JetBlue Airways received a two-year lease for ticket counters and office space at St. Croix’s Henry E. Rohlsen Airport during the Virgin Islands Port Authority’s monthly board meeting on Wednesday.
The airline, which recently celebrated its inaugural flight on St. Croix last Thursday to provide services to San Juan, Puerto Rico, will receive two counter spaces and an office space at the HERA airport. The airline will operate an A320 aircraft that will be able to accommodate 162 passengers daily.
“As you know, JetBlue is a major airline in the United States, headquartered in New York City,” said Catherine Hendry, legal counsel for the Port Authority. “JetBlue operates over 1,000 flights daily,” she added and said “This will make a target impact in the territory with regards to their high demand for air service to the islands and Puerto Rico and more travel options in St. Croix to come.”
Board chair Willard John noted to the board that the timing of the flight’s departure from St. Croix could make it challenging for passengers with connecting flights.
“I notice that their flight leaves here after four in the afternoon, which, in my eyes, makes it difficult for connecting flights to the US. What do they have to say about that,” he asked.
“They haven’t said much about that frame to when they want to leave,” responded Jerome Sheridan, airport manager for the Port Authority. “However, because they’re going to San Juan, San Juan does have some later options. They do actually have some later evening options going to the States, so there’s some value for them for their network to do that. However, they have engaged us about trying to start new services,” said Sheridan, also referencing the P3 development occurring that can impact flight arrangements with the airline.
“They wouldn’t have engaged in that, and have a flight if they have themselves, no connectivity for that. But there are other airlines outside of JetBlue that folks can catch later,” said Port Authority director Carlton Dowe. “I think that’s a great observation.”
Tourism Commissioner and Port Authority Board Member Joseph Boschulte highlighted to the board that what Sheridan mentioned in regards to the P3 agreement will have an impact on the territory, particularly with the way the agreement is arranged and how it will affect business opportunities in the territory.
“This is a good example of something that was on the table that may come off the table that could impact our ability in the short term to bring new airlift to the territory,” said Boschulte.
The board unanimously approved the two-year lease agreement with JetBlue. Board members Joseph Boschulte, Leona Smith, Derek Gabriel, Willard John, Gordon Rhea, and Kevin Rodriguez were present.
