JetBlue Airways has announced the establishment of a new pilot and flight attendant crew base at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

This marks the airline's first such base outside the continental U.S., reinforcing its commitment to investing in Puerto Rico. As the largest airline operating in San Juan, JetBlue continues to expand its footprint, celebrating its 22nd anniversary of service to the island.

Significant Economic Impact

The new crew base, set to open by the end of 2024, will create over 400 jobs, contributing significantly to the local economy. By 2025, B6 plans to station up to 120 pilots and 325 inflight crew members in San Juan. This move is expected to enhance JetBlue’s operational capabilities across the Caribbean and beyond, while also providing a substantial economic boost to the region.

Warren Christie, JetBlue’s Chief Operating Officer, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, “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. 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.”

Puerto Rico Governor Pedro R. Pierluisi also welcomed the announcement, highlighting the growth of the island’s tourism sector and the confidence B6 has shown in Puerto Rico. “This new crew operation base at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, in addition to creating hundreds of jobs, confirms the confidence of the airline in the Puerto Rico market,” he said.

Strategic Expansion, Enhanced Services

This operational expansion follows JetBlue’s recent announcement of additional routes from San Juan to various destinations in the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America. By winter, JetBlue will offer nonstop service between Puerto Rico and 18 cities, and in July, the airline will introduce its premium Mint service on flights between San Juan and New York’s JFK Airport. This service will feature lie-flat seats and an elevated dining experience, marking a significant upgrade in premium travel options for passengers.

Currently, B6 has crew bases in major cities including Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Newark, New York City, Orlando, and Los Angeles. The airline also established a maintenance base in San Juan in 2020, further solidifying its presence on the island.

Job Creation, Economic Growth

Beyond the crew base, the airline's planned network expansion will create approximately 80 additional jobs in San Juan, covering frontline operational and technical roles. This expansion aims to stimulate economic activity and foster further job growth across the region.

JetBlue already employs over 370 crewmembers in Puerto Rico, supporting operations in San Juan, Aguadilla, and Ponce.

JetBlue’s continued investment and expansion efforts underscore its commitment to Puerto Rico, enhancing connectivity, and contributing to the island's economic development.

“We are so proud that our superior product and service has resonated with Puerto Ricans and the many visitors we bring to the island,” said Christie. “As we set out to connect more people and destinations to Puerto Rico, we will do it by ensuring our staffing and our service meet the needs of our customers and standards they expect from JetBlue.”