Airlines

JetBlue Sets Plan for More Than 250 Daily Flights at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood

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JetBlue announced new service between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Tallahassee International Airport (TLH) beginning in January 2024, as the airline lays out new plans for more low-fare, high-value flights in South Florida. After its planned combination with Spirit, JetBlue expects to reach more than 250 flights a day at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood by 2027.

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More Routes, More Choices for South Florida

Since making Fort Lauderdale a JetBlue focus city, the airline’s much-loved experience – with the most legroom in coach (a), free seatback entertainment, free Fly-Fi high-speed internet (b), free snacks, and friendly service – quickly positioned it as a preferred carrier in South Florida.

JetBlue plans to combine with Spirit and further grow its Fort Lauderdale schedule over the coming years, ultimately reaching more than 250 daily departures by 2027 and making Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood an even more compelling choice for South Florida customers. While both carriers have had success in Fort Lauderdale, the combination between JetBlue and Spirit will unlock long-term opportunities to add domestic and international markets and routes.

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JetBlue would offer flights to approximately 30 markets not served by either JetBlue or Spirit from Fort Lauderdale and would add more flight frequencies to approximately 30 additional markets.
Fort Lauderdale will become an even more attractive alternative to Miami on more routes. From Fort Lauderdale, JetBlue and Spirit currently serve 66 of the top 100 markets available from Miami International Airport (within range of existing and planned JetBlue fleet). After completing its planned expansion, JetBlue would serve from Fort Lauderdale approximately 90 of the top 100 Miami markets.
With a more competitive position in South Florida, JetBlue would plan to launch service between Fort Lauderdale and Europe with its game-changing transatlantic Mint and core experiences that have brought down high fares for European travel.
The larger network would make a number of routes viable, with examples including destinations like as Antigua; Belize; Cincinnati; Liberia, Costa Rica; Minneapolis; Memphis, Tenn.; and Savannah, Ga.

JetBlue has a long history of collaborating with Broward County and the airline community on projects to grow and to improve the customer experience at the airport, including the development of a new baggage system for Terminal 3 and upgrades to the lobbies, concessions, and other facilities. JetBlue is currently partnering with the airport to design and build the new Terminal 5, a five-gate facility with a connection to Terminal 4, new roadways, a sky bridge to the parking garage and new remote aircraft parking positions. This project is expected to be completed in mid-2026.

JetBlue estimates its plan would add approximately 1,000 incremental new jobs at the airline’s Fort Lauderdale operations, and further support economic activity across the region that will lead to additional job growth. In addition, JetBlue’s no furlough policy ensures that current Spirit team members who wish to stay with the combined airline will have a role with JetBlue. Today, JetBlue and Spirit employ nearly 13,000 people in Florida, with service to 10 airports across the state. JetBlue has committed to insourcing many jobs that Spirit currently outsources to third-party providers. In addition, JetBlue maintains a focus city at MCO, a support center, and crewmember training campus in Orlando.

Airlines

PIA Reinstates Manchester and Paris Routes After EU Ban Lift

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced plans to resume flights to Europe starting in January, beginning with Paris as its first destination.

The decision follows the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) removal of a long-standing ban on the airline. PIA’s inaugural flight to Paris is scheduled for January 10, with bookings opening on December 9.

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In an official statement, PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan confirmed that the first flight schedule has been approved, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s recovery efforts. The EU ban had previously cost PIA approximately Rs40 billion ($144 million) annually in lost revenue, compounding its financial struggles.

With European operations restarting, PIA is now setting its sights on the United Kingdom. The airline plans to seek approval from the UK Department for Transport (DfT) to resume flights to major British cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

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These routes are anticipated to see high demand once necessary clearances are obtained. The lifting of the EU ban represents a key achievement for PIA as it works to rebuild its international network and regain its standing in the global aviation market.

By restoring flights to Europe and aiming for UK destinations, PIA is taking critical steps toward recovering lost ground and improving its financial outlook.