JetBlue’s bid to connect LMM-DC draws online support
JetBlue is the island's largest low-cost carrier. (Credit: © Mauricio Pascual)
The Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration is campaigning in favor of JetBlue’s bid to launch a nonstop route connecting the Luis Muñoz Marín Airport with the Reagan National Airport in Washington D.C. through an email outreach campaign urging frequent flyers to voice their support of the carrier’s plan.
In an email that has been circulating this week, Isabel M. Milán, director of the PRFAA’s human resources and advance department, attached a form letter addressed to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood outlining the reasons why JetBlue’s proposed service is needed.
“The level of service from San Juan to Washington has decreased over the years and fares have risen. The limited nonstop service is to either [Baltimore Washington International Airport] or Dulles, quite distant from downtown Washington and government offices,” the letter states. “The addition of this unique nonstop, a first of its kind, would be of great benefit to our company and indeed all Puerto Rico residents and visitors.”
Last week, JetBlue announced it had filed a “capital-to-capital” application at the U.S. Department of Transportation for permission to launch the new nonstop service, which if approved would be the only one available connecting the two busy airports.
The PRFAA’s push seeks to drum up support to show the federal transportation agency there is a high enough level of would-be passengers who need and would use the service.
“Volume is very important so that Jet Blue’s proposal has a chance at success,” she said, urging the email recipient to forward the form letter to others in their address book.
The signed letter of support must be emailed to [email protected] by 5 p.m. on or before Mar. 23.
