From Travel Pulse

WHY IT RATES: This is another step in JetBlue’s effort over the last few years to increase service throughout the Caribbean. JetBlue is filling a void left by American Airlines, which has reduced its Caribbean deployment in recent years (following its financial struggles). It’s also important because the Caribbean, despite being described by tourism officials in the region as “the most tourism-dependent” region in the world, suffers from an often fractured and inconsistent air transportation network. JetBlue’s increasing Caribbean deployment is good news for travelers throughout the region. – Brian Major, TravelPulse Caribbean editor

JetBlue Airways today launches four new nonstop routes to the Caribbean, expanding its ever growing network in the region.

Already the leading airline between the New York region and the Caribbean, with more flights to more destinations than any other airline, JetBlue today begins nonstop service from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Santiago, Dominican Republic (STI). JetBlue also serves Newark with flights to Boston, Florida, and Puerto Rico.

At Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), JetBlue’s South Florida growing gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean, the airline today begins nonstop service to Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ); Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (POS); and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (PUJ). As of today, JetBlue serves 29 destinations from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, with upcoming nonstop flights to Pittsburgh (PIT) commencing October 29 and the airline also intends to launch a nonstop route to Albany, NY, next year.

“We now offer customers 69 nonstop routes from the US to the Caribbean and more than 200 daily flights to, from and within the Caribbean, which is more than any other airline. We will continue to expand our presence in this region to better connect families and friends, create international business opportunities and bring Americans to the wonderful leisure destinations across the Caribbean,” said JetBlue President Robin Hayes.

All four new routes are available for sale on JetBlue.com.

JetBlue’s schedule between Newark (EWR) and Santiago (STI):

EWR to STI: Depart 8:24 a.m., arrive 12:24 p.m.

STI to EWR: Depart 1:20 p.m., arrive 5:15 p.m.

JetBlue’s schedule between Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Montego Bay (MBJ):

FLL to MBJ: Depart 12:17 p.m., arrive 1:06 p.m.

MBJ to FLL: Depart 2:02 p.m., arrive 4:59 p.m.

JetBlue’s schedule between Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Port of Spain (POS):

FLL to POS: Depart 7:00 a.m., arrive 10:50 a.m.

POS to FLL: Depart 11:46 a.m., arrive 3:54 p.m.

JetBlue’s schedule between Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Punta Cana (PUJ):

FLL to PUJ: Depart 11:05 a.m., arrive 1:29 p.m.

PUJ to FLL: Depart 2:25 p.m., arrive 5:09 p.m.

PHOTO: An aerial view of Sirenis Punta Cana Resort & Aquagames. Punta Cana is one of the new non-stop flights being added by JetBlue. (photo courtesy Sirenis Hotel and Resorts)

For more on this story go to: http://www.travelpulse.com/news/airlines/jetblue-announces-four-new-non-stops-to-caribbean.html

EDITOR: JetBlu flies nonstop from New York (JFK) to Grand Cayman on Mondays and Thursdays.