Governor Warner Announces Jetblue to Launch Service to Richmond
Governor Warner Announces Jetblue to Launch Service to Richmond
Low-cost airline to offer daily flights to JFK, Boston
Governor Mark R. Warner announced today that JetBlue, the New York based, low-cost airline, will begin daily service next spring between Richmond International Airport and Boston's Logan International and JFK International Airport in New York. The expansion of service from JetBlue's home base at JFK is the result of the airline's purchase of eight new 100-seat EMBRAER 190 aircraft this year, with an additional 18 scheduled to join the JetBlue fleet in 2006.
"My administration has worked closely with CEO David Neeleman's team and the Richmond business community over the past two years to bring JetBlue's low-fare, award-winning customer service to Richmond, which previously has been regarded as a high-cost market," said Governor Warner. "This expansion means air travel will become much more affordable for both business and vacation travelers, and I am extremely pleased to welcome JetBlue to the Commonwealth."
JFK service to Richmond will begin March 31, 2006, with regular fares ranging between $59 and $134 each way; Boston service to Richmond will begin April 6, 2006, with regular fares between $69 and $144 each way.
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Governor Warner visited JetBlue headquarters in New York in 2003 to personally encourage airline executives to consider expanding their service to Richmond. Two months later, the Governor hosted a luncheon at the Executive Mansion for CEO David Neeleman, featuring a host of Richmond's business and community leaders.
"Richmond's business community welcomes JetBlue's low fares and award winning customer service," said James W. Dunn, President of the Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce. "We congratulate JetBlue and look forward to watching JetBlue grow at RIC."
JetBlue is a low-fare, low-cost passenger airline known for providing high-quality customer service. With JetBlue, all seats are assigned, all travel is ticketless, and all fares are one-way. JetBlue currently operates 306 flights a day and serves 33 destinations in 14 states, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas.
http://www.governor.virginia.gov/Press_Policy/Releases/2005/Oct05/1011.htm