It was a day to celebrate at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix as the first official JetBlue flight for the season touched down. In honor of the momentous event, the V.I. Port Authority, in collaboration with the V.I. Tourism Department, hosted a joint press conference to welcome back the jetliner.
The red carpet was rolled out for passengers landing on the inaugural flight. Traditional quelbe dancers and moko jumbies were ready to greet the passengers as their arrival marked the return of flights between St. Croix and Puerto Rico.
“I am excited; it is my distinct honor and pleasure to welcome JetBlue back to St. Croix,” said Tourism Department Deputy Commissioner Shamari Haynes.
Also present was the general manager from JetBlue, Hector Camacho, who said, “Launching our new route takes a lot of work, and without all the dedication, it would not have been possible. We are thrilled to be back in the St. Croix market celebrating our San Juan flight. In just 24 years, JetBlue has grown from a small carrier to the sixth largest airline in the United States.”
In honor of the flight launch from San Juan to St. Croix, Camacho said that until Friday, customers can enjoy one-way fares as low as $29.00 and can book on JetBlue’s website.
“This is very important. A wheel has come full circle. We’ve had this flight already and it is our mission to not lose it again. Because we are an island of connectivity, and our airfare is critical to our people and the tourism industry. So new flights show growth and partnerships,” said Tourism Department Assistant Commissioner of Marketing and Communications Alani Henneman.
Henneman also added their goal is to enhance connectivity between San Juan Airport in Puerto Rico, John F. Kennedy Airport in New York, and Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix.
JetBlue’s return was initially announced during a press conference on Tuesday by Government House Director of Communications Richard Motta. “It is with great enthusiasm that we announce the return of JetBlue Airways to the island of St. Croix as they resume their St. Croix-Puerto Rico route beginning December 12. This marks another milestone in the administration’s ongoing efforts to enhance airlift to and from the Virgin Islands, ensuring better connectivity for our residents and visitors alike.”
“We are thrilled to welcome JetBlue Airways back to St. Croix as a valued partner in our efforts to expand airlift to the Territory. This route’s return benefits not only St. Croix but the entire Virgin Islands community. It plays a critical role in bolstering our tourism product, stimulating our economy, and enhancing the quality of life for residents,” Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said in a written statement.
