RALEIGH-DURHAM, N.C., July 20, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- JetBlue Airways (Nasdaq:JBLU) today begins new service from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to its home base at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport with four daily nonstop flights. Regular one-way fares between New York and Raleigh-Durham range between $84(a) and $199(a). In addition, the low-fare carrier today announces it will introduce one daily roundtrip flight between Raleigh-Durham Airport and Boston's Logan International Airport beginning October 18, with introductory fares of $74(a) each way. Regular one-way fares to Boston will range between $94(a) and $209(a), up to 70 percent lower than current market rates. Introductory fares, which are based on availability, must be purchased by August 3 with all travel completed by November 15.
"Our customers continue to ask for more destinations, and we're delivering," said David Neeleman, CEO and Founder of JetBlue. "As JetBlue grows, it makes sense for us to serve the Research Triangle area, one of the fastest growing communities in the country. And with Boston service from Raleigh-Durham Airport planned, we're already delivering on our promise to bring low-fare destinations to the region."
"We are very pleased to welcome JetBlue to RDU. The carrier offers a great product for our market -- roomy jets with high-tech amenities and competitive air fares. We are certain JetBlue will be successful and encourage them to grow their service here," said John Brantley, RDU Airport Director.
JetBlue will serve Raleigh-Durham Airport with its brand-new, 100-seat EMBRAER 190 aircraft, offering every customer comfy all-leather seats and the most live entertainment of any airline, with 36 channels of DIRECTV(r) programming (b) and more than 100 channels of XM Satellite Radio(r). 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 flying from Raleigh-Durham International Airport will have connecting service to 31 other JetBlue destinations, including the airline's newest planned service to Nashville, TN (service begins August 31); Houston Hobby Airport (service begins September 7); and Tucson, AZ (service begins September 28).
JetBlue's Schedule
Regular Fares to New York/JFK range from $84(a) and $199(a)
Raleigh-Durham, NC (RDU) New York (JFK) to New York (JFK) to Raleigh-Durham, NC (RDU) Depart -- Arrive Depart -- Arrive 6:10am -- 7:55am 8:30am -- 10:20am 10:55am -- 12:35pm 12:50pm -- 2:35pm 3:15pm -- 5:00pm 4:50pm -- 6:40pm 7:10pm -- 8:50pm 9:25pm -- 11:10pm
Regular Fares to Boston (service begins October 18) range from $94(a) to $209(a)
Raleigh-Durham, NC (RDU) Boston (BOS) to Boston (BOS) to Raleigh-Durham, NC (RDU) Depart -- Arrive Depart -- Arrive 5:05pm -- 6:55pm 2:30pm -- 4:30pm
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 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. The introductory sale fare between Boston, MA and Raleigh-Durham, NC must be purchased by August 3, 2006, 11:59 PM MDT and travel must be completed by November 15, 2006. 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.