JetBlue Airways says hello to Quito

JetBlue Airways Fort Lauderdale to Quito

Fort Lauderdale celebrated the start of JetBlue Airways’ services to Quito with a traditional cake and ribbon cutting ceremony. JetBlue will operate a daily rotation on the 2,916-kilometre city pair replacing tame on the route, with the Ecuadorian carrier ending its services on 20 February.

Quito Airport welcomed the arrival of JetBlue Airways’ inaugural flight from Fort Lauderdale on 25 February. Instead of cake, passengers on the inaugural service were presented with aircraft shaped biscuits to enjoy. Speaking to the press at the Ecuador facility was Carlos Criado, Commercial Director, Quito Airport.

• JetBlue Airways on 25 February launched services from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Quito (UIO), marking the carrier’s first scheduled service to the Ecuador gateway. “Quito is one of the fastest-growing destinations in Latin America,” said Dave Clark, JetBlue’s VP Network Planning. “Whether travellers are coming from South Florida, the north-east or the West Coast, it’s never been easier to visit Ecuador’s historic capital city.” Carlos Criado, Commercial Director, Quito Airport, commented about the arrival of JetBlue by saying: “For us it’s a very important milestone, not only for the airport, but also to Quito in terms of improving connectivity. We have been working with JetBlue for about two years to make this route a reality, so we’re happy to have them in Quito.” JetBlue will use its A320 fleet on the 2,916-kilometre sector daily, with the airport pair facing no direct competition according to OAG Schedules Analyser data. The airline replaces tame, which ceased services on the route on 20 February. However, the Ecuadorian carrier will still serve Fort Lauderdale from Guayaquil. Quito becomes the fifth destination for JetBlue in South America, with the airline having scheduled services to Lima in Peru, as well as Bogota, Cartagena and Medellín in Colombia. See how Quito Airport’s FTWA compares to others from around the world this week.