JetBlue adds Kingston to route schedule

JetBlue Airways began new service today to Kingston, Jamaica – its 14th international destination. The airline will serve Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport with daily nonstop service to and from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), with onward connecting service available to cities across the United States.

Kingston will be JetBlue’s second destination in Jamaica, after launching its already successful daily nonstop service between JFK and Montego Bay on the north coast of the island, rounding out a robust lineup of Caribbean destinations that already include Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Colombia, Aruba, St. Maarten, Saint Lucia, Barbados, Bermuda, and the Bahamas. JetBlue also plans to begin daily nonstop service to Montego Bay from its growing focus city at Orlando International Airport commencing February 8, 2010, and Saturday-only nonstop service from Boston’s Logan International Airport beginning January 9, 2010, subject to receipt of government operating authority.

“JetBlue is proud to be serving its second Jamaican destination, Kingston, as we continue to grow our operations on the island and improve our already fantastic relationship with Jamaica and its people,” said Rob Maruster, JetBlue Airways’ COO. “We look forward to providing the JetBlue award winning experience – complete with free snacks, drinks, seatback TVs and friendly on board attention – while enjoying the most wonderful view of the Blue Mountains arriving into Kingston.”

According to Jamaica’s director of tourism John Lynch: “We are pleased that JetBlue has commenced daily service from New York to Kingston. This will expand the board’s Diaspora outreach efforts. The new service builds on our existing relationship with the airline, which started service to Jamaica in May,” said Lynch. “JetBlue Airways is a popular airline, and we are confident that with the start of daily service from New York, Kingston – the entertainment and cultural capital of the Caribbean – will become a favorite destination for even more visitors from this market.”

“JetBlue Airways will offer new service to Kingston from New York along with their existing service to Montego Bay,” said Isiah Parnell, Charge d’Affaires, US Embassy in Kingston. “This is another example of the strong economic and social ties between Jamaica and the United States. We are pleased to see another important business link between our two countries.”

Mark Williams, vice president of commercial development and marketing of the Airport Authority of Jamaica, commented, “We are very pleased to welcome JetBlue to Kingston and are confident that their reputation of offering first class service will resonate well with the large Jamaican Diaspora in the New York area.”