JetBlue-Spirit Combination Unlocks Incremental
Growth Opportunities, Delivering More Low-Fare, High-Quality
Service to Central Florida
Combined Airline Will Serve 20 New Markets and
Increase Service on 25 Routes, Supporting 350 New Jobs
JetBlue (NASDAQ: JBLU) today announced new nonstop service
between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and two top Caribbean
destinations, as the airline unveils new plans to bring more
low-fare, high-quality flights to Central Florida. Launching in
November 2023 and out for sale today, JetBlue will fly from Orlando
to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic and Santiago, Dominican Republic
(a). After its planned combination with Spirit, JetBlue expects to
reach 200 flights a day in Orlando by 2027.
“We are pleased to share our plans to deliver more growth and
more jobs in Central Florida, enabled by Florida’s booming economy,
our combination with Spirit and as part of the growth commitments
we agreed to with Florida Attorney General Moody,” said Robin
Hayes, chief executive officer, JetBlue. “This growth will
establish JetBlue as Orlando’s national low-fare carrier of choice,
ensuring customers don’t have to choose between low fares and a
great experience.”
“JetBlue’s new daily service to the Dominican Republic is a
welcome addition to Orlando International Airport,” said Kevin
Thibault, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. “As an
anchor in our innovative Terminal C, JetBlue continues to provide
travelers with options to experience desirable destinations,
including Orlando, recognized as one of the most visited cities in
the U.S. These expanded routes help Orlando International deliver
connectivity and strengthen our position as a major economic
generator in the region.”
Central Florida Wins With More Low Fare, High Quality
Options
Since Orlando became a JetBlue focus city 15 years ago,
customers across Central Florida have embraced JetBlue’s compelling
offering of low fares and a much-loved experience, including the
most legroom in coach (b), free seatback entertainment, free Fly-Fi
high speed internet (c), free snacks, and friendly service.
The planned combination of JetBlue and Spirit will unlock
long-term growth opportunities that would not be possible
otherwise, delivering JetBlue’s low-fare, customer-friendly
experience on more routes and increasing options in and out of
Central Florida. This includes introducing new nonstop service to a
number of destinations that would not be viable today. In total,
JetBlue would offer flights to approximately 20 markets that are
not served by either JetBlue or Spirit from Orlando today and would
increase flight frequencies on approximately 25 additional routes.
With its increased footprint and relevance in Orlando, JetBlue
would also introduce its game-changing Mint premium experience,
further raising the bar on transcontinental flights.
JetBlue estimates its plan would add approximately 350
incremental new airport jobs in the airline’s Orlando operations,
while also supporting increased economic activity across the region
that is anticipated to lead to further job growth. In addition,
JetBlue’s no furlough policy ensures that current Spirit team
members who wish to stay with the combined airline will have a role
with JetBlue.
As a strong advocate for the Greater Orlando Aviation
Authority’s (GOAA) development of Orlando International Airport’s
Terminal C, JetBlue became the terminal’s anchor tenant in October
2022. GOAA’s continued investment in the airport provides an
elevated experience for JetBlue customers in Terminal C today and
paves the way for continued growth in the region in the years to
come.
More than 4,000 JetBlue crewmembers are based at the airport and
at JetBlue’s Orlando Support Center (OSC), which includes a
state-of-the-art training facility featuring classrooms, flight and
cabin simulators, a ditch pool and other equipment used both for
new crewmember training and for those requiring recurrent training.
JetBlue’s Orlando training facility also includes The Lodge at OSC,
the airline’s 24/7 dormitory facility dedicated to providing a
focused training environment for crewmembers.
Connecting Orlando to Popular Caribbean Destinations
JetBlue’s new flights connecting Orlando to Punta Cana,
Dominican Republic and Santiago, Dominican Republic will offer
customers in Central Florida more choices for leisure travel and
furthers JetBlue’s significant presence across Latin America and
the Caribbean. JetBlue will also become the only airline to serve
Santiago with nonstop service from Orlando.
New, year-round service between Orlando and Punta Cana,
Dominican Republic and Santiago, Dominican Republic will take off
in November 2023. Seats are out for sale starting today with fares
as low as $123 (d).
“Punta Cana and Santiago are both major Caribbean destinations,
but limited options exist for customers to get there from Orlando
today,” said David Jehn, vice president, network planning and
partnerships, JetBlue. “These new routes, along with those that
will be enabled by our combination with Spirit, will position us to
deliver even more growth and connectivity to popular destinations
for customers in Central Florida.”
Daily Schedule between Orlando (MCO) and
Punta Cana (PUJ) Beginning November 4, 2023
MCO - PUJ Flight #1077
PUJ - MCO Flight #1078
8:35 a.m. – 12:05 p.m.
1:10 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Daily Schedule between Orlando (MCO) and
Santiago (STI) Beginning November 4, 2023
MCO - STI Flight #1265
STI - MCO Flight #1266
1:00 p.m. – 4:20 p.m.
5:30 p.m. – 7:10 p.m.
Book Better with JetBlue
To celebrate today’s launch, and for a limited time, travelers
can take advantage of special $123 one-way fares for flights on
these new routes, available online only on www.jetblue.com.
Customers who book directly through jetblue.com are guaranteed
to find our best and lowest fares, and can enjoy additional
benefits including access to all of JetBlue’s fare options, as well
as fare sales and promotions, some of which may not be available
through other third-parties; the ability to earn 2x TrueBlue points
and participate in Points Pooling; seamless seat selections and
upgrades to Even More® Space; 24/7 direct access to JetBlue’s
customer service channels; and more.
About JetBlue
JetBlue is New York's Hometown Airline®, and a leading carrier
in Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles, Orlando, and San
Juan. JetBlue carries customers to more than 100 destinations
throughout the United States, Latin America, Caribbean, Canada, and
United Kingdom. For more information and the best fares, visit
jetblue.com.
(a) Subject to receipt of government operating authority.
(b) JetBlue offers the most legroom in coach based on average
fleet-wide seat pitch for U.S. airlines.
(c) Fly-Fi® and live television are available on all
JetBlue-operated flights. Availability and coverage area may vary
by aircraft. Details on inflight wi-fi and entertainment:
https://www.jetblue.com/flying-with-us.
(d) Terms: Fares shown: MCOPUJ, MCOSTI. Originating in MCO. Book
by 3/17/23. Depart/return before 12/14/23. Monday, Tuesday,
Wednesday, Thursday travel. Blackout dates 11/18/23-11/27/23. Terms
apply.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains various forward-looking statements
within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, which
represent our management’s beliefs and assumptions concerning
future events. These statements are intended to qualify for the
“safe harbor” from liability established by the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the
words “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “indicates,”
“remains,” “believes,” “estimates,” “forecast,” “guidance,”
“outlook,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “goals,” “targets” and
similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking
statements. Additionally, forward-looking statements include
statements that do not relate solely to historical facts, such as
statements which identify uncertainties or trends, discuss the
possible future effects of current known trends or uncertainties,
or which indicate that the future effects of known trends or
uncertainties cannot be predicted, guaranteed, or assured.
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, the COVID-19 pandemic and government-imposed
measures to control its spread; risk associated with execution of
our strategic operating plans in the near-term and long-term; our
extremely competitive industry; risks related to the long-term
nature of our fleet order book; volatility in fuel prices and
availability of fuel; increased maintenance costs associated with
fleet age; costs associated with salaries, wages and benefits;
risks associated with doing business internationally; our reliance
on high daily aircraft utilization; our dependence on the New York
metropolitan market; risks associated with extended interruptions
or disruptions in service at our focus cities; risks associated
with airport expenses; risks associated with seasonality and
weather; our reliance on a limited number of suppliers; risks
related to new or increased tariffs imposed on commercial aircraft
and related parts imported from outside the United States; the
outcome of lawsuits filed against us related to our Northeast
Alliance with American Airlines Group Inc.; the occurrence of any
event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the
right of JetBlue or Spirit Airlines Inc. (“Spirit”) or both of them
to terminate the Merger Agreement; failure to obtain certain
governmental approvals necessary to consummate the merger with
Spirit (the “Merger”); the outcome of the lawsuit filed by the
Department of Justice and certain state Attorneys General against
us and Spirit related to the Merger; risks associated with failure
to consummate the Merger in a timely manner or at all; risks
associated with the pendency of the Merger and related business
disruptions; indebtedness following consummation of the Merger and
associated impacts on business flexibility, borrowing costs and
credit ratings; the possibility that JetBlue may be unable to
achieve expected synergies and operating efficiencies within the
expected timeframes or at all; challenges associated with
successful integration of Spirit’s operations; expenses related to
the Merger and integration of Spirit; the potential for loss of
management personnel and other key crewmembers as a result of the
Merger; risks associated with effective management of the combined
company following the Merger; risks associated with JetBlue being
bound by all obligations and liabilities of Spirit following
consummation of the Merger; risks associated with the integration
of JetBlue and Spirit workforce, including with respect to
negotiation of labor agreements and labor costs; the impact of the
Merger on JetBlue’s earnings per share; risks associated with
cybersecurity incidents; heightened regulatory requirements
concerning data security compliance; risks associated with reliance
on, and potential failure of, automated systems; our inability to
attract and retain qualified crewmembers; our being subject to
potential unionization, work stoppages, slowdowns or increased
labor costs; reputational and business risk from an accident or
incident involving our aircraft; risks associated with our
reputation and brand; our significant fixed obligations; our
substantial indebtedness; financial risks associated with credit
card processors; restrictions as a result of our participation in
governmental support programs; risks associated with seeking
short-term additional financing liquidity; failure to realize the
value of intangible or long-lived assets; risks associated with
disease outbreaks or environmental disasters affecting travel
behavior; compliance with future environmental regulations; the
impacts of federal budget constraints or federally imposed
furloughs; climate change; changes in government regulations in our
industry; acts of war or terrorism; global economic conditions or
an economic downturn leading to a continuing or accelerated
decrease in demand for air travel; and risks associated with the
implementation of 5G wireless technology near airports that we
operate in. It is routine for our internal projections and
expectations to change as the year or each quarter in the year
progresses, and therefore it should be clearly understood that the
internal projections, beliefs, and assumptions upon which we base
our expectations may change prior to the end of each quarter or
year. Any outlook or forecasts in this press release have been
prepared without taking into account or consideration the Merger
with Spirit.
Given the risks and uncertainties surrounding forward-looking
statements, you should not place undue reliance on these
statements. You should understand that many important factors, in
addition to those discussed in this press release, could cause our
results to differ materially from those expressed in the
forward-looking statements. Further information concerning these
and other factors is contained in JetBlue’s filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, including but not
limited to, JetBlue’s 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K. In light of
these risks and uncertainties, the forward-looking events discussed
in this press release might not occur. Our forward-looking
statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Other
than as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or
revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events, or otherwise.
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230316005448/en/
JetBlue Corporate Communications Tel: +1.718.709.3089
corpcomm@jetblue.com
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