JetBlue Flights from Boston to Presque Isle Take Off Today

Rhea-AI Summary

JetBlue (NASDAQ: JBLU) has launched daily service between Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and Presque Isle International Airport (PQI), starting September 5, 2024. This new route, part of the Essential Air Service program, aims to enhance connectivity for Northern Maine and New Brunswick travelers. JetBlue will initially operate the route using the 100-seat Embraer E190 jet, transitioning to the 140-seat Airbus A220 in 2025.

The airline is offering introductory $29 one-way fares for a time. This expansion is part of JetBlue's JetForward strategic plan to strengthen its Northeast network. By winter, JetBlue will serve 10 New England destinations, increasing its regional seat capacity by 20% year-over-year. The airline currently offers over 70 destinations from Boston, more than any other carrier.

Positive

• Launch of daily service between Boston and Presque Isle, expanding JetBlue's network
• Part of Essential Air Service program, potentially securing government support
• Planned transition to larger Airbus A220 aircraft in 2025, indicating expected growth
• 20% increase in seat capacity in New England region by winter
• Introductory $29 one-way fares offered to stimulate demand

Negative

• Initial use of smaller Embraer E190 aircraft may limit capacity and revenue potential
• Potential challenges in establishing profitability on a new route in a small market

Insights

Market Research Analyst

JetBlue's expansion into Presque Isle, Maine, is a strategic move that could yield mixed results. On the positive side, this new route demonstrates JetBlue's commitment to expanding its New England presence, potentially increasing market share and revenue. The Essential Air Service designation provides a level of government support, reducing financial risk.

However, the impact on JetBlue's bottom line may be Presque Isle is a small market and while the $29 promotional fares might generate initial interest, sustaining profitable operations could be challenging. The planned transition to larger Airbus A220 aircraft in 2025 suggests JetBlue is betting on growth, but this also increases capacity risk if demand doesn't materialize.

Overall, while this expansion aligns with JetBlue's strategic plan, its financial impact is likely to be minimal in the short term, with potential for modest growth in the long term if the route proves successful.

Financial Analyst

From a financial perspective, JetBlue's new route to Presque Isle presents a low-risk opportunity for incremental revenue growth. The Essential Air Service program likely provides subsidies, mitigating potential losses on this route. However, the financial impact on JetBlue's overall performance will be negligible given the small market size.

The planned upgrade to Airbus A220 aircraft in 2025 suggests confidence in future demand growth, but also increases capital expenditure. Investors should monitor load factors and yield on this route to assess its viability. The 20% increase in New England capacity and 10% growth at Boston Logan focus city indicate a broader regional strategy that could enhance JetBlue's competitive position.

While not a game-changer, this expansion demonstrates JetBlue's focus on strategic network growth and could contribute to long-term value creation if executed effectively.

New England’s leading leisure carrier introduces its signature low fares and great service to Northern Maine and New Brunswick

To celebrate launch, limited time $29 fares available only on JetBlue.com

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- JetBlue (NASDAQ: JBLU) today announced it has launched service between Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and Presque Isle International Airport (PQI), with the first flight arriving in Presque Isle this afternoon. Service to and from Presque Isle will operate daily, giving travelers in Northern Maine and New Brunswick added convenience when traveling to Boston and beyond.

“We are happy to bring the long-desired Boston flights back to Presque Isle and the surrounding communities,” said Dave Jehn, vice president of network planning and airline partnerships at JetBlue. “This new service exemplifies our commitment to providing customers throughout New England with high quality service to the places they most want to go. We are grateful to the U.S. Department of Transportation for selecting JetBlue for this Essential Air Service route.”

“Maine’s regional airports play a critical role in connecting Maine people, local businesses and communities to the same services and destinations as those in higher population areas,” said Senator Angus King. “Serving as the gateway to Northern Maine, Presque Isle is home to a vibrant culture and a bustling industry. Essential Air Services flights out of and into Presque Isle International Airport will give the Maine people living and working there access to worldwide destinations for travel they need or choose.”

“Maine’s reputation is built on its small towns and wild places, many of which are hours away from the nearest air travel hub,” Congressman Jared Golden said. “That’s why the Essential Air Service program is so vital to our rural communities. Service at Presque Isle International Airport means more convenient air travel for my constituents and puts visitors that much closer to Baxter State Park, the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, the historic communities in the Saint John Valley and so much more.”

“We are excited for the opportunity to welcome JetBlue to our city and continue to have thoughtful and reliable service from a well-respected airline provider,” said Tyler Brown, Presque Isle City Manager.

“We are looking forward to this new partnership with JetBlue’s daily service to Boston and the opportunities that this will bring us here in The County,” said Ryan D. Pelletier, Aroostook County Administrator. “Commercial air service is a critical and a fundamental component for economic development and vitality in rural areas like ours”.

Presque Isle, located in the heart of Aroostook County, is a vibrant community that serves as a regional service center for business, healthcare, education, air transportation and recreation. Thousands of visitors annually enjoy Presque Isle’s small-town hospitality, natural beauty and outdoor adventure options. JetBlue’s entry into Presque Isle brings the airline’s signature low fares and award-winning service to another New England destination. By this winter, JetBlue will serve 10 destinations across New England.

Schedule Between Boston (BOS) and Presque Isle (PQI)

Daily service from Boston beginning September 5, 2024; daily service from Presque Isle beginning September 6, 2024
BOS – PQI Flight #206	PQI – BOS Flight #207
8:45 p.m. – 10:10 p.m.	5:45 a.m. - 7:10 a.m.

JetBlue will initially operate the Presque Isle route using the 100-seat Embraer E190 jet and will transition to the 140-seat Airbus A220 in 2025. Both aircraft offer the airline’s award-winning service including the most legroom in coach¹; fast, free and unlimited broadband Fly-Fi²; complimentary snacks and drinks; and seatback entertainment at every seat.

Flights to take you farther

These new flights can take travelers from Northern Maine to Boston and beyond with same-terminal connections to over 50 destinations across the Americas and Europe that JetBlue serves directly from Boston. Customers can also take advantage of single-ticket connections with through-checked baggage to bring them across the globe with flights from JetBlue’s many partner airlines.

JetBlue’s presence in New England

The new service is part of JetBlue’s JetForward strategic plan, which includes strengthening and refocusing its network in the Northeast. JetBlue is strengthening its commitment to New England, with Presque Isle the ninth airport the carrier serves in the region. With new service to Manchester, New Hampshire launching in January, JetBlue will soon serve 10 New England destinations.

Overall, JetBlue will add 20 percent more seats in the region this winter year-over-year, including a more than 10 percent increase at its Boston Logan focus city. Already the leading leisure carrier in Boston and New England with the most flights to California, Florida and the Caribbean, JetBlue’s expansion for winter includes new service from Portland, Maine to Orlando; new flights from Manchester to three cities in Florida; added Mint^® premium service from Boston to popular destinations like Bozeman, Montana and additional flights on some of the most popular leisure routes from Boston Logan Airport. JetBlue currently serves over 70 destinations from Boston, more than any other carrier, and boasts the most mainline seats from the airport.

Book better with JetBlue

To celebrate today’s launch, and for a limited time, travelers can take advantage of special $29 one-way fares for flights between Boston and Presque Isle available online only on jetblue.com.³

Customers who book directly through jetblue.com are guaranteed to find our lowest fares, and can enjoy additional benefits including access to all of JetBlue’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, and the Caribbean. For more information, visit jetblue.com.

1. JetBlue offers the most legroom in coach based on average fleet-wide seat pitch for U.S. airlines.

2. Fly-Fi® and live television are available on all JetBlue-operated flights. Coverage area may vary by aircraft. Details on inflight wi-fi and entertainment: https://www.jetblue.com/flying-with-us

3. Boston (BOS) to/from Presque Isle (PQI): One-way only. Book by: 9/9/2024 for travel 9/16/2024-11/20/2024 (excludes Friday and Sunday travel). 7-day advance purchase required.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240905141458/en/

JetBlue Corporate Communications

Tel: +1.718.709.3089

corpcomm@jetblue.com

Source: JetBlue

FAQ

When does JetBlue's (JBLU) service between Boston and Presque Isle begin?

JetBlue's service from Boston to Presque Isle begins on September 5, 2024, with return flights starting September 6, 2024.

What aircraft will JetBlue (JBLU) use for the Boston to Presque Isle route?

JetBlue will initially use the 100-seat Embraer E190 jet and transition to the 140-seat Airbus A220 in 2025.

How much are JetBlue's (JBLU) introductory fares for the Boston to Presque Isle route?

JetBlue is offering special $29 one-way fares for a time, available only on jetblue.com.

How many destinations does JetBlue (JBLU) serve from Boston Logan International Airport?

JetBlue currently serves over 70 destinations from Boston Logan International Airport, more than any other carrier.