Sigh...
With almost 1200hrs of flying this aircraft type under my belt, I can tell you that the Embraer is going to be a success for jetBlue.
The issues that JB has already began to get a grip on stem directly from the fact that it a new aircraft for both the flight and mnx crews.
There are certain things about the E-170/190 that you need to do/not do (just like every other aircraft out there). Obviously over time, operational personnel will gain an ability to naviagate around potential snafus that comes with experience in a given fleet type
No pilot has strapped into, or Mechanic turned a wrench upon an aircraft for the first time, knowing everything there is about that plane. Sure, you are trained and tested, safe and professional, but the fact is that it takes a little time to learn the specific tricks and tips to getting the most out of your bird.
Fact is that the E-170 IS reliable for the operators that have been operating the aircraft for sometime. Same plane as the E-190, just more familiarity. Give jetBlue time, and you will see the same results.
But the fact is, many of you on here are scared that might just happen.
Scared because it represents a competitive challenge to your own airline system. One that is straddled with the uncomfortable and less capable CRJ/ERJ's in many of the markets that jetBlue will operate these aircraft.
Face it, the battle of the future in our industry will not center merely upon cost, but revenue production. And this fleet type wil enable jetBlue to move into many new markets that the A320 is just too much plane for, but can produce a healthy return with the E-190.
The battle in our domestic industry, will be for the business traveller, who seeks reliable and comfortable coach travel at a resonable price + with decent connectivity to the destinations he/she wants to travel.
Add 50+ E-190's to the jetBlue fleet, and the cities they will serve, and you can see why the Embraer is key to the future success of the airline.
Ask yourself if a jetBlue E-190 vs a CRJ is even a fair fight, and then you can see why there are so many cheerleaders rooting for the JB E-190's to fail...
Fly Safe