Above: Medellin

By the Caribbean Journal staff

JetBlue is continuing its expansion in the Caribbean Basin.

The New York City-based carrier announced this week plans to launch service to Medellin, Colombia out of Fort Lauderdale.

The nonstop service to Colombia represents the airline’s 79th destination, with destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean now making up almost one third of its route network.

“It’s great to see customers have embraced JetBlue’s low fares and great service on our flights to Colombia from Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and New York,” said Scott Laurence, vice president of network planning for JetBlue Airways. “Our Medellin service adds to our successful franchise in Colombia.”

JetBlue will now offer at least 24 weekly flights to Colombia.

Medellin is currently experiencing a process of metamorphosis that places it as one of the most attractive cities to do business in Latin America,” said Anibal Gaviria Correa, mayor of Medellin.  “For this reason, we were filled with joy and pride when we received the news that JetBlue had chosen to begin service to our city.”

JetBlue already services Colombian cities including Bogota and Cartagena.