Benzinga | Aug 3, 2021 10:35AM EDT

JetBlue Announces Intention To Keep HQ In New York City

JetBlue (NASDAQ:JBLU), New York's Hometown Airline(r), today announced plans to double down on its commitment to New York by maintaining its headquarters in the city and advancing plans to expand its flagship terminal at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). These initiatives further strengthen JetBlue's presence in New York, where it has already announced plans to substantially increase flying and bring more low fares and more jobs to JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark as part of its Northeast Alliance with American Airlines.

"Some people call New York the Big Apple. Others call it the center of the universe. At JetBlue, we call it home," said Robin Hayes, chief executive officer, JetBlue. "Our unique brand and culture have been embraced by millions of New Yorkers for more than two decades, and we remain committed to helping bring this iconic city back from one of the greatest crises it has ever faced. A lot of out-of-town airlines like to talk big about New York City, but as the only airline based right here, no one knows like we do why this city has always been -- and still is -- such a great place to live, work and visit."

"I would like to thank all of our partners and supporters for their collaboration. I'd especially like to thank Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who has been our steadfast friend and strong supporter since our founding 21 years ago, always realizing the importance of JetBlue's low fares in our eight Empire State airports, the jobs they add to the economy and the importance of having our head office based right here in New York City," Hayes said. "No one has been there more in the most pivotal moments of our history, leading the way for crucial payroll support during this pandemic through the CARES Act, allowing us to continue our record of never furloughing a single crewmember."

"Today's announcements from JetBlue affirm New York's continued recovery from the darkest days of the pandemic," said United States Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer. "Thousands of new jobs connected to JetBlue's growing presence at JFK, paired with the company re-affirming its commitment to being NYC's hometown airline are great news. During the pandemic, I shepherded unprecedented relief to the aviation sector that saved hundreds of thousands of jobs and the entire airline industry. I am encouraged that having survived the worst of it, JetBlue is adding jobs, reinvesting, and recommitting to New York."

"JetBlue is a true-blue New York company, proudly serving as our hometown airline for more than 20 years and actively promoting travel to all corners of the Empire State," said Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, New York. "The company's commitment to keep its headquarters in Long Island City, Queens and invest in a new, modern Terminal 6 at JFK International Airport is a testament to New York's position as a global leader in business and travel, and the state's positive outlook for a post-pandemic economic recovery. New York and JetBlue have enjoyed a productive partnership -- one that we intend to continue -- and with the construction of Terminal 6, we look forward to welcoming even more visitors, travelers and residents alike to explore all our state has to offer."

"I'm proud of New York's Hometown Airline for keeping their team in the greatest city in the world," said Mayor Bill de Blasio, New York City. "New York City is building a recovery for all of us, and that means keeping iconic companies like JetBlue here at home. We're excited to keep them around and we look forward to years of collaboration to come."

"JetBlue is a valuable corporate partner here in Queens, and I am overjoyed they will keep their headquarters in Long Island City," Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Jr. said. "By remaining here in Queens, our borough is connected to one of the world's largest airlines and entrusted with thousands of jobs that will surely revitalize our economy. It was a privilege to work with Robin Hayes and the entire JetBlue team these past few months as I advocated for the airline to stay. Queens is flying high today and open for business."