SYRACUSE, N.Y., July 21, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- JetBlue Airways (Nasdaq:JBLU) today celebrates the launch of daily nonstop service between Syracuse Hancock International Airport and Orlando International Airport. This is the only nonstop service offered by any airline from Syracuse to any Florida destination. Orlando becomes the airline's second nonstop destination from Syracuse, with regular fares for the new flights ranging from $99(a) to $299(a) each way. JetBlue crewmembers will celebrate the new service, which began yesterday, at an airport event this afternoon with U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer, Syracuse Mayor Matthew Driscoll and airport officials.
The new service to Orlando complements JetBlue's current three daily flights from Syracuse to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport. Starting November 1, JetBlue will add a fourth daily nonstop flight to New York's JFK.
"JetBlue brought low fares to Central New York in 2001, and we continue to add new service for our customers in the region," said JetBlue's CEO and Founder David Neeleman. "We've seen how additional service supports the economy, and we look forward to welcoming customers on these new flights."
"This is just what the doctor ordered," said U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer. "Central New York is one of JetBlue's strongest markets, and with a new flight to JFK and a new route to Orlando, it's only going to get better. When I first brought JetBlue to Syracuse I knew it was a match made in heaven, and now we know this marriage is stronger than ever."
"This is very exciting for the City of Syracuse and the Central New York community," said Syracuse Mayor Matthew Driscoll. "Orlando has continued to be our number one leisure destination and JetBlue continues to be our partner in the Syracuse air service initiative. We look forward to the addition of JetBlue's fourth flight to NYC this November, and to continued discussions and future initiatives."
"We're eager for additional low cost JetBlue flights into and out of Central New York," said Rep. Jim Walsh (NY-25). "JetBlue's inaugural non-stop service to Orlando today makes smart business sense and is good news for area air travelers who have made the city their number one leisure destination out of Syracuse."
"With the launch of this new service, Syracuse becomes an even more important market for the fastest growing airline in the nation," said Irwin L. Davis, President and CEO, Metropolitan Development Association of Syracuse and Central New York. "Other than their hubs in New York and Boston, Syracuse is the first city in the northeast that JetBlue has chosen for nonstop service to Orlando."
JetBlue operates the new service between Syracuse and Orlando with Airbus A320 aircraft. The additional flight between Syracuse and New York/JFK, effective November 1, will operate with EMBRAER 190 aircraft. Both aircraft offer the low-fare airline's signature 36 channels of DIRECTV(r) programming (b), the most live television of any airline, extra legroom and all-leather seats.
Members of JetBlue's TrueBlue Flight Gratitude program will earn four points for every nonstop flight to Orlando, with double points awarded for purchasing travel online at www.jetblue.com. In addition to nonstop service to Orlando and New York's JFK, JetBlue customers in Syracuse have access to 39 destinations via convenient connecting service at JFK, including some of JetBlue's newest destinations of Nashville, TN (service starts August 31); Houston, TX (service starts September 7); Aruba (service starts September 15); Sarasota, FL (service starts September 21); Tucson, AZ (service starts September 28); and Columbus, OH (service starts October 3).
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 41 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(r) coffee, and delicious wines selected by the airline's Low Fare Sommelier, Josh Wesson from Best Cellars(r). On overnight flights from the West, the airline now offers Shut-Eye Service(tm), 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. Aruba fares also do not include government fees and taxes of up to $63.25 each way. A segment is a takeoff and landing. JetBlue reserves the right to deny boarding to passengers without proper documentation. Other restrictions apply. JetBlue service to Aruba is subject to receipt of government operating authority.
(b) DIRECTV(r) service is not available on flights outside the continental United States; however, where applicable FOX InFlight(tm) is offered complimentary on these routes. FOX InFlight(tm) 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.