JetBlue Opens Crew Base in San Juan, Bringing More than 400 Jobs to Puerto Rico by Next Year

Rhea-AI Summary

JetBlue (JBLU) has opened its first crew base outside continental U.S. at San Juan's Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, bringing over 400 new jobs to Puerto Rico by next year. The base will employ more than 100 pilots and 300 inflight crewmembers, with pilots joining in early 2025.

The airline also launched new flights from San Juan to St. Croix, expanding its Caribbean network. With over 50 daily departures during peak periods this winter, JetBlue's recent network growth has created an additional 70 new jobs, bringing its total team to more than 800 crewmembers by 2025 across San Juan, Aguadilla, and Ponce.

The new San Juan-St. Croix route will be operated using Airbus A320 aircraft, with special introductory fares of $29 one-way available for a time.

Positive

• Creation of 400+ new jobs in Puerto Rico by 2024
• Network expansion with new San Juan-St. Croix route
• Growth to 800+ total crewmembers by 2025
• Operational efficiency improvement with new crew base

Negative

• None.

Insights

Market Research Analyst

JetBlue's strategic expansion in Puerto Rico represents a significant operational shift with tangible financial implications. The addition of 400+ crew positions and a new crew base in San Juan strengthens the airline's Caribbean presence and operational efficiency. This investment aligns with JetBlue's focus on leisure and VFR routes under their JetForward strategy, particularly important as leisure travel continues to show strong recovery post-pandemic.

The expansion into St. Croix with promotional $29 fares indicates an aggressive market penetration strategy. With over 50 daily departures during peak periods and service to 18 destinations from Puerto Rico, this hub development could drive revenue growth through improved network connectivity and operational resilience. The maintenance base established in 2020 coupled with this crew base creates a comprehensive operational foundation for future regional expansion.

Financial Analyst

This operational expansion represents a calculated investment in JetBlue's Caribbean infrastructure. The establishment of a crew base outside the continental U.S. should yield operational cost efficiencies through reduced positioning expenses and improved crew utilization. The strategic timing aligns with increased leisure travel demand, potentially boosting load factors and revenue on Caribbean routes.

The growth to 800 crewmembers by 2025 across Puerto Rican operations indicates a substantial commitment to the region. While initial setup costs may impact short-term margins, the long-term benefits include enhanced operational flexibility, reduced disruption costs and stronger competitive positioning in the Caribbean market. The expansion could help offset challenges in other markets while capitalizing on strong leisure travel demand.

JetBlue adds even more service and low fares for customers in “La Isla del Encanto” with new flights from San Juan to St. Croix taking off today

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- JetBlue (Nasdaq: JBLU), Puerto Rico’s largest carrier, today celebrated the opening of its brand-new crew base at San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) – its first outside the continental U.S., bringing hundreds of jobs with it. The celebration and growth continue this afternoon, as JetBlue also marks the start of flights from Puerto Rico’s vibrant capital to the stunning island of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, further solidifying its investment in the Caribbean.

JetBlue’s newly opened San Juan crew base is set to bring more than 400 crewmember jobs to Puerto Rico, with more than 100 pilots and more than 300 inflight crewmembers (flight attendants) set to be assigned to the base by next year. The crew base to support inflight crewmembers opened today while San Juan-based pilots are expected to join in early 2025. Located in Terminal A at San Juan’s airport, the base will allow crewmembers to begin and end trips from the island, supporting the airline’s operations in Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and beyond and ensure these workgroups can quickly respond in the event of operational disruptions. The crew base follows the opening of JetBlue’s Tech Ops maintenance base in San Juan in 2020.

“We are proud to celebrate this important milestone in Puerto Rico,” said Warren Christie, chief operating officer at JetBlue. “The new crew base reinforces our commitment to investing in the communities we serve, creating opportunities for crewmembers in San Juan and for those who want to return home to the island, while expanding our network to meet the growing demand for travel to the Caribbean and beyond.”

“We celebrate that JetBlue continues to bet on Puerto Rico. We are proud of this strategic alliance with Puerto Rico, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to the island and its people. Our tourism had record growth numbers over the past four years, and this is one more sign that good news continue for our people,” said Puerto Rico Governor Pedro R. Pierluisi.

“Providing reliable and affordable travel options to customers is a key part of the development of the tourism sector and we are very excited to be part of this new phase of JetBlue’s history in Puerto Rico. The opening of this crew base confirms the airline’s commitment to Puerto Rico, and enhances both the increase in frequency of flights to all the airports of the island, as well as new opportunities to continue expanding the network from domestic and international markets that benefit the local economy,” said Carlos Mercado Santiago, executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company.

JetBlue has been serving Puerto Rico for more than 22 years and flies to 18 destinations from the island. With over 50 daily departures in peak periods this winter, JetBlue’s recent network growth has created an additional 70 new jobs, bringing its team to more than 800 crewmembers by 2025 across San Juan, Aguadilla, and Ponce.

New flights from San Juan to St. Croix take off today

To add to JetBlue’s growth in Puerto Rico, today the airline will celebrate its inaugural flight from San Juan to St. Croix. Part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix blends vibrant culture and natural beauty. Visitors will experience historic sites, lush gardens, and charming streets, or unwind on pristine beaches like Protestant Cay or Rainbow Beach. With a thriving art scene and diverse adventures, St. Croix stands out as a relaxing Caribbean escape.

“We are excited to reenter St. Croix, known for its rich history, stunning beaches, and great people,” said Christie. “Our new route between San Juan and St. Croix demonstrates our commitment to serving the Caribbean and connecting U.S. Virgin Islands residents to our San Juan focus city as well as the robust network we serve beyond it.”

St. Croix joins St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands as part of JetBlue’s network. The airline currently offers daily service between San Juan and St. Thomas as well as winter seasonal flights between Boston and St. Thomas.

“Today’s flight, traveling just over 94 miles, provides depth in the connectivity of St. Croix to not just Puerto Rico but to the broader Caribbean region and the mainland United States,” shares Commissioner Joseph Boschulte of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. “We are excited for the continued growth of our relationship with JetBlue and look forward to welcoming more passengers.”

JetBlue’s relaunch of service to St. Croix is part of JetBlue’s significant network enhancements in San Juan and focus on leisure and VFR (visiting friend and relatives) routes, aligned with the airline’s JetForward strategy.

Schedule between San Juan (SJU) and St. Croix (STX)

SJU-STX Flight #2940	STX-SJU Flight #2941
3:00 p.m. – 3:44 p.m.	4:45 p.m. – 5:35 p.m.

JetBlue will operate the St. Croix 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.

To celebrate today’s launch, and for a limited time, travelers can take advantage of special $29 one-way fares for flights to and from San Juan to St. Croix 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.

JetBlue is proud to offer flights between San Juan and Boston; Cancún, Mexico; Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Tampa Fla.; Hartford, Conn.; Medellín, Colombia; Newark, N.J.; New York (JFK); Providence, R.I.; Raleigh/Durham, N.C.; St. Croix and St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.; Santiago, Punta Cana and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; Washington, D.C. (Reagan National); and Westchester County, N.Y.

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. San Juan (SJU) to/from St. Croix (STX): One-way only. Book by: 12/13/2024 for travel 12/16/24 - 3/31/2025.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241212241628/en/

JetBlue Corporate Communications

Tel: +1.718.709.3089

corpcomm@jetblue.com

Source: JetBlue

FAQ

How many jobs will JetBlue's new San Juan crew base create by 2024?

JetBlue's new San Juan crew base will create more than 400 jobs, including more than 100 pilots and 300 inflight crewmembers by next year.

What is the fare for JetBlue's new San Juan to St. Croix route?

JetBlue is offering special introductory fares of $29 one-way for flights between San Juan and St. Croix, available for a time on jetblue.com.

When will pilots join JetBlue's new San Juan crew base?

Pilots are expected to join JetBlue's San Juan crew base in early 2025.

How many daily departures does JBLU operate from Puerto Rico during peak periods?

JetBlue operates over 50 daily departures from Puerto Rico during peak periods in winter.

What type of aircraft will JBLU use for the San Juan-St. Croix route?

JetBlue will operate the San Juan-St. Croix route using Airbus A320 aircraft.