Tag Archives: SJU

JetBlue returns to pre-hurricane levels of service as it celebrates 16 years in Puerto Rico

JetBlue Airways, Puerto Rico’s largest airline, marked the return of its full flight schedule on the island after last year’s hurricanes by celebrating with customers, crewmembers and partners at San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU).

JetBlue’s return of capacity, which coincides with its 16^th anniversary of service in San Juan, came six months earlier than originally planned, given the improved demand for travel to Puerto Rico as the island continues to recover from Hurricane Maria and welcomes new visitors.

To support the increase in service, JetBlue has hired 50 new crewmembers for its San Juan operation, with the new crewmembers joining the airline just in time for the summer peak season. Along with JetBlue’s nearly 500 crewmembers based in Puerto Rico, they will support JetBlue’s up to 48 daily flights between Puerto Rico and 13 cities in the U.S. and the Caribbean (a).

In the days after Hurricane Maria made landfall, JetBlue introduced the 100x35JetBlue initiative, with 35 ways and 100 days – and beyond – of caring for Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. The initiatives provided immediate first needs for the community, while also focusing on long-term, productive partnerships with key entities, such as the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC), to encourage the return of tourism, contribute to the local economy, and invest in the island’s future. JetBlue has gradually increased its flights as demand has grown from ‘visiting friends and relatives customers’ who travel back and forth to the island. JetBlue has also been working with PRTC to encourage visitors to return to Puerto Rico and to offer world-class hospitality both in the air and on the ground through JetBlue’s hospitality training for industry workers.

Routes from San Juan:

Investing in Puerto Rico’s Future

JetBlue’s long-term 100x35JetBlue initiatives continue within the community, most recently with an announcement this week that as part of its 16th anniversary celebration of service to Puerto Rico, the JetBlue Foundation has pledged $100,000 worth of grants to STEM education programs on the island. Grants from the JetBlue Foundation will help further the airline’s efforts to invest in the island’s future and place aviation fields top-of-mind as career choices for students. The JetBlue Foundation will award $100,000 to qualified schools and organizations to fuel learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The JetBlue Foundation is currently accepting letters of inquiry for grants through June 29, 2018. To help other STEM and aviation-focused organizations navigate the application process, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, a previous JetBlue Foundation grant recipient, will offer a grant writing workshop. The school will share best practices that helped them receive a grant in 2016 for its “Girls in Aviation” program which aims to spark an interest in STEM for girls ages 10-17. The workshop will take place on June 22 at the Inter American School of Law in Hato Rey. Guests can RSVP at askjbfoundation@jetblue.com. RSVPs are required for attendance. For grant criteria or to submit a letter of inquiry, interested organizations can visit jetbluefoundation.org/grants. Grant recipients will be announced in fall 2018.

In addition, this summer the JetBlue Foundation and the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) will host their second annual Aviation Career Education (ACE) Academy initiative in San Juan, introducing students ages 14 to 18 to careers in aviation.

JetBlue’s hurricane recovery efforts also include projects aimed at restoring the island’s natural resources and beauty. JetBlue’s recent “Green Up” campaign included two Puerto Rico-based conservation organizations customers could vote to select to receive “Green Up” grants, with Centro de Restauración: Vida Marina Center for Coastal Restoration and Conservation at the University of Puerto Rico at Aguadilla having been chosen to receive a $15,000 grant.

JetBlue’s crewmembers in San Juan volunteered more than 1,000 hours in the local community during 2017 and won the JetBlue “Blue City of the Year” Award. As winners of this honor, the team will get to donate $10,000 to their favorite charity.

Top Copyright Photo (all others by JetBlue): JetBlue Airways Airbus A320-232 N537JT (msn 1785) (Highrise) SJU (Raul Sepulveda). Image: 936971.

JetBlue aircraft slide show:

Seaborne Airlines files for reorganization, signs agreement to be acquired by Silver Airways

Seaborne Airlines (San Juan) has released this statement:

Sea Star Holdings Inc., parent company for Seaborne Puerto Rico LLC, Seaborne Virgin Islands, Inc. and affiliates, announced the company has commenced a voluntary Chapter 11 reorganization proceeding under Title 11 of the US Code in order to implement new financing and a sale to affiliates of Silver Airways, LLC.

The Company will continue its business without interruption, including all existing flight operations in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and throughout the Caribbean. Tickets held by customers will continue to be valid and Seaborne will be taking bookings for future travel, as normal.

Seaborne also announced that it has secured a new $4.2 million credit facility and concurrently entered into a Purchase Agreement (subject to court approval and potential overbids) to sell substantially all of its business and assets to Silver Airways. This will facilitate a combination between Seaborne and Silver Airways, creating the industry’s leading regional carrier in the Caribbean, Florida, and the Bahamas.

“While the Company’s business has enjoyed a remarkable recovery since the 2017 hurricanes, the financial stress caused during the recovery period coupled with legacy liabilities have made it necessary to seek reorganization protection,” said Ben Munson, Acting CEO of Seaborne Airlines. “Our day to day operations will continue as normal, and this process will be in the best interests of all of our customers and stakeholders.”

Passenger service and safety will continue to be top priorities for the company. Seaborne will operate normal flight schedules and conduct business as usual, honoring all ticketed reservations and rules of the company’s Contract of Carriage. The company will also maintain our codeshare partnerships that facilitate easy connections to partner airlines and our Seamiles program will remain active.

Seaborne Airlines, the largest Caribbean based regional airline for 25 years, operates iconic seaplanes and an airport based fleet that service the beautiful islands throughout the Caribbean, carrying approximately 3 million customers safely. With over 1,500 monthly departures to 12 airports, Seaborne serves San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport, St. Thomas airport, and Seaplane base, St. Croix airport and Seaplane Base, Anguilla, Antigua, Dominica, Saint Maarten, St. Kitts, Tortola, and Nevis. All Flights operate with two pilots and two engines.

Above Copyright Photo (all others by Seaborne Airlines): Seaborne Airlines SAAB 340B N283AE (msn 283) (Seahorse) SJU (Raul Sepulveda). Image: 922659.

Seaborne Airlines aircraft slide show:

Route Map:

JetBlue Airways and Seaborne Airlines launch their new codeshare agreement

JetBlue Airways (New York) and Seaborne Airlines (St. Croix and San Juan) on October 21 began selling flights under a codeshare agreement that will offer customers increased travel options and new destinations throughout the Caribbean. Connections will be made via San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), where JetBlue is the largest carrier.

Initially, JetBlue has placed its ‘B6’ designator code on eight Seaborne Airlines routes allowing JetBlue customers to reach more destinations in the Caribbean on a single itinerary:

Anguilla (AXA)
Tortola, British Virgin Islands (EIS)
Dominica (DOM)
Nevis (NEV)
St. Kitts (SKB)
St. Maarten (SXM)
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands (STT)
St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands (STX)

Following receipt of all necessary government approvals, JetBlue will place the ‘B6’ designator code on the remainder of the Seaborne Airlines network to include:

Antigua (ANU)
Fort-de-France, Martinique (FDF)
La Romana, Dominican Republic (LRM)
Point-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe (PTP)
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (PUJ)
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (SDQ)

In other news, JetBlue today also announced its intent to expand the airline’s service to Barbados by adding a daily roundtrip flight between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) in Barbados.

The new daily roundtrip service is set to begin in April 2016, subject to government approval, with seats going on sale in the coming weeks. JetBlue’s Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood focus city will become the third JetBlue city with nonstop flights to Barbados. Service from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) launched in 2009 and service from Boston’s Logan International Airport (BOS) will begin this fall.

Top Copyright Photo: Ken Petersen/AirlinersGallery.com. SAAB 340B N341CJ (msn 341) with the image of a sea turtle on the tail, taxies at the San Juan hub.

JetBlue Airways aircraft slide show:

Seaborne Airlines aircraft slide show:

Seaborne Airlines Route Map:

SkyWest today starts operating Embraer ERJ 175s for Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) today inaugurates service between Seattle/Tacoma and Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Seattle/Tacoma and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Portland, Oregon and St. Louis.

The daily flights will be operated by SkyWest Airlines (St. George) with 76-seat Embraer E175 jets (above and below) featuring 12 seats in first class and 64 in coach, and boasting cabin dimensions on par with a 737.

Photo Above: Alaska Airlines.

Onboard amenities will include Alaska Beyond Delicious, featuring food and beverages sourced with items from iconic Pacific Northwest brands, and Inflight Internet access. By mid-July the planes will also be equipped with Alaska Beyond Entertainment, which offers free and premium entertainment direct to customer devices, First class customers will also enjoy power outlets at each seat.

In other news, Alaska Airlines has also announced it is doing away with the standard fee for the first checked bag for Alaska Airlines Visa Signature consumer cardholders.

Top Copyright Photo: Raul Sepulveda/AirlinersGallery.com. The pictured SkyWest Airlines Embraer ERJ 170-200LR (ERJ 175) N171SY (msn 17000485) was delivered via San Juan.

Alaska Airlines aircraft slide show:

Alaska SkyWest aircraft slide show:

SkyWest gets ready for Embraer 175 operations for Alaska Airlines with the first delivery

SkyWest Airlines (Alaska SkyWest) (St. George, Utah) has taken delivery of its first new Embraer ERJ 170-200LR (ERJ 175) in preparation of its new Embraer-operated Alaska SkyWest service. The pictured N170SY (msn 170900483) was handed over on June 1 in Brazil.

Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) as previously reported, will begin offering daily nonstop service starting on July 1, 2015 between the Seattle/Tacoma hub and Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Seattle/Tacoma and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Portland, Oregon and St. Louis.

The 76-seat E175 jet will feature 12 seats in first class and 64 in coach, and boasts cabin dimensions on par with a Boeing 737. Onboard amenities include Wi-Fi Internet access, streaming inflight entertainment and 110 volt power in every first class seat. Food and beverage will include hot meals and picnic packs for purchase, in addition to Northwest microbrews and wine.

SkyWest has purchased seven Embraer E175 aircraft to fly on behalf of Alaska under a capacity purchase agreement (CPA). The first three aircraft will arrive in the summer of 2015, and the remaining four will be delivered in the first quarter of 2016.

Copyright Photo: Raul Sepulveda/AirlinersGallery.com. N170SY passed through San Juan yesterday on its long delivery route.

Alaska Airlines aircraft slide show:

Alaska SkyWest aircraft slide show:

Southwest Airlines reports a record 4Q net profit of $190 million and $1.1 billion for 2014, its 42nd consecutive year of profitability

Southwest Airlines Company (Dallas) today reported its fourth quarter and annual 2014 results:

Record fourth quarter net income, excluding special items1, of $404 million, or $.59 per diluted share, compared with fourth quarter 2013 net income, excluding special items, of $236 million, or $.33 per diluted share. This exceeded the First Call consensus estimate of $.55 per diluted share.

Fourth quarter net income of $190 million, or $.28 per diluted share, which included $214 million (net) of unfavorable special items, compared with net income of $212 million, or $.30 per diluted share, in fourth quarter 2013, which included $24 million (net) of unfavorable special items.

Record annual net income, excluding special items, of $1.4 billion, or $2.01 per diluted share, compared with 2013 net income, excluding special items, of $805 million, or $1.12 per diluted share.

Record annual net income of $1.1 billion, or $1.64 per diluted share, which included $261 million (net) of unfavorable special items, compared with net income of $754 million, or $1.05 per diluted share, in 2013, which included $51 million (net) of unfavorable special items.

Return on invested capital, before taxes and excluding special items (ROIC)1, of 21.2 percent for 2014, as compared with 13.1 percent for 2013.

Gary C. Kelly, Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “We are extremely proud to report record annual 2014 net income, excluding special items, of $1.4 billion, or $2.01 per diluted share. Our 2014 total operating revenues were strong, increasing 5.1 percent to a record $18.6 billion. Our 2014 operating cost performance was also solid, with costs declining, year-over-year. Our ROIC for 2014 was 21.2 percent. This remarkable achievement would not have been possible without the hard work, perseverance, and determination of our Southwest People, and I commend them for these exceptional results, which earned them a record $355 million in profitsharing for 2014, up 56 percent from the previous record in 2013. Our strategic plan has come together successfully, and we have realized significant contributions from the AirTran integration, fleet modernization efforts, and the continued growth of our Rapid Rewards program.

“Our balance sheet and liquidity remain strong, with cash and short-term investments of $3.0 billion at the end of 2014. We generated strong free cash flow1 of $1.1 billion in 2014, allowing us to repurchase $955 million of Southwest common stock, pay $139 million to Shareholders in dividends, and reduce debt and capital lease obligations by $261 million, net, during the year.

“We concluded 2014 with record fourth quarter profits, excluding special items, of $404 million, or $.59 per diluted share. Total operating revenues were a fourth quarter record $4.6 billion. On a year-over-year basis, our fourth quarter 2014 revenue per available seat mile increased 2.0 percent, which is outstanding considering the 2.4 percent increase in available seat miles (ASMs); the 2.6 percent increase in stage length; the 2.4 percent increase in seats per trip2 (gauge); and the large percentage of our capacity under development. Customer demand remained strong, resulting in a record fourth quarter 2014 load factor of 82.0 percent, up 1.6 points from fourth quarter 2013. We are pleased with our passenger unit revenue and booking trends thus far in January, considering the continuing impact of increasing ASMs, stage length, and gauge, and the large percentage of our capacity under development. Based on these trends, we currently expect our first quarter 2015 passenger revenues to grow in line with the expected six percent increase in first quarter 2015 ASMs, both on a year-over-year basis.

“Our fourth quarter 2014 unit costs, excluding special items, were down 3.8 percent year-over-year, primarily as a result of significantly lower fuel prices. Our first quarter 2015 cost outlook is also favorable. With the collapse in fuel prices since September 2014, fuel prices have declined nearly 50 percent. Based on our existing fuel derivative contracts and market prices as of January 16, 2015, we estimate our first quarter 2015 economic fuel costs to be approximately $1.90 per gallon, which would result in approximately half a billion dollars in year-over-year fuel cost savings for first quarter alone. Excluding fuel and oil expense, special items, and profitsharing, we currently expect first quarter and full year 2015’s unit costs to decline in the one to two percent range, compared with the same year-ago periods, driven largely by our capacity growth and ongoing fleet modernization initiatives.

“December 28, 2014, marked the sunset of the AirTran brand. Overall, the AirTran acquisition resulted in net pre-tax synergies (excluding acquisition and integration expenses) of approximately $500 million in 2014, exceeding our $400 million target.

“We launched international service on Southwest Airlines to seven destinations in five countries in 2014, which will grow to seven countries with our plans to begin service to San Jose, Costa Rica; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; and Belize City, Belize, in 2015, pending government approvals. We have been very pleased with the overall performance of our markets under development, most notably Dallas Love Field, New York LaGuardia, and Reagan National.

“Without question, 2014 was a monumental year for Southwest Airlines with many notable achievements. My gratitude goes out to our outstanding Employees for their tremendous efforts and the successful execution of our strategic initiatives, which allowed us to achieve our financial goals and expand our service internationally. As we enter 2015, we are well positioned financially and excited about our growth opportunities ahead. We remain steadfast in our unwavering commitment to preserve our financial strength, provide job security for our Employees, protect our low fare brand, and deliver adequate returns to our Shareholders. We live up to that commitment by offering friendly, reliable, and low cost air travel, and by expanding our network in a sensible manner.”

Read the full report: CLICK HERE

Listen to the conference call at 12:30 EST today to discuss the results: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Raul Sepulveda/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-7H4 N909WN (msn 32458) taxies at San Juan in the new Beats Music – Don’t miss a beat special livery.

Southwest Airlines aircraft slide show (current livery):

http://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/Airlines-UnitedStates-3/Airlines-United-States3-QZ/Southwest-Airlines-Current

LIAT to downsize its fleet in 2015, possible staff cuts

LIAT – The Caribbean Airline (Antigua) has issued this statement about the reduction of its fleet from 11 aircraft to nine and possible staff cuts:

LIAT is about to embark on its annual budget planning exercise and to put in place its operational plans for 2015.

As a result of the airline’s fleet transition program, LIAT will be a smaller airline in 2015 than in 2014, operating a fleet of nine aircraft as opposed to 11 in 2014.

LIAT Chief Executive Officer David Evans said: “Like any responsible business we have to examine our cost base and if we fly fewer aircraft in 2015 than in 2014, we also need to reduce our costs to reflect this. We have also been mandated by our Board of Directors to ensure that our costs reflect the level of activity that we carry out. It is too early to say what impact there may be on jobs as a result of this, and the company will consult with its staff and their representatives over its plans before making any announcement.”

LIAT, The Caribbean Airline, operates a modern fleet of ATR 42 and ATR 72 aircraft across a regional network of 18 destinations. It is owned by regional shareholders, with the majority being the Governments of Barbados, Antigua & Barbuda and St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

Copyright Photo: Raul Sepulveda/AirlinersGallery.com. ATR 72-212A (ATR 72-600) V2-LIA (msn 1077) stops at San Juan, Puerto Rico.

LIAT Aircraft Slide Show:

http://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/Airlines-Caribbean/Airlines-Caribbean-AZ/LIAT

Route Map:

Seaborne Airlines starts San Juan-Santo Domingo flights

Seaborne Airlines (St. Croix and San Juan) has announced that its nonstop daily service from Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan (SJU) to Las Americas International Airport in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (SDQ) started on April 15 2014.

Seaborne now serves 18 airports throughout the Caribbean.

Copyright Photo: Raul Sepulveda/AirlinersGallery.com. SAAB 340B N283AE (msn 283) with the Seahorse on the tail taxies at the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport hub.

Seaborne Airlines:

Video: Seaborne Airlines also operates the Twin Otter with floats. Here is a day in the life of a Twin Otter pilot:

Current Route Map:

Seaborne Airlines today starts San Juan-St. Maarten flights

Seaborne Airlines (San Juan) starting today begins new nonstop daily service from Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) to The Princess Julianna International Airport (SXM) in St. Maarten becoming the 19th airport Seaborne has launched during its expansion throughout the Caribbean.

Nonstop Daily Flights:

San Juan, PR (SJU) Departure Time 6:45 pm

St. Maarten (SXM) Arrival Time 7:45 pm

St. Maarten (SXM) Departure Time 8:00 am

San Juan, PR (SJU) Arrival Time 9:10 am

Fares from San Juan to St. Maarten begin as low as $88 one way, taxes and fees included.

Copyright Photo: Raul Sepulveda/AirlinersGallery.com. Seaborne has embraced the Pacific Coastal livery as its own with its SAAB 340 fleet. The carrier has modified the tail emblems to more appropriate Caribbean animals. SAAB 340B N353SA (msn 351) sits on the San Juan ramp.

Current Route Map: Seaborne’s expanding route system with an enlarged SJU hub:

Seaborne Airlines starts San Juan-La Romana flights

Seaborne Airlines (Christiansted, St. Croix and San Juan) has started new service from San Juan Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU) to La Romana International Airport in La Romana, Dominican Republic (LRM). Seaborne’s new route represents the only nonstop service from San Juan to La Romana.

Currently operating Thursday and Sunday, Seaborne will offer daily service effective on March 15, 2014.

Seaborne also recently announced new service between Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) and St Kitt’s Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport (SKB), with continuous service to Nevis’ Vance W. Amory International Airport (NEV), beginning on Wednesday, January 15, 2014.

Copyright Photo: Raul Sepulveda/AirlinersGallery.com. Seaborne has been adding SAAB 340B turboprops to its fleet. N353SA (msn 351), still in the basic Pacific Coastal livery, prepares to depart from the SJU hub.