JetBlue Starting Flights Between Bradley International Airport and Puerto Rico in January

JetBlue Airways is expanding its service at Bradley International Airport to include daily non-stop service to Puerto Rico starting January, the company announced today.

San Juan’s Luis Munoz Marin International Airport will be JetBlue's third nonstop destination offered from Bradley in Windsor Locks, New England's second-largest airport, in addition to its twice daily service to both Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, Fla, officials said.

"With almost 250 weekly departures this summer and counting, JetBlue is already the Commonwealth's largest carrier," said Dave Clark, director of network planning for JetBlue Airways. "Thanks to the support we have received from both Puerto Rican and Connecticut travelers, JetBlue is able to add more options and destinations to the places our customers want to go. We look forward to expanding our network in both cities, and earning each new loyal customer one flight at a time."

JetBlue is a low-fare airline that has more than 600 daily flights to more than 60 destinations in 11 countries throughout the Americas. It operates a fleet of 151 aircraft. Bradley was JetBlue's 63rd destination when it landed there in November, officials said.

When JetBlue began regular flights out of Bradley in November, officials said that a long term goal was to have flights to the Caribbean.

Connecticut and Puerto Rican officials both praised the new flights.

"JetBlue has quickly become a key player in the Connecticut market and I commend them for their investment in Bradley International Airport and the people we serve," said Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said in a statement . "Our state has special ties to Puerto Rico, so this is very welcome news. We have built a solid partnership with JetBlue and today's announcement strengthens that bond. When we expand travel options for our customers, everyone benefits -- and the region's economy improves."

"We depend on our air access and thanks to partner airlines like JetBlue we have been able to develop and improve strategic routes for tourism and commerce development, and for the enjoyment of our residents. Puerto Rico has as a strategic goal to improve its position as a Caribbean hub, and JetBlue is partnering with Puerto Rico to achieve this and improve our connectivity with our sister islands like St. Maarten and the United States Virgin Islands, as well as to the continental United States," said Jose Ramon Perez Riera, Secretary of Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development and Commerce.