SAN JUAN- New York-based carrier JetBlue (B6) has initiated operations in San Juan (SJU), unveiling several new routes on its website this morning (May 8, 2024).
Many of these routes were previously suggested by Enilria last week. All routes are scheduled to commence either at the end of October or mid-December.
JetBlue San Juan Routes
Here are the 6 routes that JetBlue will fly in October or later this year:
- Cancun (CUN) to San Juan (SJU): Approximately three flights per week starting at the end of October. I believe this is a resumption.
- Medellin (MDE) to San Juan (SJU): Approximately four flights per week starting at the end of October.
- Providence (PVD) to San Juan (SJU): Daily flights starting at the end of October.
- San Juan (SJU) to Christiansted (STX): Mid-December daily flights.
- San Juan (SJU) to Santiago (STI): Daily flights starting at the end of October.
- White Plains (HPN) to San Juan (SJU): Daily flights starting at the end of October.
Executive Remarks
Marty St. George, President of JetBlue, expressed the airline’s pride in being a longstanding member of the Puerto Rican community for over two decades and their enthusiasm for expanding their presence in the region.
He emphasized JetBlue’s commitment to increasing their service and strengthening their relationships and presence within the community.
St. George highlighted JetBlue’s dedication to growing alongside the Puerto Rican community, ensuring the airline remains a vital partner in connecting its people.
Senator Charles Schumer of New York celebrated the official announcement of JetBlue’s new service to Puerto Rico, particularly its arrival in the Hudson Valley.
Schumer emphasized his advocacy for increased service at Westchester County Airport, highlighting the benefits of easy connections for tourists, families with loved ones on the island, and new business opportunities to boost the local economy.
He noted that federal funds contributed to the airport’s development, paving the way for expanded low-cost flying options in New York.
Puerto Rico Governor Pedro R. Pierluisi welcomed JetBlue’s expansion, applauding the addition of new routes to and from Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport, connecting six popular destinations across the U.S. East Coast and Latin America.
He recognized this announcement as a testament to JetBlue’s commitment to the Puerto Rican market and its alignment with the government’s vision and plans to enhance tourism industry growth in Puerto Rico.
Prediction turn Reality
Enilria proposed Providence (PVD) and White Plains (HPN) as potential routes a week ago.
Regarding Providence (PVD), it was noted that TJPVD, a patron, has been advocating for this route. It’s considered one of the top choices among the suggested routes, surpassing RIC.
JetBlue has a strong presence among residents in PVD, which is a significant advantage. Additionally, a considerable portion of the market connects to SJU through other carriers, although some travelers may opt to drive to Hartford or Boston to fly with JetBlue.
Although it involves a longer drive, Avelo (XP) operates at New Haven (HVN) with competitive fares. Overall, Providence appears to be a promising choice.
As for White Plains (HPN), it ranks lower on the list but has its merits. Demand may be underestimated despite its position, as travelers can easily drive to nearby airports like Newark (EWR) or New York JFK for non-stop flights. Furthermore, JetBlue holds a significant market share among residents in the area, making it a feasible option.
Medellin (MDE) was discussed but deemed unlikely due to existing service by another carrier.
Cartagena (CTG) was considered intriguing. However, JetBlue hasn’t operated any flights from SJU to South America. However, this route could connect to the USA via a hub in SJU, offering higher local fares than FLL.
While they don’t currently serve it from FLL, it’s speculated that poor performance in the past may have deterred them. Considering the potential market and competitive landscape, a route like this seems plausible, especially with the possibility of Frontier Airlines (F9) expanding into similar routes.
Schedule and Market Analysis
Here are the schedules for the two new U.S. mainland routes:
Providence (PVD) – San Juan (SJU)
- Flight B6 525: PVD to SJU departing at 07:00 and arriving at 12:00, operated with an A320.
- Flight B6 526: SJU to PVD departing at 18:25 and arriving at 22:24, operated with an A320.
White Plains (HPN) – San Juan (SJU)
- Flight B6 525: HPN to SJU departing at 08:00 and arriving at 11:59, operated with an A320.
- Flight B6 526: SJU to HPN departing at 19:00 and arriving at 22:55, operated with an A320.
For the Providence (PVD) – San Juan (SJU) route:
- Traffic for year-end 2023 (December) was 12 passengers per day each way (PDEW) at an average round-trip fare of $854.
- Traffic for year-end 2022 (December) was 10 PDEW at an average round-trip fare of $918.
- Point of sale mix: 88% from PVD and 15% from SJU.
- Market share for year-end 2023: WN (Southwest) 40%, B6 (JetBlue) 19%, AA (American Airlines) 18%; for PVD: WN 42%, AA 19%, B6 17%; for SJU: B6 38%, WN 29%, DL (Delta Airlines) 12%.
- Market share for year-end 2022: WN 36%, AA 25%, B6 15%.
For the White Plains (HPN) – San Juan (SJU) route:
- Traffic for year-end 2023 (December) was 2 PDEW at an average round-trip fare of $672.
- Traffic for year-end 2022 (December) was 1 PDEW at an average round-trip fare of $924.
- Point of sale mix: 75% from HPN and 18% from SJU.
- Market share for year-end 2023: B6 96%, AA 4%, WN 0%; for HPN: B6 94%, AA 6%, WN 0%; for SJU: B6 100%, WN 0%, UA (United Airlines) 0%.
- Market share for year-end 2022: B6 86%, AA 14%, WN 0%.
Additionally, for the San Juan (SJU) – Christiansted (STX) route:
- Traffic for year-end 2023 (December) was 56 PDEW at an average round-trip fare of $406.
- Traffic for year-end 2022 (December) was 39 PDEW at an average round-trip fare of $420.
- Point of sale mix: 54% from SJU and 46% from STX.
- Market share for year-end 2023: 3M (Copa Airlines Colombia) 100%, UA 0%, WN 0%; for SJU: 3M 100%, UA 0%, WN 0%; for STX: 3M 100%, UA 0%, WN 0%.
- Market share for year-end 2022: 3M 99%, 99 1%, WN 0%.
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