{"id":8967,"date":"2018-03-09T11:07:32","date_gmt":"2018-03-09T16:07:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.atl.com\/?p=8967"},"modified":"2018-03-09T11:49:43","modified_gmt":"2018-03-09T16:49:43","slug":"officials-passengers-celebrate-jetblue-expansion-at-atl","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.atl.com\/atl\/officials-passengers-celebrate-jetblue-expansion-at-atl\/","title":{"rendered":"Officials, passengers celebrate JetBlue expansion at ATL"},"content":{"rendered":"
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JetBlue Flight 519\u00a0receives a water-cannon salute\u00a0from Atlanta Airport Fire and Rescue\u00a0at Hartsfield-Jackson <\/span>on March 8. \u00a9 <\/span> Jose Acevedo<\/p><\/div>\n

By Anika Robertson
\nSenior Editor\/Assistant Public Relations Manager<\/em><\/b><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After 14 years, officials at the world\u2019s busiest and most efficient airport welcomed a JetBlue Airways flight from New York. This arrival marked the one of three new flight routes between Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and New York (JFK), Orlando (MCO) and Ft. Lauderdale (FLL).<\/p>\n

ATL Senior Deputy General Manager Michael Smith welcomed the expansion, saying that additional nonstop routes from Atlanta are great for passengers and business.<\/p>\n

\u201cNew air service generates jobs, stimulates tourism and lays the foundation for new business ventures,\u201d Smith said during the March 8 press event in the International Terminal.<\/p>\n

JetBlue executives and travelers ushered in the A320 during the celebration. Flight 519 from JFK received a water cannon salute from Atlanta Fire Rescue as it taxied to the gate.<\/p>\n

JetBlue Atlanta Station Manager Michelle Ager said that her team remains committed to offering award-winning customer service and competitive fares.<\/p>\n

\u201cAtlanta is a special place for us,\u201d Ager said to the dozens gathered amid JetBlue banners.<\/p>\n

JetBlue\u2019s expansion follows the success of inaugural flights to Boston (BOS) last year, opening up markets in South America and the Caribbean.<\/p>\n

According to ICF International, JetBlue\u2019s Atlanta-to-Boston service would have a $43 million economic impact on the state of Georgia. It also estimates that these added routes will provide another $43 million in economic activity.<\/p>\n

Smith recognized that air service development remains a top priority for ATL.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe world\u2019s busiest and most efficient airport recognizes that strong air service \u2013 both domestic and international \u2013 makes a positive and enduring impact on a community,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt the same time, this air service expansion will help Hartsfield-Jackson solidify its position as the metro area\u2019s chief economic engine for the creation of jobs and growth of wealth for local residents.\u201d<\/p>\n

JetBlue flights from ATL operate five times daily to Boston, twice-daily to New York and Fort Lauderdale, and once daily to Orlando.<\/p>\n

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