects of enactment of The Act as written, on the 
existing deferred tax balances. As a result of these estimates, the Company 
recognized a provisional benefit in the amount of $551 million. During 
2018, the Company continued to refine the calculations as we gained a 

more thorough understanding of the Act, including those related to the 
deductibility of purchased assets, state tax treatment, deferred revenue, 
as well as changes in interpretations of The Act and additional regulatory 
guidance that was issued. The calculations of measurement period 
adjustments of $28 million were completed by December 22, 2018. We 
also adopted the requirements of ASU 2014-09 as of January 1, 2018 
utilizing the full retrospective method of transition, which recast amounts 
previously reported for 2017 and 2016.

The effective tax rate on income before income taxes differed from the federal income tax statutory rate for the years ended December 31 for the 
following reasons (in millions):

Income tax expense at statutory rate
State income tax, net of federal benefit
Adjustment of net deferred tax liability from enacted tax rate change
Nondeductible expenses
Foreign rate differential
Other, net
TOTAL INCOME TAX (BENEFIT) EXPENSE

2018
$

$

46
8
(28)
7
(2)
—
31

2017
$ 319
27
(551)
4
(7)
(3)
$ (211)

2016
$ 407
32
—
4
(1)
(5)
$ 437

55

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Cash payments for income taxes were $11 million in 2018, $139 million in 2017, and $173 million in 2016.

The components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31 are as follows (in millions):

Deferred tax assets:

Deferred revenue/gains
Employee benefits
Foreign tax credit
Net operating loss carryforward
Terminal 5 lease
Rent expense
Other
Total deferred tax assets
Valuation allowance
Deferred tax assets, net

Deferred tax liabilities:

Accelerated depreciation
Total deferred tax liabilities

NET DEFERRED TAX LIABILITY

2018

$

106
35
32
28
28
20
11
260
(21)
239

$

2017

129
32
23
—
45
22
7
258
(1)
257

(1,327)
(1,327)
$ (1,088)

(1,256)
(1,256)
(999 )

$

We have a U.S. federal net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforward of $42 million that does not expire and foreign NOL carryforwards of $56 million that 
begin to expire in 2019. We also have a U.S. foreign tax credit carryforward of $9 million which expires in 2028.

In evaluating the realizability of the deferred tax assets, we assess whether it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax assets, 
will be realized. We consider, among other things, the generation of future taxable income (including reversals of deferred tax liabilities) during the periods 
in which the related temporary differences will become deductible. At December 31, 2018, we provided a $21 million valuation allowance to reduce the 
deferred tax assets to an amount that we consider is more likely than not to be realized. The $20 million net change in our valuation allowance during 
2018 relates to foreign NOL carryforwards.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in millions):

Unrecognized tax benefits at January 1,

Increases for tax positions taken during a prior period
Increases for tax positions taken during the period
Decreases for tax positions taken during a prior period
Decreases for settlement with tax authorities during the period

UNRECOGNIZED TAX BENEFITS DECEMBER 31,

2018
$

$

31
—
5
(3)
—
33

2017
26
2
6
(3)
—
31

$

$

2016

$

$

21
10
5
(4)
(6)
26

Interest and penalties accrued on unrecognized tax benefits were not significant. If recognized, $16 million of the unrecognized tax benefits as of 
December 31, 2018 would impact our effective tax rate. We do not expect any significant change in the amount of the unrecognized tax benefits within 
the next twelve months. As a result of net operating losses and statute of limitations in our major tax jurisdictions, years 2004 through 2017 remain 
subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities.

NOTE 10  Crewmember Retirement Plan

We sponsor a retirement savings 401(k) defined contribution plan, or 
the Plan, covering all of our Crewmembers where we match 100% of 
our Crewmember contributions up to 5% of their eligible wages. The 
matching contributions vest over three years and are measured from a 
Crewmember’s hire date. Crewmembers are immediately vested in their 
voluntary contributions.

Another component of the Plan is a Company discretionary contribution 
of 5% of eligible non-management Crewmember compensation, which 
we refer to as Retirement Plus. Retirement Plus contributions vest over 
three years and are measured from a Crewmember’s hire date.

Certain Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA-licensed Crewmembers, 
receive an additional contribution of 3% of eligible compensation, which 
we refer to as Retirement Advantage.

Effective August 1, 2018, pilots receive a non-elective Company contribution 
of 15% of eligible pilot compensation per the terms of the finalized collective 
bargaining agreement, in lieu of the above 401(k) Company matching 
contribution, Retirement Plus, and Retirement Advantage contributions. 
Refer to Note 11 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional 

56

information. The Company’s non-elective contribution of 15% of eligible 
pilot compensation vests after three years of service.

For years of service prior to 2017, our non-management Crewmembers 
were also eligible to receive profit sharing, calculated as 15% of adjusted 
pre-tax income before profit sharing and special items with the result 
reduced by Retirement Plus contributions. Beginning with 2017, our 
non-management Crewmembers are eligible to receive profit sharing, 
calculated as 10% of adjusted pre-tax income before profit sharing and 
special items up to a pre-tax margin of 18% with the result reduced by 
Retirement Plus contributions and the equivalent of Retirement Plus 
contributions for pilots. If JetBlue’s resulting pre-tax margin exceeds 18%, 
non-management Crewmembers would be eligible to receive 20% profit 
sharing on amounts above an 18% pre-tax margin.

Total 401(k) company match, Retirement Plus, Retirement Advantage, pilot 
retirement contribution, and profit sharing expensed for the years ended 
December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 were $172 million, $182 million, 
and $290 million, respectively.

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

As of December 31, 2018, we had approximately $28 million pledged 
related to our workers’ compensation insurance policies and other business 
partner agreements, which will expire according to the terms of the related 
policies or agreements.

In April 2014, the Air Line Pilots Association, or ALPA, was certified by the 
National Mediation Board, or NMB, as the representative body for JetBlue 
pilots after winning a representation election. We reached a final agreement 
for our first collective bargaining agreement which was ratified by the pilots 
in July 2018. The agreement is a four-year, renewable contract effective 
August 1, 2018 which included compensation, benefits, work rules, and 
other policies. During the third quarter of 2018, we recorded a one-time 
ratification bonus totaling $50 million to be allocated amongst the pilots 
as determined by ALPA. Refer to Note 18 to our Consolidated Financial 
Statements for additional information.

In April 2018, JetBlue inflight Crewmembers elected to be solely represented 
by the Transport Workers Union of America, or TWU. The NMB certified 
the TWU as the representative body for JetBlue inflight Crewmembers and 
we are working with the TWU to reach a collective bargaining agreement.

Except as noted above, our Crewmembers do not have third party 
representation.

We enter into individual employment agreements with each of our non-
unionized FAA-licensed Crewmembers which include dispatchers, 
technicians, and inspectors as well as air traffic controllers. Each employment 
agreement is for a term of five years and automatically renews for an 
additional five years unless either the Crewmember or we elect not to 
renew it by giving at least 90 days’ notice before the end of the relevant 
term. Pursuant to these agreements, these Crewmembers can only be 
terminated for cause. In the event of a downturn in our business that 
would require a reduction in work hours, we are obligated to pay these 
Crewmembers a guaranteed level of income and to continue their benefits 
if they do not obtain other aviation employment.

NOTE 11  Commitments

Flight Equipment Commitments

As of December 31, 2018, our firm aircraft orders consisted of 85 Airbus 
A321 new engine option (A321neo) aircraft, and 60 Airbus A220 aircraft, 
all scheduled for delivery through 2025. Committed expenditures for these 
aircraft and related flight equipment, including estimated amounts for 
contractual price escalations and predelivery deposits, will be approximately 
$1.2 billion in 2019, $1.3 billion in 2020, $1.4 billion in 2021, $1.3 billion 
in 2022, $1.6 billion in 2023 and $1.6 billion thereafter. We are scheduled 
to receive 13 new Airbus A321neo aircraft in 2019, and depending on 
market conditions, we anticipate paying cash for some portion of our 
2019 deliveries.

The amount of committed expenditures stated above represents the current 
delivery schedule set forth in our Airbus order book as of December 31, 
2018. In October 2018, we received notice from Airbus of anticipated 
delivery delays of the A321neo aircraft. We expect a delivery of a minimum 
of six Airbus A321neo aircraft in 2019 as a result of the delays.

In July 2018, we announced an order for 60 Airbus A220-300 aircraft, 
previously called the Bombardier CS300, for expected deliveries beginning 
in 2020 through 2025, with the option for 60 additional aircraft though 
2028. In conjunction with the new order, we also reshaped our Airbus 
order book by converting our order of 25 A320neo aircraft to A321neo 
and adjusting the timing of future deliveries. We have the option to take 
certain A321neo deliveries with the long range configuration, the A321-LR.

Other Commitments

We utilize several credit card processors to process our ticket sales. Our 
agreements with these processors do not contain covenants, but do 
generally allow the processor to withhold cash reserves to protect the 
processor from potential liability for tickets purchased, but not yet used for 
travel. While we currently do not have any collateral requirements related 
to our credit card processors, we may be required to issue collateral to 
our credit card processors, or other key business partners, in the future.

NOTE 12  Contingencies

We self-insure a portion of our losses from claims related to workers’ 
compensation, environmental issues, property damage, medical insurance 
for Crewmembers and general liability. Losses are accrued based on 
an estimate of the ultimate aggregate liability for claims incurred, using 
standard industry practices and our actual experience.

We are a party to many routine contracts under which we indemnify third 
parties for various risks. These indemnities consist of the following:

All of our bank loans, including our aircraft mortgages obligate us to 
reimburse the bank for any increased costs arising from regulatory changes, 
including changes in reserve requirements and bank capital requirements; 
these obligations are standard terms present in loans of this type. These 
indemnities would increase the interest rate on our debt if they were to 
be triggered. In all cases, we have the option to repay the loan and avoid 
the increased costs. These terms match the length of the related loan 
up to 15 years.

Under both aircraft leases with foreign lessors and aircraft mortgages with 
foreign lenders, we have agreed to customary indemnities concerning 
withholding tax law changes. Under these contracts we are responsible, 
should withholding taxes be imposed, for paying such amount of additional 
rent or interest as is necessary to ensure that the lessor or lender still 
receives, after taxes, the rent stipulated in the lease or the interest stipulated 
under the loan. The term of these indemnities matches the length of the 
related lease or loan up to 20 years.

We have various leases with respect to real property as well as various 
agreements among airlines relating to fuel consortia or fuel farms at airports. 
Under these contracts we have agreed to standard language indemnifying 
the lessor against environmental liabilities associated with the real property 
or operations described under the agreement, even if we are not the party 
responsible for the initial event that caused the environmental damage. 
In the case of fuel consortia at airports, these indemnities are generally 
joint and several among the participating airlines. We have purchased a 
standalone environmental liability insurance policy to help mitigate this 
exposure. Our existing aviation hull and liability policy includes some 
limited environmental coverage when a cleanup is part of an associated 
single identifiable covered loss.

Under certain contracts, we indemnify specified parties against legal liability 
arising out of actions by other parties. The terms of these contracts range 
up to 25 years. Generally, we have liability insurance protecting ourselves 
for the obligations we have undertaken relative to these indemnities.

We are unable to estimate the potential amount of future payments under 
the foregoing indemnities and agreements.

Under a certain number of our operating lease agreements we are required 
to restore certain property or equipment to its original form upon expiration 
of the related agreement. We have recorded the estimated fair value of 
these retirement obligations of approximately $7 million as of December 31, 
2018. This liability may increase over time.

57

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Legal Matters

Occasionally we are involved in various claims, lawsuits, regulatory 
examinations, investigations, and other legal matters involving suppliers, 
Crewmembers, Customers, and governmental agencies, arising, for the 
most part, in the ordinary course of business. The outcome of litigation 
and other legal matters is always uncertain. The Company believes it has 
valid defenses to the legal matters currently pending against it, is defending 
itself vigorously and has recorded accruals determined in accordance 
with U.S. GAAP, where appropriate. In making a determination regarding 
accruals, using available information, we evaluate the likelihood of an 
unfavorable outcome in legal or regulatory proceedings to which we are 
a party to and record a loss contingency when it is probable a liability has 

been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. 
These subjective determinations are based on the status of such legal or 
regulatory proceedings, the merits of our defenses, and consultation with 
legal counsel. Actual outcomes of these legal and regulatory proceedings 
may materially differ from our current estimates. It is possible that resolution 
of one or more of the legal matters currently pending or threatened could 
result in losses material to our consolidated results of operations, liquidity 
or financial condition.

To date, none of these types of litigation matters has had a material impact 
on our operations or financial condition. We have insured and continue 
to insure against most of these types of claims. A judgment on any claim 
not covered by, or in excess of, our insurance coverage could materially 
adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.

NOTE 13  Financial Derivative Instruments and Risk Management

As part of our risk management techniques, we periodically purchase over 
the counter energy derivative instruments and enter into fixed forward price 
agreements, or FFPs, to manage our exposure to the effect of changes 
in the price of aircraft fuel. Prices for the underlying commodities have 
historically been highly correlated to aircraft fuel, making derivatives of them 
effective at providing short-term protection against volatility in average 
fuel prices. We also periodically enter into jet fuel basis swaps for the 
differential between heating oil and jet fuel to further limit the variability in 
fuel prices at various locations.

To manage the variability of the cash flows associated with our variable 
rate debt, we have also entered into interest rate swaps. We do not hold 
or issue any derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.

Aircraft fuel derivatives

We attempt to obtain cash flow hedge accounting treatment for each 
aircraft fuel derivative that we enter into. This treatment is provided for 
under the Derivatives and Hedging topic of the Codification. It allows 
for gains and losses on the effective portion of qualifying hedges to be 
deferred until the underlying planned jet fuel consumption occurs, rather 
than recognizing the gains and losses on these instruments into earnings 
during each period they are outstanding. The effective portion of realized 
aircraft fuel hedging derivative gains and losses is recognized in aircraft 
fuel expense in the period the underlying fuel is consumed.

First Quarter 2019
Second Quarter 2019
Third Quarter 2019
Fourth Quarter 2019

Interest rate swaps

Ineffectiveness occurs, in certain circumstances, when the change in the 
total fair value of the derivative instrument differs from the change in the 
value of our expected future cash outlays for the purchase of aircraft fuel. 
As discussed in Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, we early 
adopted ASU 2017-12 Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted 
Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities as of January 1, 
2018. This update eliminated the requirement for companies to separately 
measure and record ineffectiveness after initial qualification. If a hedge 
does not qualify for hedge accounting, the periodic changes in its fair 
value are recognized in interest income and other. When aircraft fuel is 
consumed and the related derivative contract settles, any gain or loss 
previously recorded in other comprehensive income is recognized in 
aircraft fuel expense. All cash flows related to our fuel hedging derivatives 
are classified as operating cash flows.

Our current approach to fuel hedging is to enter into hedges on a 
discretionary basis without a specific target of hedge percentage needs. 
We view our hedge portfolio as a form of insurance to help mitigate the 
impact of price volatility and protect us against severe spikes in oil prices, 
when possible.

The following table illustrates the approximate hedge percentages of our 
projected 2019 fuel usage by quarter as of December 31, 2018, related 
to our outstanding fuel hedging contracts that were designated as cash 
flow hedges for accounting purposes.

Jet fuel call option 
agreements
7%
7%
—%
—%

Jet fuel call option 
spread agreements
—%
—%
—%
—%

Total

7%
7%
—%
—%

The final interest payment relating to our interest rate swaps took place 
in August 2016. As such, we did not have any notional debt outstanding 
related to these swaps as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. 
These interest rate hedges effectively swapped floating rate debt for fixed 
rate debt. They took advantage of lower borrowing rates in existence at 
the time of the hedge transaction as compared to the date our original 
debt instruments were executed. The notional amount decreased over 
time to match scheduled repayments of the related debt.

All of our interest rate swap contracts qualified as cash flow hedges in 
accordance with the Derivatives and Hedging topic of the Codification. 
Since all of the critical terms of our swap agreements matched the debt to 
which they pertain, there was no ineffectiveness relating to these interest rate 
swaps for the year ended December 31, 2016, and all related unrealized 
losses were deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income. We 
recognized approximately a $1 million gain in interest expense for the year 
ended December 31, 2016.

58

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The table below reflects quantitative information related to our derivative instruments and where these amounts are recorded in our financial statements 
(dollar amounts in millions).

Fuel derivatives
Asset fair value recorded in prepaid expenses and other(1)
Longest remaining term (months)
Hedged volume (barrels, in thousands)
Estimated amount of existing (gains) losses expected to be reclassified into earnings in the next 12 months

Fuel derivatives
Hedge effectiveness (gains) losses recognized in aircraft fuel expense
Hedge (gains) losses on derivatives recognized in comprehensive income
Percentage of actual consumption economically hedged
(1)  Gross asset of each contract prior to consideration of offsetting positions with each counterparty and prior to impact of collateral paid.

$
$

As of December 31,

2018

2017

$ —
6
756
4

$

$

$

—
—
—
—

2018

2017

2016

2
6
4%

$
$

(15)
6
10%

$
$

(9)
(34)
12%

Any outstanding derivative instrument exposes us to credit loss in connection 
with our fuel contracts in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties 
to the agreements, but we do not expect any of our counterparties will 
fail to meet their obligations. The amount of such credit exposure is 
generally the fair value of our outstanding contracts for which we are in a 
liability position. To manage credit risks we select counterparties based on 
credit assessments, limit our overall exposure to any single counterparty 
and monitor the market position with each counterparty. Some of our 
agreements require cash deposits from either counterparty if market risk 
exposure exceeds a specified threshold amount.

We have master netting arrangements with our counterparties allowing 
us the right of offset to mitigate credit risk in derivative transactions. The 
financial derivative instrument agreements we have with our counterparties 
may require us to fund all, or a portion of, outstanding loss positions 
related to these contracts prior to their scheduled maturities. The amount 
of collateral posted, if any, is periodically adjusted based on the fair value 
of the hedge contracts. Our policy is to offset the liabilities represented 
by these contracts with any cash collateral paid to the counterparties.

There were no offsetting derivative instruments as of December 31, 2018 and 2017.

NOTE 14  Fair Value

Under the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures topic of the Codification, 
disclosures are required about how fair value is determined for assets and 
liabilities and a hierarchy for which these assets and liabilities must be grouped 
is established, based on significant levels of inputs as follows:

 • Level 1 quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

 • Level 2 quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities 

and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability; or

 • Level 3 unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, such as discounted 

cash flow models or valuations.

The determination of where assets and liabilities fall within this hierarchy 
is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value 
measurement.

The following is a listing of our assets and liabilities required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis and where they are classified within the 
fair value hierarchy (in millions):

Assets
Cash equivalents
Available-for-sale investment securities
Aircraft fuel derivatives

Assets
Cash equivalents
Available-for-sale investment securities

Level 1
$ 198
39
—

Level 1
$ 173
—

As of December 31, 2018

Level 2
—
$
197
—

Level 3
$ —
—
—

As of December 31, 2017

Level 2
—
$
136

Level 3
$ —
—

$

Total
198
236
—

$

Total
173
136

The carrying values of all other financial instruments approximated their fair values at December 31, 2018 and 2017. Refer to Note 3 to our Consolidated 
Financial Statements for fair value information related to our outstanding debt obligations as of December 31, 2018 and 2017.

59

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Cash equivalents

Our cash equivalents include money market securities and commercial 
paper which are readily convertible into cash, have maturities of 90 days 
or less when purchased and are considered to be highly liquid and easily 
tradable. These securities are valued using inputs observable in active 
markets for identical securities and are therefore classified as Level 1 
within our fair value hierarchy.

Available-for-sale investment securities

Included in our available-for-sale investment securities are U.S. treasury 
bills, time deposits, commercial paper and debt securities. The U.S. 
treasury bills are valued using inputs observable in active markets for 
identical securities and are therefore classified as Level 1 within the fair 
value hierarchy. The fair values of remaining instruments are based on 

observable inputs in non-active markets, which are therefore classified 
as Level 2 in the hierarchy. We did not record any material gains or losses 
on these securities during the year ended December 31, 2018 or 2017. 

Aircraft fuel derivatives

Our aircraft fuel derivatives include call option spreads and call options 
which are not traded on public exchanges. Their fair values are determined 
using a market approach based on inputs that are readily available from 
public markets for commodities and energy trading activities; therefore, 
they are classified as Level 2 inputs. The data inputs are combined into 
quantitative models and processes to generate forward curves and 
volatilities related to the specific terms of the underlying hedge contracts. 
The fair value of our outstanding aircraft fuel derivatives was immaterial as 
of December 31, 2018. There were no aircraft fuel derivatives outstanding 
as of December 31, 2017.

NOTE 15  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) includes changes in fair value of our aircraft fuel derivatives and interest rate swap agreements, which qualify for hedge 
accounting. A rollforward of the amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes for the years ended December 31, 
2018, 2017, and 2016 is as follows (in millions):

Balance of accumulated income (losses), at December 31, 2015
Reclassifications into earnings, net of tax benefit of $4
Change in fair value, net of tax (expense) of $(12)
Balance of accumulated income, at December 31, 2016
Reclassifications into earnings, net of tax benefit of $6
Change in fair value, net of tax benefit of $2
Balance of accumulated income, at December 31, 2017
Reclassifications into earnings, net of tax benefit of $0
Change in fair value, net of tax benefit of $2
Balance of accumulated (losses), at December 31, 2018
(1)  Reclassified to aircraft fuel expense.

(2)  Reclassified to interest expense.

NOTE 16  Geographic Information

$

Aircraft Fuel 
Derivatives(1)
(4)
(5)
22
13
(9)
(4)
—
1
(4)
(3)

$

Interest Rate 
Swaps(2)
1
$
(1)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
$ —

Total
(3)
(6)
22
13
(9)
(4)
—
1
(4)
(3)

$

$

Under the Segment Reporting topic of the Codification, disclosures are 
required for operating segments that are regularly reviewed by chief 
operating decision makers. Air transportation services accounted for 
substantially all of the Company’s operations in 2018, 2017 and 2016.

Operating revenues are allocated to geographic regions, as defined by the 
Department of Transportation, or DOT, based upon the origination and 
destination of each flight segment. As of December 31 2018, we served 

33 locations in the Caribbean and Latin American region, or Latin America 
as defined by the DOT. However, our management includes our three 
destinations in Puerto Rico and two destinations in the U.S. Virgin Islands 
in our Caribbean and Latin America allocation of revenues. Therefore, we 
have reflected these locations within the Caribbean and Latin America 
region in the table below. Operating revenues by geographic regions for 
the years ended December 31 are summarized below (in millions):

Domestic
Caribbean & Latin America
TOTAL

2018

$

$

5,386
2,272
7,658

2017
$ 4,999
2,013
$ 7,012

2016
$ 4,717
1,867
$ 6,584

Our tangible assets primarily consist of our fleet of aircraft, which is deployed system wide, with no individual aircraft dedicated to any specific route or 
region; therefore our assets do not require any allocation to a geographic area.

60

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART II  
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 17  Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

Quarterly results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are summarized below (in millions, except per share amounts):

2018
Operating revenues
Operating income(1)(2)(3)
Net income(1)(2)(3)(4)
Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share(1)(2)(3)(4)
2017
Operating revenues
Operating income
Net income(5)
Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share(5)

First Quarter

Second Quarter

Third Quarter

Fourth Quarter

$ 1,754
128
88
0.28
0.27

$
$

$ 1,600
142
82
0.25
0.24

$
$

$ 1,928
(144)
(120)
(0.38)
(0.38)

$
$

$ 1,836
347
207
0.63
0.62

$
$

$ 2,008
83
50
0.16
0.16

$
$

$ 1,818
314
181
0.56
0.55

$
$

$ 1,968
221
169
0.55
0.55

$
$

$ 1,758
190
654
2.04
2.03

$
$

(1)   During the second quarter of 2018, we recorded $319 million or $(0.76) per diluted share of special items related to the Embraer E190 fleet transition. See Note 18 to our Consolidated 

Financial Statements for details.

(2)   During the third quarter of 2018, we recorded $112 million or $(0.27) per diluted share of special items related to the Embraer E190 fleet transition and the ratification of our pilots’ collective 

bargaining agreement. See Note 18 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for details.

(3)   During the fourth quarter of 2018, we recorded $4 million or $(0.01) per diluted shares of special items related to the Embraer E190 fleet transition and the implementation of our pilots’ 

collective bargaining agreement. See Note 18 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for details.

(4)   During the fourth quarter of 2018, we recorded a one-time tax benefit of $17 million or $0.06 per diluted share related to the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
(5)   During the fourth quarter of 2017, we recorded a one-time tax benefit of $551 million or $1.71 per diluted share related to the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

The sum of the quarterly results may not equal the annual amount reported due to immaterial rounding differences.

The sum of the quarterly earnings per share amounts does not equal the annual amount reported since per share amounts are computed independently 
for each quarter and for the full year based on respective weighted-average common shares outstanding and other dilutive potential common shares.

NOTE 18  Special Items

The following is a listing of special items presented on our consolidated statements of operations:

Special Items
Embraer E190 fleet transition costs(1)
Union contract costs(2)
TOTAL

2018

$

$

362
73
435

Year Ended December 31,

2017

2016

$

$

—
—
—

$

$

—
—
—

(1)  Embraer E190 fleet transition costs include a $319 million impairment charge of flight equipment and other property and equipment related to our June 2018 fleet review. The impairment 
was triggered by our decision to exit the Embraer E190 fleet and order 60 Airbus A220-300 aircraft, formerly known as the Bombardier CS300, for expected deliveries beginning in 2020 
through 2025, with the option for 60 additional aircraft through 2028. We expect to transition owned Embraer E190 aircraft starting in 2020, and we expect the transition to be completed 
by 2025. We believe this decision will provide financial and network advantages over the current Embraer E190 aircraft. We assessed our Embraer E190 asset group by comparing projected 
undiscounted cash flows over the remaining time period we expect to utilize the aircraft to the book value of the asset group and determined the book value was in excess of the cash flows. 
We estimated the fair value of our Embraer E190 asset group using third party valuations and considering specific circumstances of our fleet such as aircraft age, maintenance requirements 
and condition and therefore classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. We reassessed our Embraer E190 assets and adjusted the depreciable lives and salvage value to align with 
our expected transition dates. Also included in Embraer E190 fleet transition costs are certain contract termination costs associated with the transition. Recorded amounts represent our 
best estimate of these costs and are based upon current facts and assumptions; actual amounts may be materially different. Additional expenses may be recorded in future periods as we 
continue to work through the transition of the Embraer E190 fleet.

(2)  Union contract costs include the one-time $50 million ratification bonus and other negotiated contractual provisions` related to our pilots’ collective bargaining agreement.

61

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART II  
ITEM 9 Changes and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

ITEM 9.  Changes and Disagreements with 

Accountants on Accounting and Financial 
Disclosure

None.

ITEM 9A. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) or Rule 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) that are designed to ensure 
that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported 
within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file under the 
Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer, or CEO, and our Chief Financial Officer, 
or CFO, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management, with the participation of our CEO and CFO, performed an evaluation of 
the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2018. Based on that evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that our 
disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2018.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or Rule 
15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our CEO and CFO, we conducted 
an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework 
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 Framework). Based on that evaluation, our management 
concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2018 to provide reasonable assurance regarding the 
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Ernst & Young LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report 
on Form 10-K, audited the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018. Ernst & Young LLP has issued their 
report which is included elsewhere herein.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Except as discussed below, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and Rule 15d-15(f) under 
the Exchange Act) identified in connection with the evaluation of our controls performed during the quarter ended December 31, 2018 that have materially 
affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

During the year ended December 31, 2018, we implemented changes to our processes in response to the adoption of ASC 606 Revenue from Contracts 
with Customers that became effective January 1, 2018. This resulted in a material change to our process for accounting for and reporting of our loyalty 
program and air traffic liability. The operating effectiveness of the controls related to these changes has been evaluated as part of our annual assessment 
of the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B. Other Information

None.

62

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART III  

PART III

ITEM 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate 

Governance

Code of Ethics

We adopted a Code of Ethics within the meaning of Item 406(b) of SEC Regulation S-K. This Code of Ethics applies to our principal executive officer, 
principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. This Code of Ethics is publicly available on our website at http://investor.jetblue.com. If we 
make substantive amendments to this Code of Ethics or grant any waiver, including any implicit waiver, we will disclose the nature of such amendment 
or waiver on our website or in a report on Form 8-K within four days of such amendment or waiver.

Executive Officers of the Registrant

Certain information concerning JetBlue’s executive officers as of the date 
of this Report follows. There are no family relationships between any of 
our executive officers.

basis since July 2018. Prior to JetBlue, Mr. Nelson practiced corporate 
and business litigation law at firms in California and New York, including 
Shearman & Sterling LLP.

Robin Hayes, age 52, is our Chief Executive Officer. He was promoted to 
Chief Executive Officer on February 16, 2015 and served as our President 
from January 2014 to May 2018. He joined JetBlue, as its Chief Commercial 
Officer in 2008, after nineteen years at British Airways. In his last role at 
British Airways, Mr. Hayes served as Executive Vice President for The 
Americas and before that he served in a number of operational and 
commercial positions in the UK and Germany.

Joanna Geraghty, age 46, is our President and Chief Operating Office. She 
was appointed to the position in May 2018. Ms. Geraghty joined JetBlue 
in 2005 and was recently Executive Vice President Customer Experience. 
She served as Executive Vice President Chief People Officer from 2010 to 
2014 and was previously the airline’s Vice President and Associate General 
Counsel and Director of Litigation and Regulatory Affairs.

Steve Priest, age 48, is our Chief Financial Officer, a position he has held 
since February 2017. Mr. Priest joined JetBlue in August 2015 as our 
Vice President Structural Programs. Prior to JetBlue, he worked at British 
Airways from 1996 to 2015 where he served as Senior Vice President of 
the carrier’s North Atlantic joint business with American Airlines, Iberia, 
and Finnair, as well as several other leadership roles.

Marty St. George, age 55, is our Chief Commercial Officer, a position he has 
held since February 2015 and is responsible for airline and network planning, 
marketing, sales and revenue. Prior to this appointment, Mr. St. George 
served as our Senior Vice President - Commercial. Mr. St. George joined 
JetBlue in July 2006 and has held several roles including Senior Vice 
President - Marketing and Commercial Strategy and Vice President - 
Planning. Prior to JetBlue, Mr. St. George held marketing and network 
planning roles at United Airlines and US Airways.

Eash Sundaram, age 47, is our Chief Digital & Technology Officer, 
a position he has held since March 2012. Prior to joining JetBlue,  
Mr. Sundaram served as the Chief Information Officer at Pall Corporation.

Alexander Chatkewitz, age 54, is our Vice President and Chief Accounting 
Officer, a position he has held since December 2014. Prior to joining 
JetBlue, Mr. Chatkewitz worked at Philip Morris International, where he 
served as Vice President & Controller - Financial Reporting & Accounting 
Research since 2008. Prior to Phillip Morris, he served for a decade as 
Altria Group’s Vice President Assistant Controller - Financial Reporting & 
Consolidations. Mr. Chatkewitz also held positions at Marsh & McLennan 
Companies as well as the audit practice of Deloitte & Touche.

Brandon Nelson, age 44, is our General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. 
He was appointed to the position in November 2018. Mr. Nelson joined 
JetBlue in 2005 and previously served as Director, Corporate Counsel 
and Assistant Secretary before being promoted in 2009 to Vice President, 
Associate General Counsel. He has served as General Counsel on an acting 

The other information required by this Item will be included in and is 
incorporated herein by reference from our definitive proxy statement for our 
2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC pursuant 
to Regulation 14A within 120 days after the end of our 2018 fiscal year, 
or our 2019 Proxy Statement.

63

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART III  
ITEM 11 Executive Compensation

ITEM 11.  Executive Compensation

The information required by this Item will be included in and is incorporated herein by reference from our 2019 Proxy Statement.

ITEM 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial 

Owners and Management and Related 
Stockholder Matters

The table below provides information relating to our equity compensation plans, including individual compensation arrangements, under which our common 
stock is authorized for issuance as of December 31, 2018, as adjusted for stock splits:

Plan Category
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
TOTAL

Number of securities to
be issued upon exercise
of outstanding options,
warrants and rights
2,575,842
—
2,575,842

Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding
options, warrants
and rights
18.88
$
—
18.88

$

Number of securities
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in first column)
19,779,124
—
19,779,124

Refer to Note 8 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding the material features of the above plans.

Other information required by this Item will be included in and is incorporated herein by reference from our Proxy Statement.

ITEM 13.  Certain Relationships and Related 

Transactions, and Director Independence

The information required by this Item will be included in and is incorporated herein by reference from our 2019 Proxy Statement.

ITEM 14.  Principal Accounting Fees and Services

The information required by this Item will be included in and is incorporated herein by reference from our 2019 Proxy Statement.

64

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART IV  

PART IV

ITEM 15.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

1.

2.

3.

Financial statements:
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets — December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017
Consolidated Statements of Operations — For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income — For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows — For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity — For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Financial Statement Schedules:
Schedule II — Valuation of Qualifying Accounts and Reserves
All other schedules have been omitted because they are inapplicable, not required, or the information is included elsewhere in the 
consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
Exhibits: See accompanying Exhibit Index included after the signature page of this Report for a list of the exhibits filed or furnished 
with or incorporated by reference in this Report.

S-1

ITEM 16.  Form 10-K Summary

Omitted.

65

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART IV  

Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on 
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Date: 
February 20, 2019

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION
(Registrant)

By: /S/ ALEXANDER CHATKEWITZ

Vice President, Controller, and Chief Accounting Officer 
(Principal Accounting Officer)

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person 
whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Brandon 
Nelson his or her attorney-in-fact with power of substitution for him or 
her in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments, supplements or 
other documents relating to this Annual Report on Form 10-K which 
he or she deems necessary or appropriate, and to file the same, with 
exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the 
Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming 

all that such attorney-in-fact or their substitute may do or cause to be 
done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 
this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of 
the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated (and, as 
indicated with an asterisk, representing at least a majority of the members 
of the Board of Directors).

Signature
/S/ ROBIN HAYES
Robin Hayes

/S/ STEVE PRIEST
Steve Priest

Capacity
Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)

Date
February 20, 2019

Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

February 20, 2019

/S/ ALEXANDER CHATKEWITZ
Alexander Chatkewitz

Vice President, Controller, and Chief Accounting Officer  
(Principal Accounting Officer)

/S/ B. BEN BALDANZA
B. Ben Baldanza *

/S/ PETER BONEPARTH
Peter Boneparth *

/S/ VIRGINIA GAMBALE
Virginia Gambale *

/S/ STEPHAN GEMKOW
Stephan Gemkow *

/S/ ELLEN JEWETT
Ellen Jewett *

/S/ SARAH ROBB O'HAGAN
Sarah Robb O'Hagan *

/S/ JOEL PETERSON
Joel Peterson *

/S/ FRANK SICA
Frank Sica *

/S/ THOMAS WINKELMANN
Thomas Winkelmann *

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

February 20, 2019

February 20, 2019

February 20, 2019

February 20, 2019

February 20, 2019

February 20, 2019

February 20, 2019

February 20, 2019

February 20, 2019

February 20, 2019

66

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART IV  

EXHIBIT INDEX

2.1

2.1(a)

2.1(b)

3.1

3.2

3.3

4.1

4.2

4.2(a)

4.2(b)

4.2(c)

4.2(d)

4.4

4.5

4.5(a)

4.9

4.9(f)

4.9(g)

4.9(h)

4.9(i)

4.10

4.10(a)

4.11

4.12

4.13

Membership Interest Purchase Agreement among Harris Corporation and Thales Avionics In-Flight Systems, LLC and In-Flight 
Liquidating, LLC and Glenn S. Latta and Jeffrey A. Frisco and Andreas de Greef and JetBlue Airways Corporation, dated as of 
September 9, 2002 relating to the interests in LiveTV, LLC—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to our Current Report on 
Form 8-K dated September 27, 2002 (File No. 000-49728).
Purchase agreement between JetBlue Airways Corporation and Thales Avionics, Inc., dated as of March 13, 2014—incorporated 
by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014.
Amended and Restated Purchase Agreement between JetBlue Airways Corporation and Thales Holding Corporation, dated June 10, 
2014—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014.
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of JetBlue Airways Corporation—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our 
Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 20, 2016 (File No. 000-49728).
Amended and Restated Bylaws of JetBlue Airways Corporation—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our Current Report on 
Form 8-K dated January 8, 2018.
Certificate of Designation of Series A Participating Preferred Stock dated April 1, 2002—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to 
our Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 10, 2003 (File No. 000-49728).
Specimen Stock Certificate—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended 
(File No. 333-82576).
Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of August 10, 2000, by and among JetBlue Airways Corporation 
and the Stockholders named therein—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, as 
amended (File No. 333-82576).
Amendment No. 1, dated as of June 30, 2003, to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of August 10, 
2000, by and among JetBlue Airways Corporation and the Stockholders named therein—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 
to the Registration Statement on Form S-3, filed on July 3, 2003, as amended on July 10, 2003 (File No. 333-106781).
Amendment No. 2, dated as of October 6, 2003, to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of 
August 10, 2000, by and among JetBlue Airways Corporation and the Stockholders named therein—incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 4.9 to the Registration Statement on Form S-3, filed on October 7, 2003 (File No. 333-109546).
Amendment No. 3, dated as of October 4, 2004, to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of 
August 10, 2000, by and among JetBlue Airways Corporation and the Stockholders named therein—incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K/A dated October 4, 2004 (File No. 000-49728).
Amendment No. 4, dated as of June 22, 2006, to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of 
August 10, 2000, by and among JetBlue Airways Corporation and the Stockholders named therein—incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 4.19 to our Registration Statement on Form S-3 ASR, filed on June 30, 2006 (File No. 333-135545).
Summary of Rights to Purchase Series A Participating Preferred Stock—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Registration 
Statement on Form S-1, as amended (File No. 333-82576).
Stockholder Rights Agreement—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended 
December 31, 2002 (File No. 000-49728).
Amendment to the Stockholder Rights Agreement, dated as of January 17, 2008, by and between JetBlue Airways Corporation 
and Computershare Trust Company, N.A.—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5(a) to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated 
January 23, 2008 (File No. 000-49728).
Indenture, dated as of March 16, 2005, between JetBlue Airways Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee, 
relating to the Company’s debt securities—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated 
March 10, 2005 (File No. 000-49728).
Fourth Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 9, 2009 between JetBlue Airways Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company, as 
Trustee-incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 9, 2009 (File No. 000-49728).
Fifth Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 9, 2009 between JetBlue Airways Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company, as 
Trustee-incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 9, 2009 (File No. 000-49728).
Form of Global Debenture-6.75% Convertible Debenture due 2039 (Series A)-incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Current 
Report on Form 8-K filed on June 9, 2009 (File No. 000-49728).
Form of Global Debenture-6.75% Convertible Debenture due 2039 (Series B)-incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to Current 
Report on Form 8-K filed on June 9, 2009 (File No. 000-49728).
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 13, 2007, between JetBlue Airways Corporation and Deutsche Lufthansa AG—
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 13, 2007 (File No. 000-49728).
Amendment No. 1, dated as of January 22, 2008, to the Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 13, 2007, between 
JetBlue Airways Corporation and Deutsche Lufthansa AG—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11(a) to our Current Report on 
Form 8-K dated January 23, 2008 (File No. 000-49728).
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of January 22, 2008, by and between JetBlue Airways Corporation and Deutsche 
Lufthansa AG—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.12 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 23, 2008  
(File No. 000-49728).
Supplement Agreement, dated as of May 27, 2008, between JetBlue Airways Corporation and Deutsche Lufthansa AG—
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.12 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 28, 2008 (File No. 000-49728).
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 5, 2012, among JetBlue Airways Corporation, Deutsche Lufthansa AG and 
Lufthansa Malta Blues LP—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.22 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 5, 2012  
(File No. 000-49728).

67

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART IV  

10.3**

10.3(a)**

10.3(b)**

10.3(c)**

10.3(d)**

10.3(e)**

10.3(f)**

10.3(g)**

10.3(h)**

10.3(i)**

10.3(j)**

10.3(k)**

10.3(l)**

10.3(m)**

10.3(n)**

10.3(o)**

10.3(p)**

10.3(q)**

10.3(r)**

10.3(s)**

10.3(t)**

10.3(u)**

68

V2500 General Terms of Sale between IAE International Aero Engines AG and NewAir Corporation, including Side Letters No. 1 
through No. 3 and No. 5 through No. 9—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, as 
amended (File No. 333-82576).
Side Letter No. 10 to V2500 General Terms of Sale between IAE International Aero Engines AG and NewAir Corporation, dated 
April 25, 2002—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 
2002 (File No. 000-49728).
Side Letter No. 11 to V2500 General Terms of Sale between IAE International Aero Engines AG and NewAir Corporation, 
dated February 10, 2003—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended 
December 31, 2002 (File No. 000-49728).
Side Letter No. 12 to V2500 General Terms of Sale between IAE International Aero Engines AG and NewAir Corporation, 
dated March 24, 2003—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 
March 31, 2003 (File No. 000-49728).
Side Letter No. 13 to V2500 General Terms of Sale between IAE International Aero Engines AG and NewAir Corporation, dated 
April 23, 2003—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 30, 2003  
(File No. 000-49728).
Side Letter No. 14 to V2500 General Terms of Sale between IAE International Aero Engines AG and NewAir Corporation, 
dated October 3, 2003—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended 
December 31, 2003 (File No. 000-49728).
Side Letter No. 15 to V2500 General Terms of Sale between IAE International Aero Engines AG and NewAir Corporation, 
dated November 10, 2003—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended 
December 31, 2003 (File No. 000-49728).
Side Letter No. 16 to V2500 General Terms of Sale between IAE International Aero Engines AG and NewAir Corporation, dated 
February 20, 2004—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 
March 31, 2004 (File No. 000-49728).
Side Letter No. 17 to V2500 General Terms of Sale between IAE International Aero Engines AG and NewAir Corporation, 
dated June 11, 2004—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 
June 30, 2004 (File No. 000-49728).
Side Letter No. 18 to V2500 General Terms of Sale between IAE International Aero Engines AG and NewAir Corporation, dated 
November 19, 2004—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 18, 2005  
(File No. 000-49728).
Side Letter No. 19 to V2500 General Terms of Sale between IAE International Aero Engines AG and New Air Corporation, 
dated July 21, 2005—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 
September 30, 2005 (File No. 000-49728).
Side Letter No. 20 to V2500 General Terms of Sale between IAE International Aero Engines AG and New Air Corporation, dated 
July 6, 2006—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 
(File No. 000-49728).
Side Letter No. 21 to V2500 General Terms of Sale between IAE International Aero Engines AG and New Air Corporation, dated 
January 30, 2007—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 
March 31, 2007 (File No. 000-49728).
Side Letter No. 22 to V2500 General Terms of Sale between IAE International Aero Engines AG and New Air Corporation, 
dated March 27, 2007—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 
March 31, 2007 (File No. 000-49728).
Side Letter No. 23 to V2500 General Terms of Sale between IAE International Aero Engines AG and New Air Corporation, dated 
December 18, 2007—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3(n) to our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, for the year 
ended December 31, 2007 (File No. 000-49728).
Side Letter No. 24 to V2500 General Terms of Sale between IAE International Aero Engines and New Air Corporation, dated April 2, 
2008—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008  
(File No. 000-49728).
Side Letter No. 25 to V2500 General Terms of Sale between IAE International Aero Engines and New Air Corporation, dated 
May 27, 2008—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 
2008 (File No. 000-49728).
Side Letter No. 26 to V2500 General Terms of Sale between IAE International Aero Engines and New Air Corporation, dated 
January 27, 2009—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3(q) to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 
31, 2009 (File No. 000-49728).
Side Letter No. 27 to V2500 General Terms of Sale between IAE International Aero Engines and New Air Corporation, dated 
June 5, 2009–incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3(r) to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 
2009 (File No. 000-49728).
Side letter No. 28 to V2500 General Terms of Sale between IAE International Aero Engines and New Air Corporation, dated August 
31, 2010—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3(s) to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 
2010 (File No. 000-49728).
Side letter No. 29 to V2500 General Terms of Sale between IAE International Aero Engines and New Air Corporation, dated March 
14, 2011—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3(t) to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 
(File No. 000-49728).
Side letter No. 30 to V2500 General Terms of Sale between IAE International Aero Engines and New Air Corporation, dated August 
17, 2011—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3(u) to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 
2011(File No. 000-49728).

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART IV  

10.3(v)**

10.3(w)**

10.3(x)**

10.3(y)**

10.3(z)**

10.3(aa)**

10.3(ab)**

10.3(ac)**

10.3(ad)**

10.3(ae)**

10.3(af)**

10.3(ag)

10.15

10.17**

10.17(a)**

10.17(b)**

10.17(c)**

10.17(d)**

10.17(e)**

10.17(f)**

10.17(g)**

10.17(h)**

Side letter No. 31 to V2500 General Terms of Sale between IAE International Aero Engines and New Air Corporation, dated 
September 27, 2011—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3(v) to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 
September 30, 2011 (File No. 000-49728).
Side letter No. 32 to V2500 General Terms of Sale between IAE International Aero Engines and New Air Corporation, dated 
November 8, 2011—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3(w) to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 
31, 2011 (File No. 000-49728).
Side letter No. 33 to V2500 General Terms of Sale between IAE International Aero Engines and New Air Corporation, dated 
December 1, 2011—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3(x) to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 
31, 2011 (File No. 000-49728).
Side letter No. 34 to V2500 General Terms of Sale between IAE International Aero Engines and New Air Corporation, dated 
February 21, 2012—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3(y) to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 
31, 2012 (File No. 000-49728).
Side letter No. 35 to V2500 General Terms of Sale between IAE International Aero Engines and New Air Corporation, dated March 
15, 2012—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3(z) to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 
2012 (File No. 000-49728).
Side letter No. 36 to V2500 General Terms of Sale between IAE International Aero Engines and New Air Corporation, dated May 1, 
2012—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3(aa) to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 
(File No. 000-49728).
Side letter No. 37 to V2500 General Terms of Sale between IAE International Aero Engines and New Air Corporation, dated 
November 9, 2012—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3(ab) to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended 
December 31, 2012 (File No. 000-49728).
Side letter No. 38 to V2500 General Terms of Sale between IAE International Aero Engines and New Air Corporation, dated 
October 2, 2013—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3(ac) to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 
31, 2014.
Amendment No.1 to the V2500 General Terms of Sale between IAE International Aero Engines and New Air Corporation, dated 
December 15, 2014—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3(ad) to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended 
December 31, 2014.
Amendment No. 2 to the V2500 General Terms of Sale between IAE International Aero Engines and New Air Corporation, 
dated December 4, 2015—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3(ae) to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended 
December 31, 2015.
Amendment No. 3 to the V2500 General Terms of Sale between IAE International Aero Engines and New Air Corporation, 
dated August 15, 2017—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 
September 30, 2017.
Amendment No. 4 to the V2500 General Terms of Sale between IAE International Aero Engines and New Air Corporation, dated 
March 20, 2018—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 
2018.
Form of Director/Officer Indemnification Agreement—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Registration Statement 
on Form S-1, as amended (File No. 333-82576) and referenced as Exhibit 10.19 in our Current Report on Form 8-K dated 
February 12, 2008 (File No. 000-49728).
Embraer-190 Purchase Agreement DCT-025/2003, dated June 9, 2003, between Embraer-Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. 
and JetBlue Airways Corporation—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 30, 
2003 (File No. 000-49728).
Amendment No. 1 to Purchase Agreement DCT-025/2003, dated as of July 8, 2005, between Embraer-Empresa Brasileria 
de Aeronautica S.A. and JetBlue Airways Corporation—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Quarterly Report on 
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005 (File No. 000-49728).
Amendment No. 2 to Purchase Agreement DCT-025/2003, dated as of January 5, 2006, between Embraer-Empresa Brasileria 
de Aeronautica S.A. and JetBlue Airways Corporation—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22(b) to our Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 (File No. 000-49728).
Amendment No. 3 to Purchase Agreement DCT-025/2003, dated as of December 4, 2006, between Embraer-Empresa Brasileria 
de Aeronautica S.A. and JetBlue Airways Corporation—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21(c) to our Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 (File No. 000-49728).
Amendment No. 4 to Purchase Agreement DCT-025/2003, dated as of October 17, 2007, between Embraer-Empresa Brasileria 
de Aeronautica S.A. and JetBlue Airways Corporation—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17(d) to our Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 (File No. 000-49728).
Amendment No. 5 to Purchase Agreement DCT-025/2003, dated as of July 18, 2008, between Embraer-Empresa Brasileira 
de Aeronautica S.A. and JetBlue Airways Corporation—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on 
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 (File No. 000-49728).
Amendment No. 6 to Purchase Agreement DCT-025/2003, dated as of February 17, 2009, between Embraer-Empresa Brasileira 
de Aeronautica S.A. and JetBlue Airways Corporation—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17(f) to our Quarterly Report on 
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 (File No. 000-49728).
Amendment No. 7 to Purchase Agreement DCT-025/2003, dated as of December 14, 2009, between Embraer-Empresa Brasileira 
de Aeronautica S.A. and JetBlue Airways Corporation—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17(g) to our Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 (File No. 000-49728).
Amendment No. 8 to Purchase Agreement DCT-025/2003, dated as of March 11, 2010, between Embraer-Empresa Brasileira 
de Aeronautica S.A. and JetBlue Airways Corporation—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17(h) to our Quarterly Report on 
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 (File No. 000-49728).

69

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART IV  

10.17(i)**

10.17(j)**

10.17(k)**

10.17(l)**

10.17(m)**

10.17(n)**

10.17(o)**

10.17(p)**

10.17(q)**

10.17(r)**

10.17(s)**

10.17(t)**

10.18**

10.18(a)**

10.18(b)**

10.18(c)**

10.18(d)**

10.18(e)**

10.18(f)**

10.18(g)**

10.18(h)**

10.18(i)**

70

Amendment No. 9 to Purchase Agreement DCT-025/2003, dated as of May 24, 2010, between Embraer-Empresa Brasileira 
de Aeronautica S.A. and JetBlue Airways Corporation—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17(i) to our Quarterly Report on 
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010 (File No. 000-49728).
Amendment No. 10 to Purchase Agreement DCT-025/2003, dated as of September 10, 2010, between Embraer-Empresa 
Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. and JetBlue Airways Corporation—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17(j) to our Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 (File No. 000-49728).
Amendment No. 11 to Purchase Agreement DCT-025/2003, dated as of October 20, 2011, between Embraer-Empresa Brasileira 
de Aeronautica S.A. and JetBlue Airways Corporation—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17(k) to our Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 (File No. 000-49728).
Amendment No. 12 to Purchase Agreement DCT-025/2003, dated as of October 25, 2011, between Embraer-Empresa Brasileira 
de Aeronautica S.A. and JetBlue Airways Corporation—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17(l) to our Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 (File No. 000-49728).
Amendment No. 13 to Purchase Agreement DCT-025/2003, dated as of July 20, 2012, between Embraer-Empresa Brasileira 
de Aeronautica S.A. and JetBlue Airways Corporation—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17(m) to our Quarterly Report on 
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 (File No. 000-49728).
Amendment No. 14 to Purchase Agreement DCT-025/2003, dated as of December 3, 2012, between Embraer-Empresa Brasileira 
de Aeronautica S.A. and JetBlue Airways Corporation—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17(n) to our Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 (File No. 000-49728).
Amendment No. 15 to Purchase Agreement DCT-025/2003, dated as of December 19, 2012, between Embraer-Empresa 
Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. and JetBlue Airways Corporation—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17(o) to our Annual 
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 (File No. 000-49728).
Amendment No. 16 to Purchase Agreement DCT-025/2003, dated as of January 31, 2013 between Embraer S.A. (formerly known 
as Embraer - Empresa Brasileira de Aeronáutica S.A.) and JetBlue Airways Corporation—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
10.17(p) to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013.
Amendment 17 to Purchase Agreement DCT-025/2003, dated as of May 14, 2013 between Embraer S.A. (formerly known as 
Embraer—Empresa Brasileira de Aeronáutica S.A.) and JetBlue Airways Corporation—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17(q) 
to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013.
Amendment 18 to Purchase Agreement DCT-025/2003, dated as of June 25, 2013 between Embraer S.A. (formerly known as 
Embraer—Empresa Brasileira de Aeronáutica S.A.) and JetBlue Airways Corporation—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17(r) 
to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013.
Amendment No. 19 to Purchase Agreement DCT-025/2003, dated as of October 1, 2013 between Embraer S.A. (formerly known 
as Embraer—Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A.) and JetBlue Airways Corporation—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
10.17(s) to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Amendment No. 20 to Purchase Agreement DCT-025/2003, dated as of October 24, 2013 between Embraer S.A. (formerly known 
as Embraer - Empresa Brasileira de Aeronáutica S.A.) and JetBlue Airways Corporation—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
10.17(t) to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Letter Agreement DCT-026/2003, dated June 9, 2003, between Embraer-Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. and JetBlue 
Airways Corporation—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 30, 2003 (File No. 
000-49728).
Amendment No. 1, dated as of July 8, 2005, to Letter Agreement DCT-026/2003, between Embraer-Empresa Brasileira de 
Aeronautica S.A. and JetBlue Airways Corporation—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to our Quarterly Report on 
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005 (File No. 000-49728).
Amendment No. 2, dated as of January 5, 2006, to Letter Agreement DCT-026/2003, between Embraer-Empresa Brasileira 
de Aeronautica S.A. and JetBlue Airways Corporation—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22(b) to our Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 (File No. 000-49728).
Amendment No. 3, dated as of December 4, 2006, to Letter Agreement DCT-026/2003, between Embraer-Empresa Brasileira 
de Aeronautica S.A. and JetBlue Airways Corporation—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22( c) to our Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 (File No. 000-49728).
Amendment No. 4, dated as of October 17, 2007, to Letter Agreement DCT-026/2003, between Embraer-Empresa Brasileria 
de Aeronautica S.A. and JetBlue Airways Corporation—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18(d) to our Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 (File No. 000-49728).
Amendment No. 5 to Letter Agreement DCT-026/2003, dated as of March 6, 2008, between Embraer-Empresa Brasileira 
de Aeronautica S.A. and JetBlue Airways Corporation—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on 
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 (File No. 000-49728).
Amendment No. 6 to Letter Agreement DCT-026/2003, dated as of July 18, 2008, between Embraer-Empresa Brasileira de 
Aeronautica S.A. and JetBlue Airways Corporation—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Quarterly Report on 
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 (File No. 000-49728).
Amendment No. 7 to Letter Agreement DCT-026/2003, dated as of February 17, 2009, between Embraer-Empresa Brasileira 
de Aeronautica S.A. and JetBlue Airways Corporation—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18(g) to the Quarterly Report on 
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 (File No. 000-49728).
Amendment No. 8 to Letter Agreement DCT-026/2003, dated as of December 14, 2009, between Embraer-Empresa Brasileira 
de Aeronautica S.A. and JetBlue Airways Corporation—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18(h) to the Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 (File No. 000-49728).
Amendment No. 9 to Letter Agreement DCT-026/2003, dated as of March 11, 2010, between Embraer-Empresa Brasileira de 
Aeronautica S.A. and JetBlue Airways Corporation—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18(i) to the Quarterly Report on 
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 (File No. 000-49728).

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART IV  

10.18(j)**

10.18(k)**

10.20

10.20(a)

10.21*

10.22*

10.22(a)*

10.30**

10.31*

10.31(a)*

10.31(b)*

10.31(c)*

10.31(d)*

10.31(e)*

10.31(f)*

10.31(g)*

10.31(h)*

10.31(i)*

10.31(j)*

10.33**

10.33(a)**

10.33(b)**

10.33(c)**

10.33(d)**

10.33(e)**

10.33(f)**

Amendment No. 10 to Letter Agreement DCT - 026/2003, dated as of November 18, 2010, between Embraer-Empresa Brasileira 
de Aeronautica S.A. and JetBlue Airways Corporation—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18(j) to our Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Amendment No. 11 to Letter Agreement DCT-026/2003, dated as of October 24, 2013 between Embraer - Empresa Brasileira 
de Aeronáutica S.A. and JetBlue Airways Corporation—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18(k) to our Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Agreement of Lease (Port Authority Lease No. AYD-350), dated November 22, 2005, between The Port Authority of New York and 
New Jersey and JetBlue Airways Corporation—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for 
the year ended December 31, 2005 (File No. 000-49728).
Supplement No. 3 to Agreement of Lease, dated July 1, 2012 between The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and 
JetBlue Airways Corporation—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20(a) to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter 
ended March 31, 2013.
Amended and Restated 2002 Stock Incentive Plan, dated November 7, 2007, and form of award agreement—incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Annual Report for Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 000-49728).
JetBlue Airways Corporation Executive Change in Control Severance Plan, dated as of June 28, 2007—incorporated by reference 
to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, dated June 28, 2007 (File No. 000-49728).
JetBlue Airways Corporation Severance Plan, dated May 22, 2014—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current 
Report on Form 8-K dated May 22, 2014.
Sublease by and between JetBlue Airways Corporation and Metropolitan Life Insurance Company—incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 10.30 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 (File No. 000-49728).
JetBlue Airways Corporation 2011 Incentive Compensation Plan—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31(a) to our Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2011.
Amended and Restated JetBlue Airways Corporation 2011 Incentive Compensation Plan—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2015.
JetBlue Airways Corporation 2011 Incentive Compensation Plan forms of award agreement—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
10.31(b) to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2011.
JetBlue Airways Corporation 2011 Incentive Compensation Plan form of Performance Share Unit Award Agreement—incorporated 
by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 12, 2013.
JetBlue Airways Corporation 2011 Incentive Compensation Plan forms of amended award agreement—incorporated by reference 
to Exhibit 10.31(d) to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Form of Performance Share Unit Award Agreement as amended—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report 
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014.
Amended and Restated JetBlue Airways Corporation 2011 Incentive Compensation Plan form of Restricted Stock Unit Award 
Agreement—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2(a) to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2015.
Amended and Restated JetBlue Airways Corporation 2011 Incentive Compensation Plan form of Deferred Stock Unit Award 
Agreement—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2(b) to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2015.
Amended and Restated JetBlue Airways Corporation 2011 Incentive Compensation Plan form of Performance Share Unit 
Agreement (2015)—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2(c) to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 
June 30, 2015.
JetBlue Airways Corporation 2011 Amendment and Restatement form of Performance Share Unit Award Agreement—incorporated 
by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 12, 2013.
Form of Performance Share Unit Award Agreement as amended—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1(a) to our Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017.
Airbus A320 Family Purchase Agreement, dated October 19, 2011, between Airbus S.A.S. and JetBlue Airways Corporation, 
including Letter Agreements 1-8, each dated as of same date—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to our Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.
Letter Agreement 9 to Airbus A320 Family Purchase Agreement, dated December 19, 2012, between Airbus S.A.S. and JetBlue 
Airways Corporation—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33(a) to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended 
December 31, 2012.
Amendment No. 1 to Airbus A320 Family Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 25, 2013, between Airbus S.A.S. and JetBlue 
Airways Corporation, including Amended and Restated Letter Agreements 1, 2, 3 and 6, each dated as of the same date—
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33(b) to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Amendment No. 2 to Airbus A320 Family Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 19, 2014, between Airbus S.A.S. and 
JetBlue Airways Corporation, including Amended and Restated Letter Agreements 1 and 3, each dated as of the same date—
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33(c) to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
Amendment No. 3 to Airbus A320 Family Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 26, 2016, between Airbus S.A.S. and JetBlue 
Airways Corporation-incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 
September 30, 2016.
Amendment No. 4 to Airbus A320 Family Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 26, 2016, between Airbus S.A.S. and JetBlue 
Airways Corporation, including Amended and Restated Letter Agreements 1, 2, 3 and 6 and Letter Agreement 9, each dated as of 
the same date-incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 
30, 2016.
Amendment No. 5 to Airbus A320 Family Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 9, 2016, between Airbus S.A.S. and JetBlue 
Airways Corporation-incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 
September 30, 2016.

71

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART IV  

10.33(g)**

10.33(h)**

10.33(i)**

10.33(j)**

10.33(k)**

10.33(l)***

10.34**

10.34(a)**

10.35*

10.36

10.37

10.37(a)

10.38**

10.38(a)**

10.39*

10.41*

10.41(a)*

10.44*

10.45**

Amendment No. 6 to Airbus A320 Family Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 11, 2017, between Airbus S.A.S. and JetBlue 
Airways Corporation-incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 
June 30, 2017.
Amendment No. 7 to Airbus A320 Family Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 25, 2017, between Airbus S.A.S. and JetBlue 
Airways Corporation-incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 
June 30, 2017.
Amendment No. 8 to Airbus A320 Family Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 19, 2017, between Airbus S.A.S. and 
JetBlue Airways Corporation-incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33(i) to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended 
December 31, 2017.
Amendment No. 9 to Airbus A320 Family Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 30, 2018, between Airbus S.A.S. and JetBlue 
Airways Corporation-incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 
31, 2018.
Amendment No. 10 to Airbus A320 Family Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 7, 2018, between Airbus S.A.S. and JetBlue 
Airways Corporation-incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 
September 30, 2018.
Amendment No. 11 to Airbus A320 Family Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 7, 2018, between Airbus S.A.S. and JetBlue 
Airways Corporation.
Letter Agreement dated as of July 23, 2015 between Airbus S.A.S. and JetBlue Airways Corporation—incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2015.
Letter Agreement dated as of April 11, 2016 between Airbus S.A.S. and JetBlue Airways Corporation-incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2016.
Amended and Restated JetBlue Airways Corporation 2011 Crewmember Stock Purchase Plan—incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2015.
Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of April 6, 2017 among JetBlue Airways Corporation, as 
Borrower, the Subsidiaries of JetBlue party thereto from time to time, as guarantors, the Lenders party thereto from time to time, 
and Citibank, N.A., as Administrative Agent—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for 
the quarter ended June 30, 2017.
Slot and Gate Security Agreement dated as of April 23, 2013 between JetBlue Airways Corporation, as Grantor, and Citibank, N.A., 
as Administrative Agent—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 
June 30, 2013.
Security Agreement Ratification, dated as of April 6, 2017 between JetBlue Airways Corporation, as Borrower, and Citibank, N.A., 
as Administrative Agent—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 
June 30, 2017.
Engine Services Agreement between JetBlue Airways Corporation and GE Engine Services, LLC, dated as of May 1, 2013—
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013.
Amendment No. 1 to Engine Services Agreement between JetBlue Airways Corporation and GE Engine Services, LLC, dated 
as of December 23, 2014—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.38(a) to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended 
December 31, 2014.
JetBlue Airways Corporation Retirement Plan, amended and restated effective as of January 1, 2013—incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 10.39 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Employment Agreement, dated February 12, 2015, between JetBlue Airways Corporation and Robin Hayes—incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.41 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
Amendment No. 1 to the Employment Agreement, dated February 16, 2017, between JetBlue Airways Corporation and Robin 
Hayes—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.41(a) to our current report on Form 8-K filed on February 22, 2017.
Separation Agreement dated May 17, 2018 by and between James Hnat and JetBlue Airways Corporation—incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 18, 2018.
Amended and Restated PW100G-JM Engine Purchase and Support Agreement by and between International Aero Engines, LLC 
and JetBlue Airways Corporation, dated as of March 30, 2018—incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Quarterly Report 
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2018.
List of Subsidiaries.
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the Chief Executive Officer.
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer.
Section 1350 Certifications, furnished herewith.
XBRL Instance Document
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

21.1
23
31.1
31.2
32
101.INS
101.SCH
101.DEF
101.CAL
101.LAB
101.PRE
* 
**  Pursuant to a Confidential Treatment Request under Rule 24b-2 filed with and approved by the SEC, portions of this exhibit have been omitted.
***  Pursuant to 17 CFR 240.24b-2, confidential information has been omitted and has been provided separately to the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a Confidential 

Compensatory plans in which the directors and executive officers of JetBlue participate.

Treatment Request filed with the Commission.

72

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART IV  

Financial Statement Schedule

JetBlue Airways Corporation

Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

(in millions)
Year Ended December 31, 2018

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets
Allowance for obsolete inventory parts
Allowance for doubtful accounts

TOTAL

Year Ended December 31, 2017

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets
Allowance for obsolete inventory parts
Allowance for doubtful accounts

TOTAL

Year Ended December 31, 2016

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets
Allowance for obsolete inventory parts
Allowance for doubtful accounts

TOTAL
Inventory scrapped.

(1) 
(2)  Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries.

Balance at
beginning of 
period

Additions 
Charged to
Costs and 
Expenses

Deductions

Balance at end  
of period

$

$

$

$

$

$

1

14
1
16

—

12
5
17

—
10
6
16

$

$

$

20

4
2
26

1

2
—
3

—
2
—
2

$

$

$

—
—(1)
2(2)
2

—
—(1)
4(2)
4

—
—(1)
1(2)
1

21

18
1
40

1

14
1
16

—
12
5
17

73

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART IV

PART IV  

EXHIBIT 21.1  Jetblue Airways Corporation, List of Subsidiaries, As of December 31, 2018

BlueBermuda Insurance, LTD (Bermuda corporation)

JetBlue Technology Ventures, L.L.C. (Delaware corporation)

JBTP, LLC (Delaware corporation)

74

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART IV  

EXHIBIT 23 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements:

(1)  Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-86444) pertaining to the JetBlue Airways Corporation 2002 Stock Incentive Plan and the JetBlue 

Airways Corporation Crewmember Stock Purchase Plan,

(2)  Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-129238) pertaining to the JetBlue Airways Corporation 2002 Stock Incentive Plan and the JetBlue 

Airways Corporation Crewmember Stock Purchase Plan,

(3)  Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-161565) pertaining to the JetBlue Airways Corporation 2002 Stock Incentive Plan and the JetBlue 

Airways Corporation Crewmember Stock Purchase Plan,

(4)  Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-174947) pertaining to the JetBlue Airways Corporation 2011 Incentive Compensation Plan and the 

JetBlue Airways Corporation 2011 Crewmember Stock Purchase Plan,

(5)  Registration Statement (Form S-3 ASR No. 333-202143) of JetBlue Airways Corporation; and

(6)  Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-207242) pertaining to the JetBlue Airways Corporation 2011 Incentive Compensation Plan and the 

JetBlue Airways Corporation 2011 Crewmember Stock Purchase Plan

of our reports dated February 20, 2019, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of JetBlue Airways Corporation, the effectiveness of internal 
control over financial reporting of JetBlue Airways Corporation and the financial statement schedule of JetBlue Airways Corporation listed in Item 15(2) 
included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) of JetBlue Airways Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2018.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

New York, New York

February 20, 2019

75

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART IV  

EXHIBIT 31.1  Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the Chief Executive Officer

I, Robin Hayes, certify that:

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of JetBlue Airways Corporation; 

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make 
the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered 
by this report; 

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the 
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in 
Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) 
for the registrant and have: 

a)  designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, 
to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within 
those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)  designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our 
supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for 
external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) 

evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the 
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)  disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent 
fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially 
affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. 

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the 
registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): 

a) 

b) 

all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably 
likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control 
over financial reporting.

Date: February 20, 2019

By: /s/ ROBIN HAYES

Chief Executive Officer

76

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART IV  

EXHIBIT 31.2  Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer

I, Steve Priest, certify that:

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of JetBlue Airways Corporation; 

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make 
the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered 
by this report; 

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the 
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in 
Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) 
for the registrant and have: 

a)  designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, 
to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within 
those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)  designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our 
supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for 
external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) 

evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the 
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)  disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent 
fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially 
affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. 

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the 
registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): 

a) 

b) 

all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably 
likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control 
over financial reporting.

Date: February 20, 2019

By: /s/ STEVE PRIEST

Chief Financial Officer

77

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION - 2018 Annual ReportPART IV  

EXHIBIT 32 

Section 1350 Certifications

In connection with the Annual Report of JetBlue Airways Corporation on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, as filed with the Securities 
and Exchange Commission on February 20, 2019 (the “Report”), the undersigned, in the capacities and on the dates indicated below, each hereby 
certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that the Report fully complies 
with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d)) and the information contained in the 
Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of JetBlue Airways Corporation.

Date: February 20, 2019

Date: February 20, 2019

By: /s/ ROBIN HAYES

Chief Executive Officer

By: /s/ STEVE PRIEST

Chief Financial Officer

78

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