Big Carriers Call Out JetBlue

Things aren't getting any easier for JetBlue Airways (JBLU Quote).

The New York-based carrier, which is trying to broaden its focus beyond routes between the Northeast and Florida and flights across the U.S., is seeing its every move aggressively challenged by competitors.

On Monday, US Airways(LCC Quote) said it will dramatically increase service between Boston and Buffalo, N.Y., starting June 19. That's 11 days before JetBlue puts three daily roundtrip flights into the market.

US Airways will add four weekday flights, bringing its total to seven daily. Additionally, US Air will add two Sunday flights, taking the total to five.

Meanwhile, AMR (AMR Quote) unit American Airlines says it will cut fares between Bermuda and New York's Kennedy Airport to as low as $129 each way effective May 4, the day JetBlue begins flying the route.

In a statement, American noted that it has served Bermuda since 1975, and that it flew 511,100 passengers to and from the island between 2000 and 2005.

"We are grateful for our wonderful relationship with Bermuda and to the many loyal travelers who have chosen American to visit this unique location," said Chuck Imhof, American's managing director of greater New York.

JetBlue's competitors "are responding aggressively," said Helene Becker, airline analyst for Benchmark Capital. "JetBlue has said it [plans] $5 to $10 increases on their fares, and this doesn't make it any easier."

JetBlue isn't surprised by its competitors' responses, said spokesman Bryan Baldwin. "We've been flying over six years now, and we've seen competitive responses on every flight we've flown."

However, Baldwin noted that in order to maximize revenue, the airline is now focused on expanding into "markets that have been overpriced, where we're able to go in with lower fares that are still profitable."