SCHUMER URGES JETBLUE TO CONSIDER NEW FLORIDA ROUTES FROM SYRACUSE HANCOCK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT; WITH HIGH DEMAND FOR FLORDIA FLIGHTS, SCHUMER URGES JETBLUE TO FILL THAT VOID AND BRING MORE AFFORDABLE AIR SERVICE OPTIONS TO SYRACUSE RESIDENTS & BUSINESSES

Schumer Calls On JetBlue to Expand Its Presence at Syracuse Hancock Intl Airport; Bringing More Affordable Air Service To Upstate NY Has Been One Of Senator’s Major Priorities – Schumer Says There Is A Clear Need in Central NY For Flights To Popular Destinations Like Florida

New Low-Cost Flights to FL Would Be A Major Win for Syracuse & CNY Residents & Businesses

Schumer to JetBlue: New Syracuse-to-Florida Flights Should be Cleared for Take-off

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer urged JetBlue Airlines to expand its presence in the Syracuse region by resuming its non-stop service to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida particularly in the winter months when demand his highest. Schumer said this would boost competition and availability of low-cost flights from Syracuse to popular JetBlue destinations, like Florida. Schumer has long been an advocate for establishing and expanding low-cost carriers, like JetBlue, in Upstate New York. Previously, Schumer fought to bring new airlines and routes to Upstate New York cities, including JetBlue in Syracuse, Buffalo and Albany as well as Southwest to Albany.

Schumer said additional flights between Syracuse and Florida, especially between November and April when people are traveling south the most, will not only provide residents with more options but will also help increase competition and lower prices for consumers. Schumer highlighted that popular destinations in Florida, like Ft. Lauderdale, would be excellent potential options for JetBlue to consider. Schumer said that additional Ft. Lauderdale service would be especially important in Syracuse, considering that the service previously existed and was suspended in 2009.

“There is clear need for more flights from Syracuse to Florida and I urge JetBlue to examine this option and to once again offer this route for area residents; I think it would clearly benefit both JetBlue and the residents and businesses of the Central NY Region,” said Schumer. “Demand is up at Syracuse International, and there is a new energy in the economy, so now is the time for airlines to jump in and take advantage of that need for service. JetBlue flights from Syracuse would make traveling to new destinations more expedient and affordable, and add to the region's ability to attract new businesses and vacationers.”

Syracuse International Airport is currently serviced primarily by Delta Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, US Airways, Air Canada, Allegiant and Jet Blue. The airport had nearly 80,000 monthly departures from November through April of this year, with prices and demand increasing during those periods. Currently at Syracuse International, only Allegiant offers non-stop service to Fort Lauderdale. Schumer said that re-starting a new service and adding even more flights at Syracuse would increase competitiveness and help drive down prices for all customers.

Senator Schumer’s letter to Robin Hayes, President and CEO of JetBlue, is below:

Dear Mr. Hayes:

I write to urge JetBlue to expand its presence at the Syracuse Hancock International Airport, and specifically to add additional flights from Syracuse to additional locations in Florida. JetBlue already flies routes between Syracuse and Orlando, and I believe that additional destinations, like Fort Lauderdale, would benefit both JetBlue and the community.

Additional flights between Syracuse and Florida, especially between November and April when people are traveling south the most, will not only provide residents with more options, but will also help increase competition and lower prices for consumers. I urge JetBlue to examine this opportunity, and to consider adding additional flights to popular destinations in Florida, like Fort Lauderdale. JetBlue previously flew routes between Syracuse and Fort Lauderdale, but ended that service in 2009. With demand for flights to Florida up at Syracuse International, and new energy in the economy, I believe now is the time for airlines like JetBlue to take advantage of that need for increased service.

There is a clear need for more flights from Syracuse to Florida, and I urge JetBlue to examine this option and once again offer this route for area residents. I believe flights between Syracuse and Fort Lauderdale or other similar locations would benefit both JetBlue and the residents and businesses of the Central New York region.

Thank you in advance for your consideration of this request. I look forward to continuing to work with you to expand low-cost air service in Upstate New York.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Schumer

United States Senator