JetBlue Airways leverages its network to build pockets of strength, shielded from competition

JetBlue Airways' investments in non-hub markets such as Boston and Fort Lauderdale appear to be paying off as the airline exhibited one of the best passenger unit revenue performances among US airlines during 1Q2015.

The company's new premium product Mint deployed in New York transcontinental markets also lifted its unit revenue performance, and now JetBlue appears to be actively seeking new markets for Mint, reiterating previous statements that a deployment from Boston could be in the offing.

Presently, JetBlue has the good fortune of having its pockets of strength free from disruptive competitive capacity, with the exception of New York transcon markets, where it is responsible for much of the industry supply growth. But overall JetBlue's network moves during the last few years are for the moment delivering solid benefits for the airline.