Above: a JetBlue flight

By the Caribbean Journal staff

JetBlue will be operating twice-daily nonstop service from New York’s JFK International Airport beginning Feb. 24, 2014, the carrier announced Monday.

JetBlue will also launch daily service from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport beginning May 1, 2014.

Both of those dates are actually earlier than the start date announced by the government last week, which said it would begin in July. JetBlue said the flights were subject to receipt of government operating authority.

“We are dedicated to growing in South Florida and expanding our network to the Caribbean and Latin America,” said Scott Laurence, vice president of network planning for JetBlue Airways, in a release. “We combine low fares with the best customer experience in the skies. Customers visiting the beautiful island of Trinidad and Tobago have dealt with high fares, cramped seating and limited choices for too long.”

News of JetBlue’s expansion to Trinidad was first reported by Caribbean Journal last week.

“We look forward to welcoming JetBlue and its award winning service to Trinidad and Tobago. JetBlue’ s service to Port of Spain from New York and Fort Lauderdale will offer a high quality experience for business and leisure travelers alike. This is in keeping with governments’ vision to grow the tourism sector,” said Chandresh Sharma, Trinidad and Tobago’s Tourism Minister. “The United States has traditionally been and continues to be one of our major trading partners.  An efficient, reliable and affordable airlift is of critical importance in further capitalizing on the potential from the U.S. We look forward to a relationship that can engender new opportunities not just for Trinidad and Tobago, but also for the wider Caribbean region.”

The flights from Fort Lauderdale and JFK will be operated on Airbus A320s with seating for 150.