The new US start-up low-cost carrier promoted by David Neeleman would be targeting secondary cities and offer a mix of short- and medium-haul services onboard its A220-300s, Neeleman told Bloomberg.
Tentatively, the airline plans to avoid major hubs and is also considering international destinations. The main base has not been selected yet.
Neeleman said that the carrier, tentatively named Moxy Airways (Salt Lake City), would focus on technology to improve its product.
"JetBlue Airways (B6, New York JFK) was a customer service company that just happened to fly airplanes. Moxy will take that a little bit further. It will be a technology company that just happens to fly airplanes," Neeleman said, referring to jetBlue, which he also founded.
Neeleman clarified that he expected to finalise the order for Pratt & Whitney engines for its sixty A220-300s in the coming weeks. The new airline would then apply for all necessary permits in 2019, but would only commence flights in 2021, when the first of the Airbus narrowbodies are due to deliver.
The name Moxy would also be changed as it is currently copyrighted to Marriott International and used for one of its hotel chains.
Neeleman added that the LCC would offer "some" internet access for free and have more legroom than competitors. App-based and personalised sales would play a large role for the start-up, the founder added.
Besides jetBlue and Moxy, Neeleman was or is also involved in Morris Air, TAP Air Portugal, Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras, and WestJet.
