Introduction:
Robin Hayes, JetBlue’s CEO, expresses excitement for his first visit to Curacao and gratitude for the opportunity to serve the destination. He introduces the JetBlue team present, highlighting their roles and responsibilities.

Team Introduction:
Sebastian, from the communications team, is responsible for capturing the event. Jeff Goodell, Vice President of Government Affairs, has collaborated closely with various governments in the region. Umang, Julia, and Wendy represent the Getaways team, which will be discussed further. Dave Clark, Vice President of Network Planning, holds the authority to determine aircraft routes. Elizabeth, part of the commercial team in Latin America and the Caribbean, plays a vital role in regional operations. Frank and Cedric manage airport and customer service operations in Aruba and Curacao.

Audience Interaction:
Hayes conducts a quick show of hands to determine the number of attendees who have flown with JetBlue, receiving an enthusiastic response.

Historical Perspective:
Hayes emphasizes JetBlue’s commitment to innovation and growth, aligning perfectly with the conference theme. He acknowledges that he joined the company seven years ago and credits the company’s history and traditions to its founding members.

JetBlue’s Early Years and Mission:
JetBlue was founded with the mission to bring humanity back to air travel and inspire humanity. The original business plan focused on all-coach, all-domestic flights, with no plans for international service. The focus was on customer service and recreating the glory days of flying.

JetBlue’s Competitive Edge:
The airline has thrived despite industry challenges, becoming the fifth largest in the United States. JetBlue is the only major US airline, other than Alaska Airlines, that has not gone through bankruptcy or merger since deregulation in 1978. It has an innovative spirit and tenacity that help it compete with larger airlines.

JetBlue’s Caribbean Expansion:
JetBlue took a leap to serve the Caribbean, starting with a single route from New York to San Juan in 2002. The success in San Juan led to expansion across the region, with 27 airports served today, including Bermuda, Barbados, and Grand Cayman. One-third of JetBlue’s airline capacity is now dedicated to Latin America and the Caribbean.

Open Skies Agreements and Partnerships:
Open Skies agreements have facilitated JetBlue’s expansion by allowing it to freely add flights and offer more choice to consumers. JetBlue has important relationships with regional airline partners like Cape Air, Lear, Silver Airways, and Seabourn Airlines.

JetBlue’s Impact on the Caribbean:
JetBlue’s presence has shifted the competitive landscape in the region, challenging legacy competitors and creating new markets. The airline is mindful of the trust it has gained and strives to respect the support it has received.

JetBlue’s Plans for Cuba:
JetBlue has been flying charter flights to Cuba since 2011 and gained operating experience in the country. The airline is committed to not diverting planes from other Caribbean destinations to Cuba. JetBlue recognizes the potential of Cuba’s tourism sector but believes it will take time to realize its full potential.

Future Expansion Plans:
JetBlue plans to enter several new markets in the Caribbean and increase frequencies on popular routes. The airline is taking delivery of one Airbus 321 aircraft every month, which will be deployed across the region.

Increased Flights to Haiti:
JetBlue announced plans to bring the Airbus 321 to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and increase flights from Boston, New York, and Fort Lauderdale due to growing travel and tourist demand. The airline increased its seats to Haiti by over 50,000 in the coming year, an 80% increase since entering the market two years ago.

Fleet Expansion and Caribbean Focus:
JetBlue will receive 10 new aircraft in 2016 and another 10 in 2017, many of which will be deployed to the Caribbean.

Fare Structure and Capacity:
JetBlue’s business model differs from legacy airlines in its focus on lower fares. The airline adds capacity when fares increase, as seen in Haiti, to offer more affordable options and support tourism growth.

Introduction of Mint Business Class:
JetBlue introduced Mint, an innovative business class with fully lie-flat seats, private suites, international cuisine, and premium service. Mint was initially created to compete in the premium market between New York and California with lower fares and better service. The launch fares for Mint were $599 one way, significantly lower than competitors’ prices for an inferior product.

Mint’s Success in the Caribbean:
Mint has been a success in the Caribbean, with services from New York to Aruba and Barbados, and from Boston to Barbados.

New Routes:
JetBlue is expanding its service to Curacao with an additional weekly flight from New York, increasing the total to three flights per week. JetBlue is also introducing a new daily non-stop service between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Barbados, marking its 75th route between the U.S. and the Caribbean.

Partnerships:
JetBlue’s successful partnerships with the Minister of Tourism, airports, and private sector partners in both Barbados and Curacao have contributed to the decision to expand services.

Government Regulations:
JetBlue is closely monitoring government attempts to re-regulate the industry with mandates like baggage fees and seat pitch, as these could impact its business. Tax burdens on airline tickets are also a factor in route planning decisions.

Tax Burden on Customers:
JetBlue executives keep track of taxes per destination and consider them when allocating capacity. The extra taxes and fees can add up to $150, which could fund an extra hotel night or meal. JetBlue prefers customers to have more spending money when they arrive at their destinations.

JetBlue Getaways:
JetBlue is investing resources and money in expanding its vacation business, JetBlue Getaways, to connect customers with accommodation, dining options, activities, and local guides.

Introducing JetBlue Getaways:
JetBlue Getaways aims to expand its business by pairing flights with hotel bookings and other travel services, leveraging the airline’s trusted brand and reputation for hospitality. The company seeks to provide a more personalized and helpful travel experience, addressing pain points in trip planning and inconsistent service. JetBlue intends to shift customers from booking holiday packages through online travel agents to its own getaways platform and lower-cost channel, JetBlue.com.

Challenges in the Online Travel Agency Market:
The airline industry and distribution business are consolidating, leaving a few dominant players in the online travel agency market. These large travel agencies overwhelm consumers with numerous vacation options, making it difficult to choose the right accommodation and experience. JetBlue Getaways aims to address this issue by curating a smaller selection of properties and partners, handpicked for their quality and service, ensuring a consistent JetBlue experience throughout the journey.

Building Strong Partnerships and Relationships:
JetBlue Getaways values partnerships with hotels and tourism providers, recognizing the need for mutual support to thrive. The company seeks to establish solid partnerships in the region to offer a seamless and memorable travel experience for customers. JetBlue promises to extend the same level of service and experience to its partners, fostering long-term relationships and mutual success.

The Impact of JetBlue Getaways on Destination Growth:
Increased bookings through JetBlue Getaways can lead to improved profitability of Caribbean routes, allowing the airline to add more capacity and flight frequency. Positive examples include the successful launch of service to Grenada, which saw the addition of a third weekly flight within three months due to strong bookings and partnerships with local properties. Curacao’s designation as one of the most successful getaways destinations highlights the positive impact on local tourism, leading to the addition of a third flight.

Ambitious Growth Goals:
JetBlue Getaways aims to achieve 2 million room-night bookings per year by the end of the decade. Education and awareness campaigns will be conducted to inform customers about the getaways platform and its unique offerings, encouraging them to book flights and accommodation together. Making flight inventory more accessible to getaways than competitors will further drive bookings and promote the growth of the platform.

Account Management and Technology Investments:
JetBlue plans to invest in its account management team to enhance its responsiveness to partners’ needs. The company is also investing significantly in technology to improve marketing to its customer base and create innovative travel solutions through apps for a seamless booking experience.

Market Getaways and Partnership Opportunities:
Getaways can offer discounted seats and hotel rooms during off-peak periods to stimulate volume growth. JetBlue is open to collaborating with partners to optimize market getaways and welcomes ideas for enhancing their partnership.

Preserving Caribbean Natural Resources:
The Caribbean region accounts for a significant portion of JetBlue’s business, and the company recognizes the importance of preserving its natural resources. JetBlue partnered with the Ocean Foundation to study the economic value of healthy shorelines and their impact on the airline’s revenue.

Linking Beach Quality to Economic Benefits:
The study aims to quantify the correlation between pristine beaches, hotel quality, and airline ticket prices. This data-driven approach aims to build a business case for communities to protect ecosystems and promote shoreline conservation.

Ecotourism and Sustainable Investments:
JetBlue challenges the traditional definition of an ecotourist, emphasizing that anyone enjoying the Caribbean’s natural beauty is an ecotourist. The company advocates for investments in protecting revenue streams by safeguarding oceans and beaches.

Sustainability Initiatives:
JetBlue’s sustainability team is working across its flight regions to advance sustainable practices. The company expresses gratitude for its partners’ support in powering its regional success over the past decade.