jetBlue launched two new routes in the last week in opposing ends of the North American continent. On 19 May, the airline began flying from Jacksonville, FL (JAX) in northeast Florida to San Juan (SJU) in Puerto Rico. 100-seat E190s are used on the daily service that for the first time connects Florida’s largest city with Puerto Rico. There is already significant fright traffic between the cities ports as three of the four container lines that serve Puerto Rico are headquartered in Jacksonville. “We have been trying to land service to Puerto Rico for several years and are pleased that JetBlue shares our vision,” Steve Grossman, Executive Director and CEO of the Jacksonville Aviation Authority said. “With the community’s support, this is the first step towards opening up additional markets in the Caribbean and Latin America.” Jacksonville’s Mayor John Peyton added: “Commerce with San Juan already provides an economic impact of more than $1 billion annually to Jacksonville. Both Cities will greatly benefit from the increased tourism and business travel this improved route will encourage. I look forward to welcoming visitors from our ‘Sister City’.” In addition to leisure and business traffic, there is a 100,000 strong Puerto Rican community living in northeast Florida.

Source: http://www.anna.aero/2011/05/25/new-airline-routes-launched-17-23-may-2011/