ISP Celebrates JetBlue's Inaugural Service
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
MacArthur Airport Celebrates JetBlue’s Inaugural Flights and the Significance of Fourth Air Carrier’s Launch to Long Island
Islip, NY – October 24, 2024 – Air travelers from across Long Island are celebrating today as JetBlue takes off for the first time at MacArthur Airport, bringing new convenience and connectivity options for Nassau and Suffolk County residents and visitors to the region. JetBlue will serve Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Palm Beach with nonstop flights on Airbus A320 aircraft.
“This JetBlue inaugural flight to Orlando is magical. Long Islanders are passionate about JetBlue and have been expressing their desire for the airline to serve Islip’s MacArthur Airport for years. Today, those wishes would come true,” said Town of Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter. “We are thrilled to welcome JetBlue – New York’s Hometown Airline to ISP – Long Island’s Hometown Airport,” she added.
JetBlue’s Orlando service operates daily. Palm Beach flights will operate Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, and Fort Lauderdale service flies on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. To celebrate today’s announcement, and for a limited time, travelers can take advantage of special $59 one-way fares to Orlando and $69 one-way fares to Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, available online only on www.jetblue.com.
“We are so excited to bring JetBlue’s award-winning customer experience to Long Island MacArthur Airport. Nearly 3 million potential passengers live and work in the areas surrounding ISP’s easy parking, and our convenient terminal with comfortable amenities. We look forward to bringing new passengers through our doors and welcoming them with our friendly service and efficient airport facilities,” said Airport Commissioner Shelley LaRose-Arken.
Community leaders, business representatives, elected officials, airline leadership, and passengers from across Long Island will join with Town of Islip Board Members and Airport Staff to celebrate the JetBlue inaugural flight, recognizing the positive impact of the air service to the airport and Nassau and Suffolk counties.
“The inaugural flight of JetBlue is also a symbol for Long Island MacArthur Airport’s continued ascendance as a regional economic powerhouse,” said Long Island Association President & CEO Matt Cohen, “With its central location and promising opportunities for future growth supported by Supervisor Angie Carpenter, the Islip Town Board, and the Commissioner of Long Island MacArthur Airport Shelley LaRose Arken’s strong leadership, the airport is critical to Long Island’s prosperity.”
All JetBlue fares now include a carry-on bag (space permitting) that fits in the overhead bin, plus a personal item like a purse, daypack, or laptop bag that fits under the seat. Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are also included.
"The addition of Long Island MacArthur Airport to our New York network will provide JetBlue customers additional options and greater convenience to their favorite destinations in Florida,” said Daniel Shurz, head of network, revenue, and enterprise planning at JetBlue. “We are proud to provide new opportunities for more Long Islanders to enjoy JetBlue’s low fares and award-winning service.”
As part of the celebration, Gate A1 is decorated in a mosaic of blue hues, with marquee lights and a new colorful pop-up activation featuring JetBlue. Games and giveaways, including two pairs of roundtrip JetBlue tickets, photo opportunities, special guests, and entertainment are also slated for this morning’s inaugural event.
“MacArthur Airport continues to be a robust economic generator for Long Island, and the addition of this dynamic forward-thinking airline will only increase that important role in the future,” said Airport Advisory Board Chairman Mitch Pally.
ABOUT LONG ISLAND MACARTHUR AIRPORT: MacArthur Airport is on Long Island approximately 50 miles from New York City. It is the closest airport to 2.8 million Long Island residents, and to world-renowned attractions including the famous Hamptons, Wine Country, lighthouses, Fire Island, excellent theatre, award-winning restaurants, and Gatsby-era mansions. The Town of Islip owns and operates the airport, served by Breeze Airways, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue and Southwest Airlines. Access to the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) makes getting around Nassau and Suffolk counties convenient. Train service from the Ronkonkoma FlyMacArthur.com/ MacArthur Airport LIRR to New York City provides frequent transport. Long Island MacArthur Airport employs 6000 people directly and indirectly, with a $16M annual operating budget and an economic impact of $600M to the region and local economy.
Additional Airport and Town of Islip resources:
###
