JetBlue inaugurated its first crew base outside the continental United States at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan, Puerto Rico. According to the company, this base will create over 400 jobs for pilots and cabin crew on the island by the end of 2025, strengthening its operations in the Caribbean.

The base, located in Terminal A of the airport, will allow crew members to start and end their routes in San Juan. According to JetBlue, this initiative not only supports its operations in Puerto Rico and other Caribbean regions but also enables a faster response to operational disruptions. Additionally, this opening complements the maintenance base the airline established in San Juan in 2020.

Warren Christie, JetBlue’s Chief Operating Officer, stated, “The new crew base reinforces our commitment to investing in the communities we serve, creating opportunities for crew members in San Juan and those looking to return to the island.”

New connection to St. Croix

Simultaneously, JetBlue launched its new route between San Juan and St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. According to the company, this flight aims to strengthen connectivity between Puerto Rico and the Caribbean region. Flights will be operated with Airbus A320 aircraft, offering services such as free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment.

The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism Commissioner, Joseph Boschulte, highlighted the importance of this connection: “This flight enhances St. Croix’s connectivity not only with Puerto Rico but with the entire Caribbean region and the continental United States.”

Operations and growth in Puerto Rico

JetBlue, which has been operating in Puerto Rico for over 22 years, offers flights to 18 destinations from the island and will reach more than 50 daily departures during this winter season’s peak. According to the company, its recent expansion in the region has generated 70 new jobs, increasing its workforce in Puerto Rico to over 800 employees by 2025.

The route between San Juan and St. Croix will have daily flights, with promotional fares available for a limited time.