Charleston will become JetBlue’s 72nd destination in February and its first in South Carolina, the airline announced Wednesday.
Starting February 28, 2013, the New York-based carrier will operate twice-daily flights to Charleston International Airport from New York-JFK, and once-daily service from Boston Logan. All service will be operated aboard JetBlue’s 100-seat Embraer E-190 jets.
JetBlue will become the third carrier to fly nonstop to Charleston from New York. Delta fies regional jets to Charleston from from LaGuardia and JFK and United also flies RJ’s from Newark.
Interestingly, it will be the only nonstop service linking Boston with Charleston, despite being the eighth most popular origin city for Charleston travelers.
“JetBlue is pleased to introduce a new class of in-flight service to the Charleston community, complete with upscale offerings like assigned, all-leather seating with the most legroom in coach, free live television at every seatback and a free first checked bag,” said JetBlue’s President and CEO, Dave Barger, in a statement. “We are pleased to welcome South Carolina into our growing route network, and we believe the addition of the region’s only full-size jet service to the Northeast will foster even more loyal fans of JetBlue throughout the state.”
Charleston is the busiest airport in South Carolina, and the new flights will add 100,000 seats to the airport annually.
“Welcoming JetBlue to the Charleston area is a huge contribution toward future economic growth,” says S.C. Speaker of the House Bobby Harrell, who credits the cooperative efforts of the Charleston International Airport, Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Charleston Regional Development Alliance and Charleston Metro Chamber with landing the new air service.
