JetBlue outlines strategy to appease investors, but still offer customers a differentiated product

After defending its business model from the onslaught of analysts for the better part of a year, JetBlue has outlined a clear cut plan to shore up revenue and keep its units cost growth at roughly 2% or lower beginning in CY2015.

In a nod to persistent prodding by investors to densify its aircraft, JetBlue plans to add 15 seats to to 130 Airbus A320 narrowbodies beginning in CY2016 while deferring some narrowbody deliveries to pare down its capital expenditure commitments.

JetBlue is placing itself in a sensitive position - looking for ways to appease shareholders while preserving its image as one of the more customer friendly airlines. It is turning out to be a tough, but seemingly inevitable predicament for the airline. But that is only normal for any business seeking to buck the ternd.