JetBlue announced the launch of two new international routes from Orlando International Airport (MCO) on Thursday, which will launch in November 2023. The carrier will operate new services to Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) and Cibao International Airport (STI) in the Dominican Republic.

New routes for JetBlue

Launching on November 4, 2023, JetBlue will begin two new nonstop services from Orlando International, serving two top Caribbean destinations, Punta Cana and Santiago, in the Dominican Republic. This is part of JetBlue’s plan to offer more connectivity from the city in Florida.

David Jehn, vice president of Network Planning and Partnerships at JetBlue, said that Punta Cana and Santiago are major Caribbean destinations. Still, limited options exist for customers to get there from Orlando.

Robin Hayes, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at JetBlue, said in a statement that this growth would establish the airline as Orlando’s low-fare carrier of choice. Meanwhile, Kevin Thibault, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, said JetBlue provides travelers with options to experience desirable destinations through its position in the airport’s Terminal C. He added,

“These expanded routes help Orlando International deliver connectivity and strengthen our position as a major economic generator in the region.”

As of March 2023, JetBlue offers 401 weekly departures from Orlando International, serving 22 destinations, including five foreign in Latin America and the Caribbean. It is the fifth largest airline in Orlando, behind Southwest, Spirit, Delta, and Frontier.

JetBlue eyeing more connectivity through Orlando International

Speaking about Spirit Airlines, JetBlue said on Thursday it plans 200 daily flights out of Orlando International once its merger with the ultra-low-cost carrier is approved.

The airline said that the planned combination of JetBlue and Spirit would unlock long-term growth opportunities that would not be possible otherwise. JetBlue is looking to launch new routes and serves currently unviable destinations.

In total, the airline would offer flights to approximately 20 markets not operated by either JetBlue or Spirit from Orlando today and would increase flight frequencies on about 25 additional routes. Additionally, JetBlue plans to introduce its Mint premium experience from Orlando.

When talking about the new routes to Punta Cana and Santiago, David Jehn added, “these new routes, along with those that will be enabled by our combination with Spirit, will position us to deliver even more growth and connectivity to popular destinations for customers in Central Florida.”

The latest on JetBlue and Spirit’s merger

Earlier this month, the Department of Justice sued to block the merger between JetBlue and Spirit Airlines. The Department argued that the deal would stifle competition and lead to higher fares, exacerbating concentration in the airline industry.

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Despite the Department’s lawsuit, JetBlue and Spirit continue to advance their plan, the carriers said in a statement. Robin Hayes said that the merger would create a national low-care competitor to the Big Four carriers in the United States (it would gain about 10% of the market share across the country).

Are you excited to have two more offers between the United States and the Dominican Republic? Let us know in the comments below.

• 

  JetBlue

  IATA/ICAO Code:

  B6/JBA

  Hub(s):

  Boston Logan International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, New York JFK Airport, Orlando International Airport

  Year Founded:

  2000

  CEO:

  Robin Hayes

  Country:

  United States

• 

  Orlando International Airport

  IATA/ICAO Code:

  MCO/KMCO

  Country:

  United States

  CEO:

  Phil Brown

  Passenger Count :

  40,351,068 (2021)

  Runways :

  17L/35R - 2,743m (9,000ft) | 17R/35L - 3,048m (10,000ft) | 18L/36R - 3,659m (12,000ft) | 18R/36L - 3,659m (12,000ft)

  Terminals:

  Terminal A | Terminal B