JetBlue Airways today takes flight to its newest Caribbean destination, Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands, from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) with three times weekly service on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays JFK to Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM).  Saturday-only service to the Cayman Islands from Boston’s Logan International Airport (BOS) will begin November 17.

“Grand Cayman is a beautiful destination that offers incredible diversity from cultural, culinary, and lifestyle perspectives, and we’re pleased to offer the most seats between New York and the island,” said Scott Laurence, JetBlue’s vice president of network planning and partnerships. “The pristine white-sand beaches, friendly people, and host of dining, shopping and nightlife options make for a perfect vacation.

“We are delighted to welcome JetBlue, one of the world’s leading airlines, to our island,” said Premier and Minister of Tourism Hon. McKeeva Bush.  “The new services from New York and Boston respectively will greatly enhance our Islands accessibility for Southbound travel and will provide visitors with more choice and flexibility.

JetBlue’s commitment to excellence and service is well renowned and we believe this winning partnership will yield mutually beneficial results well into the future.

“In a few days, these Islands will record 60 years of land-based aviation. It is most coincidental that the Cayman Islands have recorded another important step in our aviation history with the arrival of JetBlue Airways. On behalf of the Cayman Islands Airports Authority, our Board of Directors, Management Team and Employees; and in fact, the Cayman Islands on a whole, I extend our warmest and most sincere welcome to our Islands. We look forward to a long and successful association with JetBlue Airways!” remarked Mr. Richard Arch, Chairman of the Board for the Cayman Islands Airports Authority.

To support the local community, JetBlue also announced today a Gold Sponsorship with the Blue Iguana Recovery Program, an endangered species on the island.

The Blue Iguana Recovery Program works to restore a self-sustaining, free-roaming population of Grand Cayman Blue Iguanas in the wild.

In addition, the airline is launching a “name the iguana” contest on JetBlue’s Facebook page. Visit Facebook.com/JetBlue today through Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012 to submit a name or vote on those submitted names. The winner gets bragging rights and a Blue Iguana named after their winning submission.

JetBlue’s Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer Eash Sundaram joined the Premier of the Cayman Islands the Honorable McKeeva Bush; Richard Arch, MBE, JP, Chairman, Cayman Islands Airports Authority; Mr. Shomari Scott, Director of Tourism; Jeremy Jackson, CEO, Cayman Islands Airports Authority; and Miss Cayman Islands to celebrate the new service at GCM today. Customers on the inaugural flight from JFK received plush, blue iguanas and blue pirate hats in honor of Pirates Week on the island, and were greeted by local music and dancers for a festive arrival to the airline’s new destination. 

Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, www.caymanislands.ky; JetBlue, www.jetblue.com