JetBlue and Massport Announce Two New Florida Destinations from Worcester

Connecting Central Massachusetts to Orlando and Fort Myers with Great Service and Low Fares Out For Sale Starting Today With $34 Limited One Way Fares Available Online Only on JetBlue.com

WORCESTER - JetBlue (NASDAQ: JBLU) and the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) today announced new nonstop flights to two popular Florida destinations from Worcester Regional Airport (ORH): daily year-round service to Orlando International Airport (MCO) launching this summer and winter seasonal service to Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers (RSW) launching next winter. Seats are out for sale today with fares as low as $34 (a).

“We are proud to introduce even more options to connect our Massachusetts customers to the places they want to fly with more nonstop Florida service from Worcester,” said Robin Hayes, chief executive officer, JetBlue. “Customers can now much more easily travel back and forth to Florida with JetBlue’s low fares and award-winning service, including with daily flights to Fort Myers during the Red Sox Spring Training.”

“Worcester Regional Airport is an important economic asset for the entire state, and these new routes will help deliver even more growth and connectivity for our businesses and residents,” said Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey. “I congratulate Massport and our federal, state, and city partners for securing this expansion with JetBlue and building on the economic and tourism benefits for Central Massachusetts.”

“These new and returning JetBlue flights to Florida from Worcester Regional Airport are a great addition for passengers in Central Massachusetts,” said Congressman Jim McGovern. “I’m excited about these services and grateful to Massport, JetBlue and our team of local, state and federal partners who are working together to expand travel options for people in this region.”

Bringing More Travel Opportunities to Central Massachusetts

With the addition of these routes, JetBlue will serve three Florida cities – Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and Fort Myers – from Worcester, meeting the increased demand from customers in the Central Massachusetts region for additional Florida flights. Conveniently located in the heart of Central Massachusetts, Worcester offers a modern, spacious terminal, easy curbside drop-off and pick-up, free WiFi, full-service food and beverage, and $7 daily or $42 weekly parking. 

“Massport's investments in Worcester Regional Airport have continued to strengthen the robust economy of Central Massachusetts,” said Lew Evangelidis, Sheriff of Worcester County & Chairman of the Massport Board of Directors. “The return of JetBlue’s Orlando flight and their new service to Fort Myers shows the continued growth and travel demand our region is experiencing, and we are thrilled to provide more options to the traveling public.”

“We are thrilled to welcome back JetBlue’s Orlando service and the exciting new seasonal service to Fort Myers, giving travelers a total of three great destinations in Florida to visit for business and leisure,” said Massport CEO Lisa Wieland. “We want to thank the Healey-Driscoll Administration, Congressman McGovern, the city leaders in Worcester, and other elected officials for their unwavering support of the airport. As always, we urge our customers and partners to be our ambassadors and encourage more of their friends and colleagues to fly Worcester.”

Today, Worcester is served by three major airlines, which together not only offer travelers direct access to New York and Florida, but also provide opportunities to connect to hundreds of additional destinations throughout the U.S. and across the globe. In November, Worcester celebrated its one millionth passenger since 2013 when JetBlue began serving the airport.

“JetBlue’s routes to Orlando and Fort Myers are exciting new travel options for passengers in and around our region and we are pleased to see that people are paying attention to how easy and inexpensive it is to fly out of the Worcester Airport,” said Worcester Mayor Joseph M. Petty. “I want to thank Massport CEO Lisa Wieland and our state and federal partners for their continued commitment to recognizing and elevating the potential that Worcester Regional Airport represents.”

“The return of JetBlue’s Orlando service and their brand new seasonal flight to Fort Myers demonstrates their commitment to Worcester and the surrounding communities,” said Eric D. Batista, Worcester City Manager. “We applaud the efforts of the Massachusetts Port Authority and Worcester Regional Airport in prioritizing Central Massachusetts as a significant gateway for business and leisure travel.”

“JetBlue’s new and returning Florida routes are meeting the increased travel demand coming from the Worcester region and that is a great sign for our residents and our business community,” said Timothy P. Murray, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce President and CEO. “These flights offer more opportunities to make connections throughout the country and the world.”

Welcoming Back Service to Orlando

“JetBlue’s announcement to return Orlando service and start their new service to Fort Myers offers travelers two more great destinations in Florida to visit,” said Ed Freni, Massport Aviation Director. “JetBlue is a terrific partner and we are excited about the many travel opportunities the Central Massachusetts region will have access to through these new routes.”

JetBlue will welcome back service between Worcester and Orlando beginning June 15, 2023 and will be the only airline to offer nonstop service between the two cities.

This return to service further advances JetBlue’s plans to become Orlando’s national low fare carrier of choice. After completion of its planned combination with Spirit, JetBlue expects to reach more than 200 daily departures from Orlando by 2027, as the combination will unlock growth opportunities that would not otherwise be possible.

Daily Schedule between Worcester (ORH) and Orlando (MCO)

Beginning June 15, 2023

Launching New Seasonal Service to Fort Myers

JetBlue is also launching winter seasonal service from Worcester to Fort Myers beginning on January 4, 2024. The route will initially launch with twice-weekly service, and will increase to daily service starting in mid-February through the end of the Red Sox Spring Training. As the official airline of the Red Sox, JetBlue is pleased to provide fans more convenient options to travel down to JetBlue Park, the Red Sox’s Spring Training ballpark and part of the Fenway South training and development facility. 

“JetBlue is a dedicated member of Red Sox Nation, and we’re proud to extend our support for the franchise with more options for fans to get down to Fort Myers and cheer on the Red Sox throughout Spring Training,” said Dave Clark, head of revenue and planning, JetBlue.  

“We appreciate the partnership of JetBlue and their commitment to ensuring that the most passionate fan base in MLB has the access and opportunity to travel to JetBlue Park to support the Red Sox,” said Troup Parkinson, EVP, Partnerships, Boston Red Sox. “With the addition of direct service from Worcester to Fort Myers, Red Sox fans will have a flexible and reliable mode of transportation to take that passion on the road to Spring Training at JetBlue Park.”

To celebrate the new routes, JetBlue will be awarding round trip tickets to a family of four to attend spring training next year at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers. The tickets will be given away at an upcoming Worcester Red Sox home game.

Schedule between Worcester (ORH) and Fort Myers (RSW)

Winter Seasonal Beginning January 4, 2024

Book Better with JetBlue

To celebrate today’s launch, and for a limited time, travelers can take advantage of special $34 one-way fares for flights on these new routes, available online only on www.jetblue.com. 

Customers who book directly through jetblue.com are guaranteed to find our best and lowest fares, and can enjoy additional benefits including access to all of JetBlue’s fare options, as well as fare sales and promotions, some of which may not be available through other third-parties; the ability to earn 2x TrueBlue points and participate in Points Pooling; seamless seat selections and upgrades to Even More® Space; 24/7 direct access to JetBlue’s customer service channels; and more.

About JetBlue

JetBlue is New York's Hometown Airline®, and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles, Orlando, and San Juan. JetBlue carries customers to more than 100 destinations throughout the United States, Latin America, Caribbean, Canada, and United Kingdom. For more information and the best fares, visit jetblue.com.

About Massport

Powering What’s Possible. The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) owns and operates Boston Logan International Airport, public terminals in the Port of Boston, Hanscom Field and Worcester Regional Airport.

Follow @FlyWorcester and @Massport on Twitter for more information and updates.

(a) Terms: Fares shown: ORHMCO and ORHRSW (Thursday, Sunday travel). Book by 4/17/23. Terms apply.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains various forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, which represent our management’s beliefs and assumptions concerning future events. These statements are intended to qualify for the “safe harbor” from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “indicates,” “remains,” “believes,” “estimates,” “forecast,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “goals,” “targets” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Additionally, forward-looking statements include statements that do not relate solely to historical facts, such as statements which identify uncertainties or trends, discuss the possible future effects of current known trends or uncertainties, or which indicate that the future effects of known trends or uncertainties cannot be predicted, guaranteed, or assured. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions, and are based on information currently available to us. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements due to many factors, including, without limitation, the COVID-19 pandemic and government-imposed measures to control its spread; risk associated with execution of our strategic operating plans in the near-term and long-term; our extremely competitive industry; risks related to the long-term nature of our fleet order book; volatility in fuel prices and availability of fuel; increased maintenance costs associated with fleet age; costs associated with salaries, wages and benefits; risks associated with doing business internationally; our reliance on high daily aircraft utilization; our dependence on the New York metropolitan market; risks associated with extended interruptions or disruptions in service at our focus cities; risks associated with airport expenses; risks associated with seasonality and weather; our reliance on a limited number of suppliers; risks related to new or increased tariffs imposed on commercial aircraft and related parts imported from outside the United States; the outcome of lawsuits filed against us related to our Northeast Alliance with American Airlines Group Inc.; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the right of JetBlue or Spirit Airlines Inc. (“Spirit”) or both of them to terminate the Merger Agreement; failure to obtain certain governmental approvals necessary to consummate the merger with Spirit (the “Merger”); the outcome of the lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice and certain state Attorneys General against us and Spirit related to the Merger; risks associated with failure to consummate the Merger in a timely manner or at all; risks associated with the pendency of the Merger and related business disruptions; indebtedness following consummation of the Merger and associated impacts on business flexibility, borrowing costs and credit ratings; the possibility that JetBlue may be unable to achieve expected synergies and operating efficiencies within the expected timeframes or at all; challenges associated with successful integration of Spirit’s operations; expenses related to the Merger and integration of Spirit; the potential for loss of management personnel and other key crewmembers as a result of the Merger; risks associated with effective management of the combined company following the Merger; risks associated with JetBlue being bound by all obligations and liabilities of Spirit following consummation of the Merger; risks associated with the integration of JetBlue and Spirit workforce, including with respect to negotiation of labor agreements and labor costs; the impact of the Merger on JetBlue’s earnings per share; risks associated with cybersecurity incidents; heightened regulatory requirements concerning data security compliance; risks associated with reliance on, and potential failure of, automated systems; our inability to attract and retain qualified crewmembers; our being subject to potential unionization, work stoppages, slowdowns or increased labor costs; reputational and business risk from an accident or incident involving our aircraft; risks associated with our reputation and brand; our significant fixed obligations; our substantial indebtedness; financial risks associated with credit card processors; restrictions as a result of our participation in governmental support programs; risks associated with seeking short-term additional financing liquidity; failure to realize the value of intangible or long-lived assets; risks associated with disease outbreaks or environmental disasters affecting travel behavior; compliance with future environmental regulations; the impacts of federal budget constraints or federally imposed furloughs; climate change; changes in government regulations in our industry; acts of war or terrorism; global economic conditions or an economic downturn leading to a continuing or accelerated decrease in demand for air travel; and risks associated with the implementation of 5G wireless technology near airports that we operate in. It is routine for our internal projections and expectations to change as the year or each quarter in the year progresses, and therefore it should be clearly understood that the internal projections, beliefs, and assumptions upon which we base our expectations may change prior to the end of each quarter or year. Any outlook or forecasts in this press release have been prepared without taking into account or consideration the Merger with Spirit.

Given the risks and uncertainties surrounding forward-looking statements, you should not place undue reliance on these statements. You should understand that many important factors, in addition to those discussed in this press release, could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Further information concerning these and other factors is contained in JetBlue’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, including but not limited to, JetBlue’s 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. In light of these risks and uncertainties, the forward-looking events discussed in this press release might not occur. Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Other than as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

JetBlue Corporate Communications

Tel: +1.718.709.3089

corpcomm@jetblue.com

Massport

Jennifer Mehigan or Samantha Decker

617-568-3100