JetBlue Expands Caribbean Network by Adding Service to Antigua

NEW YORK, NY, May 04, 2015 (Marketwired via COMTEX) -- JetBlue Airways JBLU, +0.33% the largest airline operating to the Caribbean, today announced its continued expansion in the region as it filed an intent to serve Antigua's V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU) three times weekly from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), with the aim to launch service on November 5, subject to receipt of government operating authority. Additionally, the airline will add seasonal weekly service from Boston's Logan International Airport (BOS) to Barbados' Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI), which will launch November 7, subject to receipt of government operating authority.

"We offer customers more flights to the Caribbean than any other airline, and the beautiful destination of Antigua will be a great addition to our network for those wanting to discover something new. A gorgeous Caribbean island, Antigua offers beaches, history and romance, along with world-class resorts like Sandals Grande Antigua," said Dave Clark, vice president, network planning, JetBlue. "Barbados has proven to be a favorite for our New York customers, and we're happy to provide Bostonians the chance to experience the beauty and culture of Barbados."

Antigua is one of the largest Caribbean markets not currently served by JetBlue and will grow the airline's robust JFK leisure route portfolio. Subject to receipt of government operating authority, flights between New York and Antigua will begin November 5 and will be available for purchase in May when the winter season schedule becomes accessible.
"We are excited to be bringing JetBlue to Antigua and Barbuda following successful negotiations. As a new airline flying into Antigua, JetBlue will make the destination more accessible to visitors searching for affordable and direct same-day connections," said Antigua and Barbuda's Minister of Tourism, Economic Development, Investment and Energy Asot A. Michael.

The Boston-Barbados flight is the fifth new seasonal service to the Caribbean and Latin America launched from Boston in the last year following Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR); Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic (POP), which begins June 17; Saint Lucia (UVF); and Port-au-Prince, Haiti (PAP). JetBlue also recently announced it would offer its highly successful Mint experience on flights between JFK to Barbados this winter with Saturday service between November 7, 2015 and April 30, 2016, and daily service between December 19, 2015 and January 4, 2016.