JetBlue, a preferred airline in Puerto Rico, is expanding its reach on the island with new flights, services, and crew members. The airline has announced its plans to seek approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for slot exemptions to launch a second daily low-fare nonstop flight between Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This move is part of JetBlue’s larger strategy to boost connectivity to Puerto Rico, which includes expanding both domestic and international routes, launching the premium Mint service between New York and San Juan, and setting up a pilot and flight attendant base in San Juan.
The Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2024 has introduced slot exemptions for five additional roundtrip flights at DCA beyond the 1,250-mile perimeter limit. Since 2012, JetBlue has been the sole operator providing daily nonstop service between DCA and SJU, thanks to DOT-awarded slot exemptions. The addition of a second daily flight on this route reflects JetBlue’s deep commitment to Puerto Rico, offering enhanced travel options between these capital cities.
The proposed second daily flight would also enhance connectivity to the U.S. Virgin Islands, including St. Thomas and the new service to St. Croix starting in December, along with other regional destinations. “JetBlue looks forward to submitting our application to enhance the connection between Reagan National and our focus city, San Juan, with convenient double-daily low fare roundtrip flights between the two capitals,” said Robert Land, JetBlue’s head of government affairs and associate general counsel. “Puerto Rico, known as ‘La Isla del Encanto,’ relies on air service to maintain and enhance its connection with the mainland United States, and to Washington, D.C. in particular.”
Since its establishment in Puerto Rico in 2002, JetBlue has quickly become a favored airline on the island, renowned for its affordable fares and excellent customer service. Today, JetBlue employs over 370 crewmembers in Puerto Rico, with plans for further expansion. The airline operates from Aguadilla, Ponce, and San Juan, and by the end of 2024, it will offer flights to 18 nonstop destinations from these three airports. This winter, JetBlue will average 46 daily departures from Puerto Rico, surpassing all other airlines in frequency.
