Why doesn't jetBlue have non-stop service to Hawaii from Long Beach Airport?

Question

When Aloha Airlines and American Trans Air went out of service, Hawaiian Airlines along with many other airlines that served hawaii skyrocketed their prices up, due to the fact that they have two less competitors for non-stop service from the Orange/Los Angeles counties. If jetBlue started non-stop service to Honolulu for example, the prices of all the tickets to hawaii would drop dramatically. Not only would it bring in jetBlue more revenue, but with jetBlue's personal TVs on each seat back, many future travelers would choose jetBlue over Hawaiian airlines. jetBlue's A320s have a range of 3,567 miles. Aloha's 737-700s had a 3,872 mile range. So jetBlue's A320s have plenty of fuel capacity to make it to Honolulu. My main question is, Why doesn't jetBlue have non-stop service to Hawaii?! It would benefit jetBlue, along with many future travelers to Hawaii.

Answer 1

It has to be approved by the government. It's possible they already applied and was denied permission to create this new route. That's why lucrative airline routes can be sold for so much money.

Answer 2

Long Beach is slot restricted so JetBlue can only operate a certain number of flights.  Also right now with the economy down and fuel prices up, it may not be profitable for JetBlue to fly between California and Hawaii.  JetBlue like many carriers have cut flights especially transcontinental ones.  Currently a number of airlines such as United, Delta, Continental, and American fly from LAX to Honolulu and Maui so competition-wise, it may not be a good idea for JetBlue.