NEW YORK, June 30, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- JetBlue Airways (Nasdaq:JBLU) today begins service from Pittsburgh, PA, its 39th destination, with four daily nonstop flights to the low-fare airline's hometown New York (John F. Kennedy International Airport) and two daily nonstop flights to Boston. JetBlue's fares between Pittsburgh and New York/JFK range between $69(a) and $159(a) each way, up to 84% lower than pre-JetBlue fares. Fares between Pittsburgh and Boston range from $79(a) to $169(a), up to 83% lower than pre-JetBlue fares.
"Pittsburgh International Airport is consistently ranked among the best in service and amenities by customers traveling on business as well as pleasure," said David Neeleman, founder and CEO of JetBlue Airways. "JetBlue is pleased to extend that experience to the flight, coupled with our award-winning service, low fares and more live entertainment on board than any other airline."
JetBlue now serves Pittsburgh with its EMBRAER 190 aircraft, with 100 comfy all-leather seats and the low-fare airline's signature 36 channels of DIRECTV(r) programming (b) and more than 100 channels of XM Satellite Radio(r) -- the most live entertainment of any airline. Members of JetBlue's TrueBlue Flight Gratitude program will earn two points for every nonstop flight to New York or Boston, with double points awarded for purchasing travel online at www.jetblue.com. In addition to nonstop service to New York/JFK and Boston, JetBlue customers in Pittsburgh will have connecting service to 39 other JetBlue destinations, including Houston Hobby Airport (service begins September 7); Nashville, TN (service begins August 31); Sarasota, FL (service begins September 21); and Tucson, AZ (service begins September 28).
"Ensuring the long-term success of Pittsburgh International Airport has been one of the top priorities of my administration. Working with the Allegheny County Airport Authority and the Regional Air Service Partnership, we have brought new low cost carriers, new jobs and new business developments to the Airport," said Dan Onorato, Allegheny County Chief Executive. "Today, I am thrilled to add to our list of successes by announcing the start of JetBlue flight service at Pittsburgh International Airport. This is another significant step forward for our Airport and our region."
"We have been working closely with JetBlue to encourage this new service. This new service will open up competition to two of Pittsburgh's most important business destinations, Boston and New York City. These additional flights will help to keep Pittsburgh International Airport competitive and continue to provide air travelers with better choices at better prices. We call on the region's business and leisure travelers to take advantage of this lower cost fare structure and help the airline to grow its network from Pittsburgh," said Glenn R. Mahone, Chairman, Allegheny County Airport Authority.
JetBlue's Schedule
Fares to New York range from $69(a) to $159(a)
New York (JFK) to Pittsburgh, PA (PIT) to Pittsburgh, PA (PIT) New York (JFK) Depart - Arrive Depart - Arrive 8:15am - 10:00am 6:00am - 7:30am (eff. 7/1) 12:25pm - 2:05pm 10:35am - 12:10pm 5:10pm - 6:50pm 3:40pm - 5:15pm 8:30pm - 10:10pm 7:25pm - 9:00pm
Fares to Boston range from $79(a) to $169(a)
Boston (BOS) to Pittsburgh, PA (PIT) to Pittsburgh, PA (PIT) Boston (BOS) Depart - Arrive Depart - Arrive 1:15pm - 3:05pm 7:30am - 9:05am (eff. 7/1) 7:30pm - 9:20pm 2:45pm - 4:20pm
In the six years since its launch, JetBlue Airways has focused on creating a new airline category -- an airline that offers value, service and style. Based out of New York City, the low-cost carrier currently serves 39 destinations with more than 440 flights daily. Onboard JetBlue, customers enjoy roomy leather seats and 36 channels of free DIRECTV(r) programming (b), the most live TV available on any airline. On flights longer than two hours, a selection of first-run movies and bonus features from FOX InFlight(tm) is also available. JetBlue offers customers generous brand name snacks and beverages, including freshly brewed Dunkin' Donuts coffee, and delicious wines selected by the airline's Low Fare Sommelier, Josh Wesson from Best Cellars. On overnight flights from the West, the airline now offers Shut-Eye Service, with a Shut-Eye Kit(tm) designed exclusively for JetBlue by Bliss Spa and other special amenities including a "good morning" hot towel service. With JetBlue, all seats are assigned, all travel is ticketless, all fares are one-way, and an overnight stay is never required. For information or reservations call 1-800-JETBLUE (1-800-538-2583) or visit www.jetblue.com.
(a) All fares are subject to change without notice and may require up to a 14-day advance purchase. Lowest fares may not be available on all days or on all flights, and are most often found on midweek travel dates. All fares must be purchased at time of reservation, and are one-way, nonrefundable, and nontransferable. Cancellations and changes can be made prior to scheduled departure for $30 at 1-800-JETBLUE (or, in the case of changes, at jetblue.com) with applicable fare adjustment. Cancellations are for a JetBlue travel credit only, which is valid for one year. If travel is not used, and the reservation is not changed or canceled prior to scheduled departure, all money associated with the reservation is forfeited. Fares do not include Passenger Facility Charges of up to $9 each way, September 11th Security Fees of up to $5 each way and a Federal Segment Tax of $3.30 per domestic segment. A segment is a takeoff and landing. JetBlue reserves the right to deny boarding to passengers without proper documentation. Other restrictions apply.
(b) DIRECTV(r) service is not available on flights outside the continental United States; however, where applicable FOX InFlight is offered complimentary on these routes. FOX InFlight is a trademark of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. JetBlue's in-flight entertainment is powered by LiveTV, a wholly owned subsidiary of JetBlue.
The JetBlue logo is available at http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=795
This press release contains statements of a forward-looking nature which represent our management's beliefs and assumptions concerning future events. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions, and are based on information currently available to us. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in the forward looking statements due to many factors, including, without limitation, our extremely competitive industry; increases in fuel prices, maintenance costs and interest rates; our ability to implement our growth strategy, including the integration of the EMBRAER 190 aircraft into our operations; our significant fixed obligations; our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel and maintain our culture as we grow; our reliance on high daily aircraft utilization; our dependence on the New York metropolitan market; our reliance on automated systems and technology; our reliance on a limited number of suppliers; changes in or additional government regulation; changes in our industry due to other airlines' financial condition; and external geopolitical events and conditions. Further information concerning these and other factors is contained in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including but not limited to, the Company's 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this release.