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The FINANCIAL — JetBlue Airways, New
York’s Official Hometown Airline opened its new corporate
headquarters in Long Island City, Queens.
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Senator Charles E. Schumer and other top government leaders joined JetBlue’s President and CEO Dave Barger in cutting the ribbon on the airline’s innovative new home, the latest addition to the vibrant Long Island City community.
The decision to keep its headquarters in New York City was announced in 2010, setting JetBlue on a journey to combine into one main corporate support center its former Forest Hills, Queens office where more than 900 crewmembers and business partners worked, with its Darien, Conn. office where approximately 70 crewmembers worked. JetBlue’s crewmembers from Darien, who provide transactional financial support for the airline, now work alongside colleagues in Long Island City, bringing 70 jobs to the Empire State.
“Since our start up in New York in 1998 and our first flight from JFK in 2000, JetBlue’s home, heart and soul have always remained in New York,” said Mr. Barger. “Now in our second decade, we are growing jobs with this new office, serving seven Empire State destinations with more daily seats between New York City and upstate than any other airline, and growing the regional economy with competitive fares. JetBlue is proud to stay here in New York, grow here in New York and continue being New York’s hometown airline.”
“JetBlue has played a huge role in making New York City the nation’s number one travel destination,” said Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. “The many reasons why people come to New York as tourists on JetBlue planes also are good reasons why JetBlue is expanding its corporate headquarters here. We couldn’t be prouder that JetBlue has cast a major vote of confidence in Long Island City as a great place to do business.”
“This is just another example of why Jet Blue is truly New York’s hometown airline,” said Senator Schumer. “By opening their new headquarters building right here in Long Island City, JetBlue is once again demonstrating their commitment to New York, and I wish them all the best in their new home.”
“JetBlue’s continued investment in our city means more jobs for New Yorkers,” said Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney. “It’s truly New York’s hometown airline, and I look forward to JetBlue and New York City continuing to ascend to a brighter future together.”
“JetBlue is an integral component of our borough’s economic engine. Approximately 1,000 employees will work in this building, located in a hub of business activity and convenient to mass transit. I believe that JetBlue will continue to be a good neighbor as it was in Forest Hills,” said Queens Borough President Helen Marshall. “Today’s opening, coupled with the impressive Terminal 5 at JFK and a record of having the fewest number of passengers bumped from flights, makes us happy to say, ‘Welcome aboard to Long Island City.’ I thank Mayor Bloomberg and his administration and all our partners in government and the private sector for making today possible.”
Senator Michael Gianaris said, “JetBlue’s move to Long Island City is a thrilling addition to a neighborhood that continues to emerge as a hub for jobs, revenue and economic development. Today’s announcement is excellent news for job creation in western Queens, which continues to see more large corporations, small businesses and economic development initiatives succeed here. I welcome JetBlue to the neighborhood and look forward to working with them to make our neighborhood that much better.”
“On behalf the residents of Western Queens, I am thrilled to welcome JetBlue to Long Island City,” said Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan. “Relocating to Long Island City has helped keep jobs in Queens and contribute to the growth, economic development and revitalization of Long Island City.”
“The arrival of JetBlue in Long Island City represents a milestone in the rebirth of Queens Plaza,” said Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer. “With over 1,000 JetBlue crewmembers now calling Long Island City home, the gateway to Queens will be more vibrant, and full of local economic activity. Welcome aboard JetBlue!”
Empire State Development President, CEO Commissioner Kenneth Adams said, “The expansion of JetBlue shows that by forging innovative partnerships and improving New York’s business climate, even the sky isn’t the limit for our ability to create jobs and economic growth. By aligning JetBlue with the iconic I LOVE NEW YORK brand, this project brings together the best that New York has to offer, leveraging our world-renowned tourism economy with a unique investment opportunity to demonstrate that New York is open for business and travel.”
“JetBlue’s decision not only to keep its headquarters in New York City, but to grow here as well serves as a testament to the continuing appeal of all that is taking place in the City generally and in Queens in particular. Going forward, we look forward to working with this great homegrown business as it continues to remake the aviation industry,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation President Seth W. Pinsky.
Port Authority Executive Director Pat Foye said, “The Port Authority’s association with JetBlue can be traced all the way back to the airline’s very first flight from JFK to Fort Lauderdale in 2000. Today, JetBlue serves nearly 14 million combined annual passengers at all four of our commercial Airport s. We’re proud of this partnership that has delivered great service and thousands of jobs to the region, and applaud JetBlue as it moves into its new New York home.”
According to JetBlue Airways, after an exhaustive multi-state study to determine the best location for its corporate offices, JetBlue decided that remaining in its hometown of New York made the most sense. The city is an important part of its heritage and culture, its brand and its customer connection, as well as its operation, with JetBlue’s base at JFK’s Terminal 5 and an expanding operation at LaGuardia Airport .
The decision has been celebrated by the unprecedented joint branding of Milton Glaser’s world-recognized I LOVE NEW YORK logo, solidifying JetBlue’s status as the official hometown airline of New York.
