JetBlue announced plans to open a new crew base for both pilots and flight attendants in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The new base is expected to open by the end of 2024 and create over 400 jobs in San Juan by 2025, according to the carrier.
The New York-based airline recently expanded service from San Juan to more destinations, including Providence, Westchester, and Cancun. Carrying an average of 40 daily flights scheduled in San Juan later this year, JetBlue is the airport’s largest operator.
“We’re so excited to base hundreds more crewmembers right here in San Juan, where we are proud to be the largest airline with plans to grow even more,” said Warren Christie, JetBlue’s chief operating officer, in a press release. “The new crew base will support our operation as we grow and benefit the local economy in a place we are proud to call home.”
The new crew base will station up to 120 pilots and 325 inflight crew members in San Juan, which the airline says will improve its service and operations throughout the Caribbean and beyond.
“This great announcement from JetBlue is a testament to the potential of our Island and the growth we have had in the tourism sector over the past three years,” added Puerto Rico Governor Pedro R. Pierluisi.
The carrier has a long history in the U.S. territory that spans over two decades. In 2020, JetBlue opened a maintenance base in San Juan.
Earlier this year, ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) Frontier announced that it too would open a San Juan crew base. With plans for 90 pilots and 200 flight attendants, Frontier’s new domicile is set to open next month.
Joining San Juan, JetBlue also has crew bases in Boston, Fort Lauderdale, New York, Orlando, and Los Angeles.
