JetBlue (Nasdaq: JBLU) today announced it plans to apply with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for slot exemptions.
This is to operate 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.
The new Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2024 authorizes slot exemptions for five additional roundtrip flights at DCA. These exemptions go beyond the airport’s 1,250-mile perimeter.
JetBlue has been the only airline providing daily nonstop service between DCA and SJU since 2012. Adding a second daily flight shows JetBlue’s strong commitment to Puerto Rico. It will also offer more convenient travel options between these two important capitals.
JetBlue’s application is part of a larger plan to increase connectivity to and from Puerto Rico. This includes adding more domestic and international destinations. The airline is also introducing its popular Mint premium service between New York and San Juan.
Additionally, JetBlue plans to establish a pilot and flight attendant crew base in San Juan. The second daily flight will enhance connectivity to the U.S. Virgin Islands, such as St. Thomas and new service to St. Croix starting in December. It will also connect to more destinations in the region.
“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.
He emphasized the importance of air service for Puerto Rico, known as “La Isla del Encanto,” to maintain and strengthen its link with the mainland United States, especially Washington, D.C.
Since joining the Puerto Rico community in 2002, JetBlue has become a preferred carrier on the island due to its low fares and excellent customer experience. JetBlue currently employs over 370 crewmembers in Puerto Rico and this number continues to grow.
The airline serves Aguadilla and Ponce, and with the new services in San Juan, it will operate flights to 18 different nonstop destinations from the three airports in Puerto Rico by the end of 2024.
JetBlue will average 46 departures per day from Puerto Rico this upcoming winter, more than any other airline.
