JetBlue, which flies more times per day through San Juan
than any other airline, has announced a long-term charitable commitment to the
hurricane-ravaged U.S. territory.
With its 100x35 initiative, the carrier is outlying 35 ways
it plans to aid Puerto Rico over the next 100 days and then beyond. The name
pays homage to Puerto Rico's size of 100 miles long by 35 miles wide.
"Using our strengths as an airline, our partnerships,
and our mission of inspiring humanity, we aim to make a positive impact on this
island we call home," CEO Robin Hayes said in a statement. "We know 100 days is just the start, but we hope it's a start
that will make a meaningful difference."
JetBlue has been operating six flights a day in San Juan
this week as the airport's commercial operations continue to be limited by
infrastructure problems in the wake of Hurricane Maria and to make room for
emergency assistance flights from FEMA, the military and other parties.
JetBlue
said it has donated $1 million in supplies to Puerto Rico since Maria's Sept.
20 landfall last week while airlifting more than 3,000 customers over 21
flights from San Juan and Aguadilla through Wednesday, and transporting more
than 100,000 pounds of supplies to the island.
Under 100x35, JetBlue said it would continue to aid the
island in six broad categories: charitable airlift services, relief pricing,
fundraising, deployment of its emergency personnel to the island, providing for
unmet needs by supporting programs such as free meals and care package
deliveries; and by supporting rebuilding efforts.
Until Nov. 15 the carrier is pledging to offer one-way fares
between the U.S. and Puerto Rico of $135, waive fees for up to two checked bags
and waive fees for carrying pets. Fares to and from the U.S. Virgin Islands and
the Dominican Republic will be $129.
JetBlue will also encourage donations to hurricane relief on
every flight and will match up to $500,000 in donations through Nov. 15.
Under its normal schedule JetBlue operates up to 53 daily
flights to and from Puerto Rico and a total of 1/3 of its routes network
services the Caribbean and Latin America.
Other U.S. airlines, including Southwest, American, United
and Delta have also aided Puerto Rico by carrying supplies to the island and by
flying evacuees out of the U.S. territory free of charge.