JetBlue Airways and Hawaiian Airlines formed an alliance on Jan. 23 that will enable passengers to fly on both carriers' flights using a single ticket.
Under the terms of the deal, which was signed by Hawaiian President and CEO Mark Dunkerley and JetBlue President and CEO Dave Barger at a ceremony at New York's Kennedy Airport, Hawaiian also will use JetBlue's Terminal 5 at Kennedy as its New York base of operations when it launches previously announced daily nonstop service between Honolulu and the Big Apple on June 5. Until then, connections between the carriers are available via Los Angeles Airport.
In addition, the airlines said they will soon begin formally codesharing and have reached a preliminary agreement on reciprocal miles accrual and redemption in their respective frequent flyer programs.
"This partnership with JetBlue makes Hawaii more accessible than ever for our friends on the East Coast, and in June will put the Islands at their doorstep," Dunkerley said in a statement.
For its part, JetBlue is "thrilled," Barger said. "Our customers have long asked for options to the Aloha State, and today we're proud to partner with Hawaiian Airlines to get them there in comfort and style."
For destination news and updates worldwide, follow Ken Kiesnoski on Twitter @kktravelweekly.