There’s a new way to get to Aruba.
JetBlue announced that its broad Caribbean expansion push would continue with a new route between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Aruba’s Queen Beatrix International Airport beginning Jan. 4, 2017.
It’s the latest Caribbean route for JetBlue out of its Fort Lauderdale focus city.
JetBlue already serves Aruba from New York’s John F Kennedy airport and Boston’s Logan airport with daily flights.
“We are thrilled to announce more Fort Lauderdale growth and new non-stop service to Aruba,” said Dave Clark, vice president for network planning at JetBlue. “With miles of picturesque beaches, a variety of outdoor and beach activity options and fantastic resorts Aruba continues to be a destination JetBlue customers can’t get enough of. With new flights from Fort Lauderdale we are making it easier than ever to get to Aruba no matter where our customers are flying from.”
The new route will help boost US tourism to Aruba, which saw a 7.7 percent increase in 2015, according to Aruba’s Minister of Tourism, Otmar Oduber.
“As Aruba grows annually, JetBlue remains a valuable partner in accommodating the increased demand for travel to our One happy island — where year-round sunshine, award winning beaches and diverse culture are only the beginning of the Aruba adventure,” Oduber said in a statement.
The new JetBlue Aruba flights will be operated on the company’s Airbus A320 aircraft, with service including free Wi-Fi, complimentary and unlimited snacks and soft drinks, free, live DIRECTV programming and SiriusXM radio.
“Aruba’s expanded partnership with JetBlue will continue to raise our island’s tourism to new heights,” said Ronella Tjin Asjoe-Croes, CEO of Aruba Tourism Authority. “This new daily service allows Aruba to cater to our key Ft. Lauderdale market — while also serving as a crucial feeder market for U.S. westerners who have shown an increased propensity to visit Aruba in recent years.”
Are you heading to Aruba this season? Check out some of Caribbean Journal’s features, from the Best Hotel in Aruba to the Screaming Eagle restaurant, which was named number one restaurant in the Caribbean in 2015.