JetBlue Airways today said it plans to defer delivery of 16 Embraer E-190 aircraft scheduled for delivery from 2012-2016 to 2017-2018.

Carrier chief executive Dave Barger detailed the change today in a earnings calls with analysts to discuss JetBlue's 2009 full year and fourth quarter profits.

At the same time Barger says JetBlue plans to accelerate deliveries of four E-190s originally planned for 2012 to 2010. JetBlue says it has financing in place for all of the E-190s scheduled for delivery in 2010.

JetBlue's management explains that the deferrals allow the carrier to smooth out deliveries to 2018 and decrease financing commitments.

The changes will result in JetBlue operating 155 aircraft by year-end.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news