100×35 JetBlue outlines the airline’s commitment to launching 35 initiatives over the next 100 days—and beyond—to support the needs of crewmembers, customers, and communities in Puerto Rico
JetBlue, the largest airline in Puerto Rico, today announced a multifaceted programme to support both short-term relief and long-term recovery efforts on the island following the destruction from Hurricane Maria.
“The heartbreaking and devastating situation in Puerto Rico compels us to take action,” said Robin Hayes, President and Chief Executive Officer, JetBlue.
“Using our strengths as an airline, our partnerships, and our mission of inspiring humanity, we aim to make a positive impact on this island we call home. We know 100 days is just the start, but we hope it’s a start that will make a meaningful difference,” added Hayes.
Honouring the popular reference to Puerto Rico’s 100×35 mile size, the effort will roll out programmes across the island to provide airlift support, relief pricing, awareness and fundraising, people deployment, unmet needs, and rebuilding efforts.
JetBlue is currently operating six daily flights in Puerto Rico with more to come as infrastructure allows. Since Hurricane Maria made landfall, JetBlue has continued to serve those in Puerto Rico by donating US$1 million/£746,881 in supplies, airlifting more than 3,000 customers over 21 flights from San Juan and Aguadilla through 27 September 2017, and transporting more than 100,000 pounds/45,359kg of supplies to the island. JetBlue’s support has also touched hurricane-impacted areas across the Caribbean, South Florida, and Texas.
The airline continues to offer remaining seats on non-stop flights operated by JetBlue to or from Puerto Rico at reduced fares through 15 November, 2017:
- US$135/£100.80 fares for Puerto Rico to/from U.S. mainland
- US$129/£96.40 fares for Puerto Rico to/from Dominican Republic and U.S. Virgin Islands
- Waiving fees for two checked bags on travel to/from Puerto Rico for new bookings made from 25 September 2017.
- Waiving fees for carrying pets until 15 November 2017.
Hurricane Relief Collection on Every Flight, US$1 Million/£746,881 Goal
The airline will invite customers onboard every JetBlue flight to donate to JetBlue’s campaign at GlobalGiving benefitting hurricane impacted areas throughout the U.S. and Caribbean, with a US$1 million/£746,881 goal. Customers can also contribute at GlobalGiving.org/jetblue. JetBlue has committed to match donations to its GlobalGiving campaign dollar-for-dollar up to US$500,000/£373,440 through 15 November 2017.
GlobalGiving will distribute the funds to non-profits making an impact in hurricane-affected areas. As we continue to serve these areas, we expect to adapt funding initiatives to ensure we’re meeting the needs as are communicated from partners on the ground.
Rebuilding Homes, Replenishing Vegetation, & Promoting Tourism
As the largest airline on the island, with nearly 500 crewmembers, service to three airports, and a focus city in San Juan, JetBlue is committed to working with government agencies, non-profit organizations and partners to support long-term rebuilding efforts.
JetBlue is pledging to support replenishing vegetation across the island; providing support for children; partnering with community leaders to raise awareness; providing gifts and meals throughout the holiday season; and offering advertising space to promote tourism to Puerto Rico.
