SAN JUAN- JetBlue (B6) announced plans to establish a pilot and flight attendant crew base at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan, Puerto Rico, highlighting the airline’s commitment to growth and investment in the region.
JetBlue, known for its low fares and excellent service, is the largest carrier in San Juan, which is one of its key focus cities. This announcement coincides with JetBlue’s 22nd anniversary of service to the island and follows its recent plans to expand service from San Juan to more destinations in the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America.
JetBlue San Juan Base
The new crew base is expected to open by the end of 2024 and will create over 400 local jobs by 2025, contributing significantly to the local economy and community.
Stationing pilots and inflight crew members in San Juan will boost job creation on the island and enhance JetBlue’s service and operational capabilities throughout the Caribbean and beyond.
“We’re thrilled to base hundreds more crew members right here in San Juan, where we are proud to be the largest airline with plans for even more growth,” said Warren Christie, JetBlue’s chief operating officer.
“The new crew base will support our operations as we expand and benefit the local economy in a place we proudly call home.”
“This announcement from JetBlue highlights the potential of our island and the growth we’ve seen in the tourism sector over the past three years,” said Puerto Rico Governor Pedro R. Pierluisi.
“The new crew base at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport will create hundreds of jobs and confirm JetBlue’s confidence in the Puerto Rico market. I thank JetBlue for choosing our island for its continued economic growth.”
The expansion will station up to 120 pilots and 325 inflight crew members in San Juan, with the base opening in phases. These crew members will begin and end their trips in San Juan, helping JetBlue diversify its crew geography and improve recovery during irregular operations, such as severe weather.
Currently, JetBlue crew bases are located in Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Newark, New York City, Orlando, and Los Angeles. In 2020, JetBlue added a maintenance base in San Juan for aircraft maintenance and related services.
“The new San Juan crew base is a milestone in the island’s air access history and showcases the strength of the partnership between Puerto Rico and JetBlue,” said Carlos Mercado Santiago, executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company.
“As a key gateway for domestic and international flights in the Caribbean, Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport will offer additional network expansion opportunities for the airline, create new local jobs, and boost the tourism industry’s contribution to Puerto Rico’s economic growth.”
Expansion in Puerto Rico
JetBlue’s announcement of its newest crew base comes shortly after revealing plans to expand its network from San Juan with six new destinations across the U.S. East Coast, the Caribbean, and Latin America. This expansion will enhance connectivity and provide more choices for customers.
Starting in July, JetBlue will also introduce its popular Mint experience on a daily flight between San Juan and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Mint features lie-flat seats and an elevated dining experience, marking a milestone in premium travel for Puerto Rico.
By winter, JetBlue will offer nonstop service between Puerto Rico and 18 cities in the U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Alongside the crew base positions, the planned network expansion will create approximately 80 new jobs in San Juan, ranging from frontline operational roles to technical operations, stimulating economic activity and further job growth.
Currently, JetBlue employs over 370 crew members across Puerto Rico, supporting operations in San Juan, Aguadilla, and Ponce.
“We are proud that our superior product and service have resonated with Puerto Ricans and the many visitors we bring to the island,” said Warren Christie.
“As we connect more people and destinations to Puerto Rico, we will ensure our staffing and service meet the needs and expectations of our customers.”
For over two decades, JetBlue has been known for its industry-leading travel experience, offering the most legroom in coach, seatback entertainment at every seat, free and fast Fly-Fi broadband internet, complimentary brand-name snacks and drinks, and award-winning customer service.
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