JetBlue Applauds New York Governor’s Cuba Efforts As It Positions Itself for More Flights

JetBlue has issued a statement applauding Governor Cuomo’s efforts to lead one of the first trade missions to Cuba in the next 45 days, saying the Governor’s initiatives will benefit New Yorkers.

“The Governor’s vision for shaping responsible economic development with Cuba and investing in a world-class travel experience for New Yorkers are two important efforts to help our home state compete on the world stage,” said Robert Land, senior vice president government affairs and general counsel, JetBlue Airways.

JetBlue currently serves the island with charter services from Fort Lauderdale and Tampa, which it launched more than three years ago, and indicates it is well-positioned to expand these services from “multiple US cities as soon as legally permitted.”

“The strength of our existing charter program has provided us a strong foundation for future expansion in Cuba,” said Land. “As the operator of the largest network to, from and within the Caribbean, we look forward to the opportunity to bring JetBlue’s distinctive award-winning experience to even more locations in the Caribbean.”

JetBlue previously confirmed to Skift that it had strong interest in expanding service to the Island as the news of warming relations and limited easing of travel restrictions between the US and Cuba became news. The airline also says it “supports Governor Cuomo’s focus on modernizing John F. Kennedy International and LaGuardia Airports to enhance travelers’ airport experience and to improve transit access to the airports.”