JetBlue to Beef Up Southland Service

JetBlue Airways, moving to protect its unused flight slots at Long Beach Airport from rivals, said Tuesday that it plans to launch service from Long Beach to Oakland, Las Vegas and Salt Lake City.

The action also intensifies airline competition in the West, with young discount carrier JetBlue pushing into markets where Southwest Airlines, America West and Delta Air Lines are established. But the added competition could be a boon to consumers by keeping downward pressure on fares. JetBlue said one-way fares for most of its new Long Beach routes would be less than $100.

JetBlue, which already flies from Long Beach to its home at New York’s Kennedy International Airport and to Washington, said it will start the Long Beach-Oakland service Sept. 6 with nine flights a day. On Oct. 10, JetBlue will begin Long Beach-Las Vegas service with six flights a day, along with one flight to Salt Lake City. It also will add a fifth daily flight to Kennedy.

The capacity for commercial jets at Long Beach Airport is limited to 41 slots because of local noise rules. JetBlue, which has made Long Beach its West Coast base, acquired the remaining 27 slots available last year when the facility had plenty of empty space.

But now American Airlines, a unit of AMR Corp., wants four more permanent slots at Long Beach. Its request has been denied because all the slots are taken, and American is threatening legal action. Alaska Airlines, a unit of Alaska Air Group Inc., also wants three more slots for new service to Seattle that it plans later this year.

JetBlue hadn’t planned to use its remaining empty slots until next year. But as the other carriers petitioned for more space, JetBlue moved up its plans for the new routes to this fall. By October, JetBlue will be using 23 of its 27 slots.

American on Tuesday appealed the decision of Long Beach Airport Director Chris Kunze to City Manager Henry Taboada, who said he has 15 days to issue a decision.

American, the nation’s largest airline, contends that the airport is legally bound to accommodate American’s needs, even if it means adding flights to the 41 allowed.

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Times staff writer Jennifer Oldham contributed to this report.