By the Caribbean Journal staff
JetBlue is making a major expansion in service to Cuba, the carrier announced on Tuesday.
JetBlue will be launching the first-ever nonstop flights between Boston and Havana beginning this November, with weekly flights on Saturdays.
JetBlue has also announced plans to expand with up to three daily flights between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Havana’s Jose Marti Airport on Sundays through Fridays beginning on Nov. 11.
The legendary Hotel Nacional in Cuba.
“As the first airline to operate commercial service between the U.S. and Cuba in more than 50 years, we are proud to announce another JetBlue first by offering the only nonstop service between New England and Havana,” said Marty St. George, executive vice president commercial and planning, JetBlue. “Between the Boston service and the additional frequency between south Florida and Havana, we are cementing our position as a top choice for travel to Cuba.”
The new service is the result of frequencies granted to JetBlue by the U.S. Department of Transportation, according to the company.
Old Havana at night.
“JetBlue’s new nonstop service between Boston and Havana will provide better connections for our leading healthcare, biotechnology, financial, cultural and educational institutions to link those vital sectors with new opportunities in Cuba,” said Massport CEO Thomas P. Glynn. “There has been a strong demand for this service and we look forward to the exciting new travel opportunities it will generate for the entire New England region.”
Ernest Hemingway’s home at Finca Vigia outside of Havana.
The news comes after another major carrier, United Airlines, announced plans to begin operating new flights to Havana out of George Bush Intercontinental Airport, a sign that U.S. airlines see growth potential ahead in the Cuba travel market.
The carrier also announced two new daily nonstop flights to Mexico City, with service from Boston and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport beginning Oct. 25.
That will raise JetBlue’s daily service to Mexico City to six frequencies from the U.S., including Orlando and Fort Lauderdale.
“This new service from our two largest focus cities will make it easier for our customers in New York and Boston to discover Mexico City with their favorite airline,” said St. George.