JetBlue passengers have reason to celebrate—perhaps with a touch of nostalgia. The airline has officially retired its smallest and oldest fleet of aircraft.
On Tuesday, a brief flight from New York to Boston marked the retirement of the Embraer 190, a 100-seat regional jet that has been a cornerstone of JetBlue’s East Coast operations for the past 20 years.
This marks the first aircraft JetBlue has entirely phased out in its 25-year history.
It was a trip down memory lane for many. Passengers experienced a nostalgic throwback to the 2000s, complete with legacy screens at every seat. During the retirement flight, one could almost hear the familiar ESPN theme music that resonated through JetBlue flights in the late 2000s.
However, in 2025, the E190’s cabin no longer captured the “cheap chic” essence that characterized JetBlue’s fast rise in the industry—or the modern look of its latest aircraft.
Two Decades of Service for JetBlue’s Smallest Aircraft
JetBlue commenced E190 operations 20 years ago, becoming the first airline to introduce the Brazilian manufacturer’s new jet, which provided perhaps the best economy experience on a regional aircraft in the U.S.
The E190 also became central to JetBlue’s route network.
Over the last six years, JetBlue has conducted over 120,000 flights with the E190, even as it introduced newer aircraft featuring touchscreens and lie-flat seating.
Last year, JetBlue announced that summer 2025 would be the conclusion of the E190’s tenure.
Tuesday marked that official farewell, accompanied by a heartfelt gesture.
Crew members from both the flight deck and cabin signed a commemorative banner, celebrating an aircraft that has transported millions over the years, particularly at JetBlue’s Boston Logan International Airport hub, where it played a key role in expanding the airline’s destinations.
“The E190 was critical for our growth, allowing us to explore new destinations,” JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty stated in New York on Tuesday. “It truly defined our presence in Boston.”
The Final Flight of JetBlue’s E190
This final flight to Boston was fitting, filled with JetBlue officials for the memorable Flight 190 from John F. Kennedy International Airport.
“A very special flight,” remarked Chief Operating Officer Capt. Warren Christie, who piloted the retirement flight and celebrated the end of his own flying career.
While Flight B6 190 prompted fond memories, it also highlighted why JetBlue is moving away from this aircraft—aging entertainment systems, outdated seating, and malfunctioning onboard Wi-Fi.
The overhead bins were also insufficient for modern travelers’ bags. “We’re expecting quite a few gate-checks,” one agent remarked, mixing excitement and nostalgia.
Nevertheless, it was a historic occasion, underscored by commemorative tokens found at each seat. Passengers celebrated with applause at both takeoff and landing, which occurred after a brief flight in beautiful weather.
Upon arrival, JetBlue staff and several passengers, including me, could step outside the aircraft to sign the fuselage commemorating its service.
Nearby, a JetBlue Airbus A220, the more modern and efficient 140-seat aircraft meant to succeed the E190, awaited.
“The A220 offers a significantly enhanced passenger experience compared to the 190,” JetBlue President Marty St. George noted Tuesday. “While the 190 wasn’t bad, we’ve transitioned from good to exceptional. Our customers will greatly benefit.”
JetBlue plans to supplement the A220 with its larger A320 and A321 variants, including long-haul models equipped with the latest Mint Suites.
Aircraft lacking Mint today will soon be fitted with new domestic first-class recliners starting in 2026.
This particular E190 is set to head to Arizona on Wednesday.
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