By Philip Newman
JetBlue, the low-cost airline, will take over operation of Terminal 6 at John F. Kennedy International airport under an agreement by which the Kew Gardens-based carrier expects to double its operation at the airport.
The agreement with Gov. George Pataki and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is to provide for JetBlue to lease the terminal for $60 million. JetBlue would then expand from six to 10 gates at JFK, doubling the airline's potential operations with 100 daily flights at JFK by the end of this year and 200 daily flights by the end of 2003.
The Port Authority and JetBlue are making more than $12 million worth of improvements to Terminal 6, including wider access roads, new ticket counters, refurbished restrooms, new baggage systems and enhanced shops and restaurants. JetBlue plans to take operational control of the terminal on Nov.1, 2001.
“In less than two years, JetBlue Airways has grown from an ambitious start-up airline to a major player in the aviation industry – providing a convenient, affordable transportation link between New York City and upstate New York, in additional to new service across the country,” said Pataki. “This agreement enhances JetBlue's long-term commitment to its hub at Kennedy airport, bringing benefits for travelers throughout New York City and New York state.”
“Through the offices of the governor and the Port Authority, this lease agreement and the new Terminal 6 to be built at JFK will enable JetBlue to continue and enhance air services to upstate New York and throughout the country,” said JetBlue CEO David Neeleman.
JetBlue has carried nearly 3 million passengers since its beginning in February 2000 and has become JFK's fifth busiest airline, operating 80 flights at day with a fleet of 15 new environmentally friendly Airbus A320 jetliners.
JetBlue flies to Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Denver, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Salt Lake City, Oakland and New Orleans. The airline plans to start service from Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C. this fall with two daily flights to northern and southern California.
The airline was voted No.2 domestic airline for comfort and service in the 2001 Zagat Airline survey. At JetBlue, all fares are one-way and a Saturday night stay is never required.
Reach contributing writer Philip Newman by e-mail at Timesledgr@aol.com or call 229-0300, Ext. 136.
