Providence, RI – Today a delegation led by Governor Lincoln D. Chafee met with JetBlue CEO Dave Barger and other senior JetBlue executives in a continuing effort to encourage the carrier to start service at T. F. Green Airport. The delegation of state business leaders and elected officials included Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian; Dr. Kathleen Hittner, Chairwoman of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation; Kevin Dillon, President and CEO of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation; James Bennett, newly appointed Director of the Providence Economic Development Corporation and Chairman of the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority; Pat Rogers, Chief of Staff to Governor Chafee; and Laurie White, President of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce.
"This was a great opportunity to inform JetBlue about all the state has to offer and to discuss Rhode Island’s economic development plans,” Governor Chafee said. “JetBlue CEO Dave Barger seemed very impressed with the potential that T. F. Green service represents and agreed to give it serious consideration. We expect to have a continued dialogue.”
T. F. Green Airport handled approximately 4 million passengers last year. The airport has service to 25 non-stop destinations with one stop connections to the world. It is currently served by Air Canada, Cape Air, Continental Airlines/Continental Express, Delta Airlines/Delta Connection/Northwest Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines/United Airlines Express and US Airways.
“I was pleased to be part of this delegation to visit JetBlue,” Mayor Scott Avedisian said. “Helping to attract high quality air service from JetBlue will continue to ensure the success of the airport. This continued success will be beneficial to our efforts to develop the Warwick Station District and enhance the economic well being of the City.”
“This was a great opportunity to discuss potential service by JetBlue,” said Kevin Dillon, President and CEO of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation. “We plan to continue this dialogue and build upon the momentum of today's meeting.”
Known for its award-winning service and free TV as much as its low fares, JetBlue Airways is a New York-based value airline flying to 66 destinations across the U.S., Caribbean and Latin America.