JetBlue on Nov. 28, announced the historic launch of service to Havana’s José Martí International Airport (HAV) from three of the airline’s focus cities, with the first flight taking off this morning shortly after 9 a.m. from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). JetBlue’s service to Havana from Orlando begins November 29 and service from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood begins November 30.
Crewmembers at the Santa Clara Abel Santamaría International Airport in Cuba welcome JetBlue flight 387 on Wednesday, Aug. 31, the first commercial flight to Cuba from the U.S. in more than 50 years.
JetBlue flight 243 became the first commercial flight to Cuba from the New York area since scheduled service resumed this year and marked the first day of U.S. commercial service to the Cuban Capital in more than 50 years. The New York metropolitan area is home to the second-largest Cuban-American population in the U.S.
“JetBlue didn’t even exist when commercial service ended, and now we are a leading airline in Cuba and the Caribbean,” said Robin Hayes, president and chief executive officer, JetBlue. “We are proud to touch down in Havana today on the very first day of commercial service between the U.S. and Cuba’s capital.”
“This historic flight from New York to Havana is another milestone in a new era of economic exchange and progress – and I congratulate JetBlue on this momentous occasion. New York is at the forefront of the burgeoning economic partnership between the United States and Cuba that is creating jobs and new opportunities for our businesses,” said New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. “Last year I was proud to direct the first state-led trade mission to Cuba and this inaugural flight is a significant step toward fully normalizing relations between our two nations. I look forward to New York continuing to lead the way forward.”
"Today's inaugural regular JetBlue flight between John F. Kennedy International Airport and Havana results from Governor Cuomo's pioneering State visit to Cuba in April 2015 and represents another historic aviation milestone for the region that will further increase commerce and benefit travelers,'' said Port Authority Executive Director Pat Foye. "I am proud the Port Authority and JFK Airport are involved in this significant step forward in helping to reestablish direct travel between the U.S. and Cuba."
The launch of Havana service also marks a major milestone for JetBlue as the Cuban capital becomes the airline’s 100th destination in 22 countries. Less than 17 years since its first flight, JetBlue, known for offering an award-winning experience at a competitive price, now serves an exciting and diverse range of destinations throughout the U.S., Caribbean and Latin America.
JetBlue now serves four destinations in Cuba. With its inaugural flight to Santa Clara in August, JetBlue became the first U.S. carrier to operate commercial flights between the U.S. and Cuba in more than 50 years. Earlier this month JetBlue began serving the cities of Camagüey and Holguín.
“We commend the work of both U.S. and Cuban officials for making today possible. We also commend the Cuban Ministry of Transportation, IACC, and the Havana Airport for entrusting us to operate this route and look forward to our long-term partnership as we continue to grow our presence in Cuba,” said JetBlue President & CEO Hayes.
Service Between Florida and Cuba Grows
New York flights will be followed later this week by JetBlue’s first nonstop flights between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Havana on Tuesday, November 29, as well as new nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Havana on Wednesday, November 30. A second nonstop between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood and Havana will begin Thursday, December 1 and operate daily except Saturdays.
"Opening the doors of cultural and economic opportunity are key benefits of air travel," says Frank Kruppenbacher, Chairman of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. "JetBlue's direct service to Cuba from Orlando provides our passengers and community with a unique opportunity to build lasting bonds between our two cultures."
"Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is honored to host JetBlue's inaugural flight to Havana from our airport," said Mark Gale, CEO/Director of Aviation. "This historic flight will open the way for affordable and convenient travel for Cuban-Americans to visit family on the island and for all Americans to experience the culture and people of the Cuban capital."
