JetBlue launches PR-USVI dailies

JetBlue will operate twice-daily flights between San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) and St. Thomas International Airport (STT) and once-daily flights between San Juan and St. Croix International Airport (STX).

The carrier’s network now boasts 70 destinations across the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean, including 11 destinations served nonstop from San Juan.

To celebrate, flights are on sale Monday through Dec. 31, 2011 at www.jetblue.com/new for as low as $39 for travel Jan. 5–Feb. 15, 2012.

“Since our inaugural service to the commonwealth nearly a decade ago, Puerto Ricans have consistently made JetBlue their carrier of choice,” said Scott Laurence, vice president of network planning. “It is thanks to their loyal support we’ve been able to maintain steady growth on the island, adding even more destinations for visitors and residents of Puerto Rico alike. We are pleased to add this newest service to the beautiful U.S. Virgin Islands.”

“We’ve worked diligently at the Department of Economic Development & Commerce (DDEC) to transform flight access to the region, and JetBlue’s new service is a direct result of this stratagem,” said DDEC Secretary José R. Pérez-Riera. “It’s key to Puerto Rico’s economic development that we have the support of a renowned airline like JetBlue, which continues to expand. The carrier’s growing presence is central for overall air traffic growth in Puerto Rico.”

“On behalf of the people and government of the U.S. Virgin Islands, we are delighted to welcome JetBlue to the territory,” said USVI Tourism Commissioner Beverly Nicholson-Doty. “The added capacity created by this new JetBlue service to both St. Croix and St. Thomas will allow us to maximize the inbound market from Puerto Rico, market to potential visitors connecting through San Juan and provide a new option for Virgin Islanders traveling to Puerto Rico and abroad,” she said.

“This additional airlift, estimated to bring over 70,000 passengers a year, strengthens Puerto Rico as the hub of the Caribbean region. The added service to both St. Croix and St. Thomas will allow us to maximize the market potential as the U.S. Virgin Islands are our top source of passengers from the Caribbean,” said Puerto Rico Tourism Co. Executive Director Mario González Lafuente. “It will be an economic boost to important inbound tourism segments such as corporate, leisure, medical, entertainment, groups and conventions among others.”