On Thursday, February 22, it was revealed that JetBlue had offered their pilots compensation to take the month of April off. Per Josh Hjemvick on Twitter, the airline offered "no-fly but paid" incentives for April. This allows the pilots to get paid about two-thirds of their standard monthly compensation for not flying. Per Hjemvick, the airline offered this incentive to nearly 350 pilots.

Paying pilots not to fly
JetBlue has too many pilots for its proposed schedule during April. Because of this, the airline officially offered 350 pilots the ability to take the entire month off while still earning nearly two-thirds of their standard compensation. Per Hjemvick on Twitter, the airline is looking for over 200 Captains and nearly 100 First Officers to take the month of April off.
Earlier this year, the airline also offered voluntary buy-out packages to other employees. This includes offerings to both frontline employees and managers per the aviation watchdog JonNYC on Twitter. Per JonNYC, the airline is offering two weeks of pay per year of service, capped at 26 weeks, with additional health benefits. Managers were offered three weeks of pay per year of service, capped at 26 weeks, with additional medical benefits and a 2023 bonus.

JetBlue did not immediately respond for comment.

Recent ideas to spur company growth
Earlier this year, the airline's former Chief Executive Officer, Robin Hayes, released a company-wide message stating that bringing the airline back to profitability was its number one focus. In that message, Hayes also stated,

"One way or another, be assured: JetBlue has a bright future. If we need to move without Spirit, we will invigorate our standalone organic plan, continuing to fight for more market share and win customers from the big airlines - just as we have done for nearly 24 years."

Earlier this month, the airline began charging $10 for what it is now calling "Core Preferred" seats. These seats are generally considered the most popular seats on the aircraft. This includes the window and aisle seats near the front of economy class. Nothing is physically changing with the layout or structure of the seats. JetBlue will join United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines as United States-based carriers that charge for preferred seats and seat locations.

Additionally, it was revealed that JetBlue was increasing its checked baggage fees by $10. The new fees began on February 1. For a traveler purchasing their checked bag more than 24 hours before departing, the fee for their first standard-sized checked bag is $35, and the fee for their second standard-sized checked bag is $50.

The fee structure increases for customers purchasing their checked bags after check-in. The first checked bag costs $45, while the second checked bag costs $60. These recent fee additions and changes will likely ensure the company becomes profitable in the long term.