JetBlue Connects Connecticut to the Caribbean with Nonstop Service to San Juan, Puerto Rico

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HARTFORD, Conn. and SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, June 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- JetBlue Airways (Nasdaq: JBLU) today is pleased to announce plans to add a nonstop daily flight between Hartford's Bradley International Airport (BDL) and San Juan's Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU), effective January 2012.  San Juan will be JetBlue's third nonstop destination offered from Bradley, New England's second-largest airport, in addition to its twice daily service to both Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, Fla.  

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"With almost 250 weekly departures this summer and counting, JetBlue is already the Commonwealth's largest carrier," said Dave Clark, director of network planning for JetBlue Airways. "Thanks to the support we have received from both Puerto Rican and Connecticut travelers, JetBlue is able to add more options and destinations to the places our customers want to go.  We look forward to expanding our network in both cities, and earning each new loyal customer one flight at a time."

"The Strategic Model for the New Economy of Puerto Rico recognizes the development of our air access as a strategic priority. We depend on our air access and thanks to partner airlines like JetBlue we have been able to develop and improve strategic routes for tourism and commerce development, and for the enjoyment of our residents. Puerto Rico has as a strategic goal to improve its position as a Caribbean hub, and JetBlue is partnering with Puerto Rico to achieve this and improve our connectivity with our sister islands like St. Maarten and the United States Virgin Islands, as well as to the continental United States," said Jose Ramon Perez Riera, Secretary of Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development and Commerce.

"JetBlue has maintained a great working relationship with Puerto Rico, which is evidenced by the significant growth levels that they have maintained in our market. This new route adds more seat capacity to Puerto Rico from one of our main tourism and visiting friends and relatives markets," added Jaime Lopez, Chief Development Officer of the Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development and Commerce.

"JetBlue has quickly become a key player in the Connecticut market and I commend them for their investment in Bradley International Airport and the people we serve," said Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy. "Our state has special ties to Puerto Rico, so this is very welcome news. We have built a solid partnership with JetBlue and today's announcement strengthens that bond. When we expand travel options for our customers, everyone benefits -- and the region's economy improves." 

In addition to this new nonstop service to San Juan, Hartford customers can also conveniently connect to other destinations in the Caribbean and Latin America via Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, including Aguadilla and Ponce, Puerto Rico; Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; Bogota, Colombia; and Cancun, Mexico.

JetBlue has grown 38 percent over the last year in Puerto Rico, and now offers more seats and more capacity (available seat miles) to and from the Commonwealth than any other airline. In Puerto Rico, JetBlue currently serves seven non-stop destinations from San Juan including: Boston; New York (JFK); Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, Jacksonville and Tampa, Fla.; and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic as well as service to New York and Orlando from Aguadilla and Ponce. Starting Nov. 17, 2011, the carrier will add nonstop flights from San Juan to St. Maarten.  Twice-daily flights to St. Thomas and a daily flight to St. Croix from San Juan begin December 15, 2011.

Customers connecting through San Juan from select destinations can also connect seamlessly on JetBlue's partner airline Cape Air to Vieques, Mayaguez, Tortola, and Anguilla.

JetBlue's flights between San Juan and Hartford will be operated with its comfortable Airbus A320 fleet and award-winning service featuring convenient, assigned seating; a first-checked bag free (a); complimentary and unlimited name brand snacks and drinks; comfy leather seats; and more legroom than any other carrier in coach (b).

About JetBlue Airways

JetBlue Airways, the #1 airline in Puerto Rico, has created a new airline category based on value, service and style. Known for its award-winning service and free TV as much as its low fares, JetBlue offers the most legroom in coach of any U.S. airline (based on average fleet-wide seat pitch) and super-spacious Even More Legroom seats. JetBlue is also America's first and only airline to offer its own Customer Bill of Rights, with meaningful and specific compensation for customers inconvenienced by service disruptions within JetBlue's control. Visit www.jetblue.com/promise for details. JetBlue serves 66 cities with 700 daily flights. Later this year, JetBlue plans to introduce service to St. Thomas and St. Croix, in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and La Romana, Dominican Republic, subject to government approval. With JetBlue, all seats are assigned, all fares are one-way, and an overnight stay is never required. For information or reservations call 1-800-JET-BLUE (1-800-538-2583), TTY/TDD 1-800-336-5530, 1-801-365-2583, or visit www.jetblue.com.

(a) Baggage weight and size limits apply.

(b) JetBlue offers the most legroom in coach, based on average fleet-wide seat pitch for U.S. airlines.

SOURCE JetBlue Airways