JetBlue announced adjustments to its route network to better align capacity with customer demand.
Beginning in early 2019, JetBlue will launch daily service between Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Guayaquil (GYE), Ecuador. This will be the airline’s sixth destination in South America and expands its growing presence in the region.
“New flights to Guayaquil introduce another unique and exciting destination for our customers while extending JetBlue’s reach into Latin America,” said Joanna Geraghty, president of JetBlue. “Expanding our international network in Ecuador also helps us grow Fort Lauderdale, where JetBlue is the leading carrier.”
Guayaquil is Ecuador’s largest city and primary port, with a history approaching 200 years of independence. With nearly 2 million residents, the city serves as an important gateway for travelers heading to the Galápagos Islands.
“Introducing this new JetBlue service gives passengers more choices for reaching Ecuador and provides additional opportunities for U.S. travelers to explore the country’s attractions,” said Ángel Cordova, CEO of Guayaquil Airport.
The route will be operated with an Airbus A320 aircraft.
For the upcoming winter season, JetBlue is also adding four new domestic and Caribbean routes: Boston (BOS) to Rochester (ROC); Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Phoenix (PHX); Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to St. Maarten (SXM); and Providence (PVD) to Palm Beach (PBI).
These daily flights are currently available for purchase.
Additionally, JetBlue is increasing frequency on nearly 25 of its busiest routes, with particular emphasis on its Boston and Fort Lauderdale hubs. To reallocate resources and improve service on higher-demand markets, the airline will discontinue the following routes effective Jan. 8, 2019: Daytona Beach (DAB)–New York (JFK); St. Croix (STX)–San Juan (SJU); and Washington, D.C. (IAD) service to New York and Boston.
“We regularly evaluate network performance and make adjustments that support our focus-city strategy, which aims to strengthen key markets and better serve local travelers,” Geraghty added. “Overall, these changes are expected to produce a meaningful improvement in annual profitability and fortify our business, while allowing us to invest in growth and enhance our customer experience.”