Fares Start at $59(a) each way
NEW YORK, Feb. 23, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- JetBlue Airways Corp. (Nasdaq:JBLU), New York's hometown airline, will offer the only low-fare, nonstop flights between New York and Portland, ME beginning May 23, with four daily nonstop flights. Fares will range between $59(a) and $129(a) each way, saving customers approximately 70% from today's high fares. Customers can save an additional $5 each way by purchasing online at www.jetblue.com.
"We can think of four Maine reasons customers will want to try our new Portland service," said David Neeleman, JetBlue's Chairman and CEO. "First, our low fares; second, the great JetBlue experience our customers have come to expect; third, it's the only nonstop service between JFK and Portland; and fourth, Portland customers now have new low-fare connecting service to 30 other JetBlue destinations."
"JetBlue's news is great news for Maine," said Governor John E. Baldacci. "New York is one of our strongest markets for Maine businesses and tourism. With new low cost easy connections to Europe through JFK airport in New York, Portland's Jetport is poised for exciting growth. I'm honored to welcome JetBlue to Maine."
"It gives me great pleasure to announce that JetBlue will be serving Maine's flying public," said Senator Olympia Snowe. "JetBlue is a model of 21st century commercial aviation, combining low fares and extraordinary service. I look forward to their continued success, both in Portland and across America."
"JetBlue is a strong airline with an excellent reputation for customer service," said Senator Susan Collins. "Its decision to begin service from the Portland Jetport to New York's JFK airport is exciting news for Maine air passengers who are looking for a low-cost alternative and will surely prove to be a welcome boost to the State's economy. I join so many others in welcoming JetBlue to Maine!"
"JetBlue's decision to come to the Portland Jetport is great news for Maine," said Congressman Tom Allen. "A low cost carrier that provides regular service to JFK will be a boon to the Maine economy and will enhance national and international business opportunities for Maine businesses. I commend the efforts of JetBlue CEO David Neeleman, Jetport Manager Jeff Schultes, Mayor Jim Cohen, and all of the business and community leaders who helped bring about this exciting business development."
"I'd like to congratulate JetBlue Airways and welcome them to Maine," said Congressman Mike Michaud. "Increasing the number of affordable flights in Maine will boost tourism and give Mainers more choices in air travel, so I'm very pleased with this announced expansion."
"Portland is excited to be working with JetBlue Airways, a premiere low-cost carrier and the positive impact it will have on Portland," said Mayor James I. Cohen.
"The introduction of new JetBlue service to the Portland International Jetport is vitally important to our business community and all of Maine," said Jeff Schultes, Portland Airport Manager. "We're looking forward to a long lasting partnership with them."
JetBlue's Schedule (effective May 23, 2006):
New York, NY (JFK) to Portland, ME to New York, NY Portland, ME (PWM) Depart - Arrive Depart - Arrive 9:30am - 10:45am 7:15am - 8:30am (effective 5/24/06) 2:05pm - 3:20pm 11:20am - 12:35pm 5:35pm - 6:50pm 4:00pm - 5:15pm 8:50pm - 10:05pm 7:25pm - 8:40pm
In the six years since its launch, JetBlue Airways has focused on creating a new airline category -- a value airline with values. Based out of New York City, the low-cost carrier currently serves 34 destinations with 412 daily flights. 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. 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) Lowest fares are limited, may not be available on all flights and all dates and may require up to a 14-day advance purchase. All fares must be purchased at time of reservation, and are one-way, nonrefundable, and nontransferable. Customers can save an additional $5 each way when purchasing online at www.jetblue.com. 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). All changes are subject to applicable fare adjustment. Changes are not eligible for a $5 internet savings. Cancellations are for a JetBlue travel credit only, which is valid for one year. If a reservation is not changed or cancelled prior to scheduled departure, all money associated with that fare 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. All taxes and fees must be paid at the time of purchase. JetBlue reserves the right to deny boarding to passengers without proper documentation. Other restrictions apply.
(b) DIRECTV(r) service is not available on flights to/from Bermuda, Puerto Rico or the Dominican Republic; 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 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 sole suppliers, additional government regulation and changes in our industry due to financial condition and external geopolitical conditions. 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.