JetBlue Plans 200 Daily Flights from Orlando if Spirit Merger Goes Ahead
The airline has just announced two new direct routes to the Dominican Republic from Orlando and said it could offer even more services if its takeover of Spirit is approved
Photo: Courtesy JetBlue
After announcing the launch of two new international flights to the Dominican Republic from Orlando, JetBlue said it aims to operate 200 flights per day out of the city should its merger with Spirit Airline get approved.
Orlando has been a focus city for JetBlue since 2008, and its operations at the Central Floridian airport have grown significantly. The airline is an anchor tenant at the airport’s new $2.8 billion Terminal C, which opened in October last year after more than five years of construction.
JetBlue reassures that should authorities give its proposed takeover of Spirit Airlines the go-ahead, it expects to operate up to 200 flights per day from Orlando International Airport.
Photo: Courtesy JetBlue
According to JetBlue, the merger would enable the carrier to add nonstop routes to 20 cities not yet served by Orlando and increase capacity on up to 25 existing routes.
“We are pleased to share our plans to deliver more growth and more jobs in Central Florida, enabled by Florida’s booming economy, our combination with Spirit, and as part of the growth commitments we agreed to with Florida Attorney General Moody,” said Robin Hayes, CEO of JetBlue.
“This growth will establish JetBlue as Orlando’s national low-fare carrier of choice, ensuring customers don’t have to choose between low fares and a great experience.”
New Routes to the Dominican Republic
From November 2023, JetBlue will operate two new direct services to the Dominican Republic from Orlando International Airport (MCO).
Beginning November 4, the airline will launch daily flights between Orlando and Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). The outbound journey will depart MCO at 8:35 a.m. each day and touch down in Punta Cana at 12:05 p.m. The return leg will leave PUJ at 1:10 p.m., touching down in Orlando at 3:00 p.m.
On the same day, JetBlue will launch a direct service from Orlando to Cibao International Airport (STI) in Santiago de los Caballeros, becoming the only airline to connect to the two destinations with a nonstop flight. The outbound journey will leave Orlando at 1:00 p.m. daily, touching down in Santiago at 4:20 p.m. The return journey will depart STI at 5:30 p.m., returning to Orlando at 7:10 p.m.
Photo: Courtesy JetBlue
“JetBlue’s new daily service to the Dominican Republic is a welcome addition to Orlando International Airport,” said Kevin Thibault, Chief Executive of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.
“As an anchor in our innovative Terminal C, JetBlue continues to provide travelers with options to experience desirable destinations, including Orlando, recognized as one of the most visited cities in the U.S. These expanded routes help Orlando International deliver connectivity and strengthen our position as a major economic generator in the region.”
