NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - November 05, 2015) - JetBlue (NASDAQ: JBLU) today launched service to its newest destination, Antigua and Barbuda's V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU), from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), with three times weekly service on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
Antigua and Barbuda becomes JetBlue's 92nd destination in its growing network and 34th destination in Latin America and Caribbean, where JetBlue has quickly become a leading airline from the U.S.
"As our 34th destination in the Latin America and Caribbean region, Antigua and Barbuda offers another opportunity to grow our network in high-value geographies and strengthen JetBlue's position as the leading brand for Caribbean travel," said Umang Gupta, director, JetBlue Getaways and leisure sales. "Antigua will attract travelers to discover its spectacular 365 beaches - one for every day of the year."
JetBlue's service will arrive in and depart from the recently opened VC Bird International Airport terminal, which offers customers a state-of-the-art airport experience to begin and end their time in Antigua as the newest and most modern airport in the Caribbean.
Antigua and Barbuda, recently awarded, "Caribbean's Most Romantic Destination," at the World Travel Awards, offers visitors miles of beautiful beaches and crystal clear blue waters. Antigua's rich history and spectacular topography provide a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities from Nelson's Dockyard, commissioned in 1755 to the island's oldest sugar plantation built in 1674, Betty's Hope. Antigua boasts a full calendar including events such as the World Class Antigua Sailing Week, Antigua Sports Fishing and will be celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Carnival next year; known as the Caribbean's Greatest Summer Festival.
"We are incredibly excited to welcome our newest partners, JetBlue, and the three weekly flights from New York. The launch of JetBlue's direct service is an incredibly important connection between the East Coast and Antigua and Barbuda, making it much easier for everyone to reach the paradise of our islands. This new service is a wonderful milestone as it is the first inaugural flight into the new VC Bird International Airport and represents an important step in increasing the airlift to our country, which is an important part in the success of our tourism industry. We look forward to warmly welcoming passengers to our country, and hope they delight in everything we have to offer from our pristine beaches and cerulean waters to cuisine to a full range of activities," said Honorable Asot Michael, Minister of Tourism, Economic Development, Investment and Energy of Antigua and Barbuda. "This new service and relationship with JetBlue is one that will be cemented in bonds of respect and friendship that we are confident will only strengthen and flourish in years to come."
Service from New York to Antigua and Barbuda operates on JetBlue's spacious A320 aircraft featuring the most legroom in coach*, free first-run Hollywood movies and unlimited snacks and soft drinks. Flights operate in the morning, with flights returning to the U.S. in the early evening allowing visitors to maximize their time in the stunning twin island destination.
JetBlue's Schedule at Launch Between New York and Antigua and Barbuda on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays as of November 5, 2015:
| | | |
| JFK - ANU |
| ANU - JFK
|
| 9:20 a.m. - 2:32 p.m. |
| 3:33 p.m. - 7:18 p.m
|
| | | |
Customers planning a vacation to Antigua and Barbuda can now book airfare and hotels through JetBlue Getaways. http://www.jetblue.com/vacations, including Getaways partner Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa, located on Antigua's most famous beach, Dickenson Bay. More information can be found at http://www.jetblue.com/vacations.
JetBlue's arrival in Antigua and Barbuda comes as the airline continues to grow its presence in the Caribbean and Latin America. JetBlue launched service this year to Mexico City and Grenada and will be expanding Mint, JetBlue's take on premium travel, to Barbados and Aruba for seasonal service beginning November 7. Service to Quito, Ecuador, begins on February 25, 2016.
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 32 million customers a year to 92 cities in the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America with an average of 900 daily flights. For more information please visit JetBlue.com.
*JetBlue offers the most legroom in coach, based on average fleet-wide seat pitch for U.S. airlines.
About Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua (pronounced An-tee'ga) and Barbuda (Bar-byew'da) is located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. The largest of the Leeward Islands, Antigua & Barbuda comprises 108-square miles. The 365 white and pink sand beaches, one for every day of the year, are just the beginning of the treasures that await visitors. Antigua's rich history and spectacular topography provide a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities. Nelson's Dockyard, the only remaining example of a Georgian fort commissioned by the British in 1755, is perhaps the most renowned landmark. Betty's Hope, built in 1674, is the site of one of the first full-scale sugar plantations on Antigua, and offers a chance to step back into time by visiting the restored mills. Another unique attraction is Devil's Bridge, located at the eastern tip of the island in Indian Town National Park, where Atlantic breakers have carved out a natural limestone arch. Antigua boasts a varied tourism calendar including events such as the World Class Antigua Sailing Week, Classic Yacht Regatta, Antigua Sports Fishing and also the annual Carnival; known as the Caribbean's Greatest Summer Festival. Island accommodation ranges from luxury, boutique resorts and all-inclusive hotels to smaller more intimate boutique guesthouses and cottages. For information about Antigua & Barbuda visit www.visitantiguabarbuda.com.