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JetBlue asks for Colombia flights

Tuesday, October 16, 2007 - 11:59 AM EDT

JetBlue asks for Colombia flights

South Florida Business Journal

JetBlue Airways has filed for authority to fly between Fort Lauderdale and Bogota, Colombia - which, if granted, would make it the first low-cost U.S. carrier to fly that route.

Under a 2000 treaty, U.S. airlines are limited to 70 weekly flights to Colombia's main cities, which are currently allotted to American Airlines, Continental Airlines and Delta Air Lines.

However, in it's filing with the U.S. Department of Transportation, JetBlue cites a September 2007 agreement between the two countries that opens up to 21 additional weekly flights. JetBlue applied for 14 of them - seven from Fort Lauderdale beginning in October 2008 and seven from Orlando beginning in April 2008.

JetBlue's proposed schedule lists daily round-trips to Bogota from both cities.

Currently, American Airlines - flying from Miami International Airport - is the only U.S. carrier flying to the country from South Florida. Colombian airline Avianca is the only carrier flying to Colombia from the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

"Latin America is crying out for high-quality, low-fare service to the U.S.," JetBlue spokesman Sebastian White said. "We believe JetBlue is the best choice to inject competition into what is a notoriously overpriced and underserved market."

The limited flights have been the source of competition between airlines in the past.

In April, Miramar-based Spirit Airlines in April requested 14 unused American Airlines slots be reassigned to it. It wanted to fly daily between Fort Lauderdale and Colombian cities Bogota and Barranquilla.

A month later American Airlines, which holds the authority for 42 weekly flights to Colombia, announced it would add 14 flights to Colombia beginning Dec. 13. Regulators OK'd that plan, but said if the airline did not launch the flights, the permits would be automatically revoked.

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By Simon on Oct 17, 2007, 13:20 in Friendly Talkzone.

newyork says on Oct 17, 2007, 14:45:

I love Jet Blue, and i hope that they add flights to Colombia.

la vida es corta

0 funny, 0 helpful.

RJQuilla says on Oct 17, 2007, 15:31:

Nothing like more competition!!!!!!!!!!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

eywed says on Oct 17, 2007, 17:16:

Please let the rates fall!!

Ay Hombe!!!!!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

scotty says on Oct 17, 2007, 20:46:

It seems there was some news about Jet Blue a few months ago and it wasnt good?

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ibemeubeu9001 says on Oct 20, 2007, 08:48:

Hello Traveler's:

Well with you being on the east coast, and Iam here in the City of the Angeles, Los Angeles area, the flights are really high, in price that is, but Avianca, has been the air line of choice, and they are really high in price also..I live just (1)-mile from the LongBeach airport and Jet Blue has it west coast hub here and it would be wonderful if they had flight from this area to Bogota, Cucuta, Ibaque are any where the coast would be less than Avianca.....Let's get it together Jet Blue, and fly from Southern California-----------PLEASE

I just happen to be from Long Beach,CA, and I love visiting South America, My first visit was to Bogota, Ibaque, and Cucuta and not being a spanish speaking person, I had a great time. Would I travel to South America again, You Bet! The people are wonde

0 funny, 0 helpful.

static says on Oct 21, 2007, 20:01:

That would be really convenient for me as well, but I don't think that there would be enough interest.
I am guessing that most Colombians who live in the US (and might be interested) reside on the East Coast. Which, in our case, is a bummer.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Sam Salmon says on Oct 21, 2007, 20:41:

Now to get more flights into Cartagena!

' a la orden!'

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Mr. Hollywood says on Oct 22, 2007, 11:58:

It would work fine for people from CA as Jetblue already flies LB to Ft. Lauderdale.

0 funny, 0 helpful.