NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - March 16, 2015) - JetBlue Airways (NASDAQ: JBLU), New York's Hometown Airline™, today announced plans to offer its highly successful Mint experience from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Barbados (BGI) and Aruba (AUA), two of its most popular Caribbean routes. The new seasonal service begins in November and is available for booking on JetBlue.com today.
Since launching on transcontinental routes in June 2014, Mint has quickly become recognized for its whole new take on flying, which includes private suites, the widest seat and longest fully-flat bed in the U.S. domestic market (a), tapas-style dining, custom amenity kits and 15-inch flat screen televisions with free entertainment. With Mint service to the Caribbean, JetBlue will become the only U.S. carrier to operate regularly scheduled service with lie-flat seating to the region.
"Ever since we launched Mint, customers have been asking us where we will take it next," said Marty St George, executive vice president commercial and planning, JetBlue. "We re-invented transcontinental flying with Mint, and we anticipate demand for an enhanced product will be equally strong for these Caribbean destinations."
JetBlue's Mint experience to the islands will add a Caribbean twist to some customer favorites, including the tapas-style menu curated by New York City restaurant Saxon+Parole, organic desserts by Blue Marble Ice Cream, a sweet treat from Mah-ze-Dahr Bakery, and customized amenity kits from Birchbox.
"With more than 3,000 hours of sunshine every year, Barbados has become one of the premium vacation destinations in the Caribbean," said Petra Roach, U.S. director, Barbados Tourism Marketing, Inc. "With JetBlue's addition of Mint, that premium vacation experience will start the moment travelers step onto the plane. We couldn't be more excited."
Between November 7, 2015 and April 30, 2016, JetBlue will operate one roundtrip on Saturdays to each Caribbean location. And between December 19, 2015 and January 4, 2016 the airline will operate one roundtrip flight daily for the busy holiday travel season.
Saturdays between November 7, 2015 and April 30, 2016
Daily between December 19, 2015 and January 4, 2016
| | |
| JFK - BGI | BGI - JFK |
| 9:20 a.m. - 3:02 p.m. | 4:15 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. |
| | |
| JFK - AUA | AUA - JFK |
| 7:59 a.m. - 1:28 p.m. | 2:40 p.m. - 6:25 p.m. |
| | |
The A321 Customer Experience
JetBlue offers Mint on its new Airbus A321 aircraft, which features a completely redesigned onboard experience throughout the entire cabin.
"Mint is a remarkable new way to fly, but true to our mission of inspiring humanity, we've also taken the same thoughtful approach throughout the aircraft," said Joanna Geraghty, executive vice president customer experience, JetBlue. "Our completely redesigned A321 interior offers the best experience to Caribbean-bound customers no matter where you're seated."
While the Mint experience has set new premium standards, the core experience leads other airlines' offerings as well. Features of the A321 core interior include 10-inch television screens offering free entertainment, comfortable seats with the most legroom in coach (b) and power outlets accessible to all customers. JetBlue's popular marketplace, a self-serve station full of snacks, sodas and water for customers to enjoy at their convenience, is also available throughout the flight.
"Since JetBlue began flying to Aruba in 2006, we have built a strong partnership that connects the airline's customers with the very best our island has to offer," said Ronella Tjin Asjoe, CEO, Aruba Tourism Authority. "We're pleased to see that partnership strengthen with new service to our island on the A321 aircraft featuring Mint so that travelers will also enjoy the very best experience the air."
Extend the Experience With a JetBlue Getaways Vacation Package
Customers looking for the complete package can book Mint seats in conjunction with hotel, car rental and other amenities and activities through JetBlue Getaways. JetBlue Getaways packages to both Barbados and Aruba offer access to the very best resorts and island experiences with the convenience of one booking process. Call 1-800-JETBLUE to book your Mint vacation.
About JetBlue Airways
JetBlue is New York's Hometown Airline™, and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles (Long Beach), Orlando, and San Juan. JetBlue carries more than 30 million customers a year to 87 cities in the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America with an average of 825 daily flights. Upcoming destinations include: Cleveland on April 30; Reno-Tahoe, Nev. on May 28; and Grenada on June 11, 2015 (subject to receipt of government operating authority). For more information please visit JetBlue.com.
(a) Based on avg. length/width of lie-flat beds on domestic flights operated by U.S. airlines.
(b) JetBlue offers the most legroom in coach, based on average fleet-wide seat pitch for U.S. airlines.