From NYC to the ABCs: JetBlue Begins More Caribbean Service with Flights to Bonaire

Rhea-AI Summary

JetBlue (JBLU) has launched new twice-weekly service between New York's JFK and Bonaire's Flamingo International Airport (BON), becoming the only airline offering nonstop flights on this route. Operating on Tuesdays and Saturdays using Airbus A320 aircraft, this expansion marks JetBlue's connection to all three ABC Islands. The service features complimentary amenities including Fly-Fi, snacks, drinks, and seatback entertainment. To celebrate the launch, JetBlue is offering special $99 one-way fares available exclusively on jetblue.com. This addition represents JetBlue's 34th destination in Latin America and Caribbean from JFK.

Positive

• Exclusive nonstop service between JFK and Bonaire, capturing entire market share on this route
• Expansion to 34th destination in Latin America and Caribbean from JFK, more than any other airline
• Strategic growth in leisure and premium travel market aligned with JetForward strategy

Negative

• service frequency of only twice-weekly flights may restrict revenue potential

Insights

Market Research Analyst

The launch of direct flights to Bonaire represents a strategic expansion of JetBlue's Caribbean network, with several positive business implications. As the only airline offering nonstop service from JFK to Bonaire, JetBlue gains a competitive advantage in this route. The $99 promotional fare strategy aims to stimulate initial demand and establish market presence. The twice-weekly service optimizes aircraft utilization while testing market demand, with potential for frequency increases based on performance.

This route addition strengthens JetBlue's position as the leader in Caribbean connectivity from JFK, now serving 34 destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean. The focus on leisure and VFR (visiting friends and relatives) travel aligns with post-pandemic travel trends and higher-margin vacation routes. However, the impact on overall revenue will be modest given the frequency and aircraft size.

JetBlue introduces its award-winning service and low fares to Dutch Caribbean Island as the only airline to offer nonstop service from New York’s JFK to Bonaire

To celebrate the launch, limited time $99 fares available online only on JetBlue.com

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- JetBlue (Nasdaq: JBLU) today announced the official launch of service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Bonaire’s Flamingo International Airport (BON), with the inaugural flight arriving on the island this afternoon. The twice-weekly roundtrip service, operating on Tuesdays and Saturdays, is the only nonstop option from New York’s JFK to Bonaire. With this new addition, JetBlue now connects travelers to all three of the ABC Islands, the Dutch Caribbean's Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao, as well as to St. Maarten, further expanding its robust Caribbean network.

“Renowned for its natural beauty, pristine beaches, and warm hospitality, we are excited to launch service to Bonaire, introducing a new destination and more travel options to our customers looking for a Caribbean getaway,” said David Jehn, vice president of network planning and airline partnerships at JetBlue. “Expanding our service in the Caribbean demonstrates our commitment to continue providing our customers exceptional travel options and experiences while promoting tourism and accessibility.”

"Welcoming JetBlue as an airline partner marks a significant step in our commitment to making our beautiful island more accessible to North American travelers,” noted Miles Mercera, CEO at Tourism Corporation Bonaire. "This expansion not only reflects the growing interest in our region, but also showcases our dedication to fostering tourism and welcoming visitors to experience the unique culture and stunning landscapes we have to offer. Together, we're paving the way for new adventures and unforgettable memories."

"We are excited to celebrate the launch of this new direct flight from New York's JFK to Bonaire," said Maarten van der Scheer, CEO of Bonaire International Airport. "Welcoming JetBlue to Flamingo Airport, with a twice-weekly, year-round service, has been made possible through the hard work, dedication, and collaboration of many partners working toward the same goal: increasing connectivity to Bonaire and making it easier than ever for travelers to reach our beautiful island."

Located in the Leeward Antilles, Bonaire offers an authentic cultural experience for travelers. Earning its nickname “diver’s paradise,” Bonaire is known for its crystal-clear waters, exceptional scuba diving and snorkeling environment surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. The Dutch island offers world-class gastronomy, luxurious stays, outdoor adventures, animal sanctuaries, national parks, cactus-filled deserts and year-round sunshine, making it the perfect getaway to attract travelers.

Leading in leisure and premium travel
JetBlue’s new service to Bonaire supports its commitment to providing exceptional travel experiences, with a focus on leisure and VFR (visiting friends and relatives) routes, aligned with the airline's JetForward strategy. This launch also strengthens JetBlue's New York focus city strategy, marking its 34^th destination in Latin America and the Caribbean served from New York-JFK this winter, more than any other airline, while further expanding its presence in the region.

Schedule between New York (JFK) and Bonaire (BON)
operating Tuesdays and Saturdays

JFK-BON Flight #1643	BON-JFK Flight #1644
7:00 a.m. – 12:38 p.m.	2:14 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

JetBlue will operate the Bonaire route using its Airbus A320 aircraft, offering the airline's award-winning service featuring fast, free and unlimited broadband Fly-Fi¹; complimentary name-brand snacks and drinks; and seatback entertainment at every seat.

Book better with JetBlue
To celebrate today’s launch, and for a limited time, travelers can take advantage of special $99 one-way fares for flights between New York-JFK and Bonaire available online only on jetblue.com².

Customers who book directly through jetblue.com are guaranteed to find JetBlue’s lowest fares, and can enjoy additional benefits including access to all of the airline’s fare options, as well as fare sales and promotions, some of which may not be available through other third parties; the ability to earn 2x TrueBlue points and participate in Points Pooling; seamless seat selections and upgrades to Even More^® Space; 24/7 direct access to JetBlue’s customer service channels; and more.

About JetBlue
JetBlue is New York's Hometown Airline^®, and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles, Orlando and San Juan. JetBlue carries customers to more than 100 destinations throughout the United States, Latin America, Caribbean, Canada and Europe. For more information and the best fares, visit jetblue.com.

1. Fly-Fi® and live television are available on all JetBlue-operated flights. Availability and coverage area may vary by aircraft. Details on inflight wi-fi and entertainment: https://www.jetblue.com/flying-with-us.
2. New York (JFK) to Bonaire (BON): One-way only. Book by: 11/8/2024 for travel 11/26/2024-2/11/2025 (Tuesday and Saturday travel only). Blackout dates 12/17/2024- 12/28/2024.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241104035795/en/

JetBlue Corporate Communications

Tel: +1.718.709.3089

corpcomm@jetblue.com

Source: JetBlue

FAQ

What are the flight times for JetBlue's new service between JFK and Bonaire (JBLU)?

JetBlue's flights depart JFK at 7:00 a.m., arriving in Bonaire at 12:38 p.m., with return flights departing Bonaire at 2:14 p.m. and arriving at JFK at 6:00 p.m.

How much are JetBlue's (JBLU) promotional fares for the new Bonaire route?

JetBlue is offering special promotional fares of $99 one-way between New York-JFK and Bonaire, available exclusively on jetblue.com for a time.

What aircraft type is JetBlue (JBLU) using for the Bonaire flights?

JetBlue is operating the Bonaire route using Airbus A320 aircraft, featuring complimentary Fly-Fi, snacks, drinks, and seatback entertainment.