US low-cost carrier JetBlue Airways is to inaugurate flights from its New York John F Kennedy Airport base to La Romana International Airport in the Dominican Republic, providing new links for travellers to the luxury resort of Casa de Campo. The twice weekly flight will be launched in November, subject to Government approval, and will be JetBlue’s fifth destination in the Caribbean country.
JetBlue already serves Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, Santiago and Santo Domingo with services from New York, Boston, Ft Lauderdale, Orlando and San Juan. It currently is the second largest carrier from the country, providing 19.5 per cent of the weekly seat capacity (American Airlines, including its regional partners, is the largest operator with a 20.4 per cent share). “The Dominican community has embraced JetBlue’s value proposition, and thanks to their tremendous support we’re pleased to offer the island’s only non-stop service between New York and La Romana,” said Scott Laurence, Vice President of Network Planning, JetBlue.
Nestled alongside the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea across an area of 7,000 acres, Casa de Campo is being marketed as the quintessential tropical paradise destination providing unparalleled choices to holidaymakers with sports adventure offerings, modern accommodation, fine dining, cultural events and much more.
La Romana International Airport is the resort’s own airport and is located just eight minutes away from the main check-in area. American Airlines launched a daily scheduled link from Miami in April, while numerous charter operators provide seasonal services from Europe, Canada. But, Claudio Silvestri, President and Chief Executive Officer, Premier Resorts & Hotels, which manages the Casa de Campo resort, said the New York route represents a key breakthrough. “As many of our hotel guests and villa owners reside in the northeast of the US, we are very excited about this new service JetBlue will be providing,” he said.