JetBlue Airways plans to expand service to Europe from the East Coast of the U.S., the low-cost airline said Thursday.

The New York-based carrier said it will swap 13 of its existing Airbus orders in favor of the newly unveiled A321XLR, the manufacturer's longest-range narrow-body jet, to link Boston and New York with a host of European cities as the carrier prepares to take on rivals that dominate trans-Atlantic air travel.

JetBlue in April announced its first service to Europe with flights to London from both New York and Boston that would start in 2021.

JetBlue executives have said they plan to market the airline's premium Mint cabin that features lie-flat seats, better food and amenities kits, to entice high-paying corporate business travelers away from entrenched rivals. The airline is planning to launch a new version of Mint and its coach class for trans-Atlantic routes.

Large airlines like Delta, American, United and their European partners currently control most of the trans-Atlantic market. More than three-quarters of trans-Atlantic service last year was operated by airlines in the largest alliances among carriers, according to consulting firm ICF.

The new Airbus plane would allow JetBlue to service cities in north, south and central Europe, it said.