In 2008, JetBlue opened a new, 26-gate terminal at JFK, significantly expanding its footprint at the airport that has been its home base since 2000. During its first two years of service, JetBlue operated with flights primarily to and from New York City. Today, JetBlue offers the most non-stop departures from JFK, welcoming millions of passengers every year, with plans for significant domestic and international expansion in the coming years.

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Governor David A. Paterson and JetBlue Chief Executive Officer and President Dave Barger joined to make the announcement in the temporarily renamed JetBlue Room at City Hall. Congressmember Gregory W. Meeks, Borough President Helen Marshall, City Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer, Deputy Mayor for Economic Development Robert C. Lieber, New York City Economic Development Corporation President Seth W. Pinsky, NYC & Company CEO George Fertitta, Empire State Development Chairman and CEO-designate Dennis Mullen, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Chairman Christopher O. Ward, and Partnership for New York City President Kathy Wylde were also present.

“More than a year ago, JetBlue engaged cities around the country in a selection process to determine where to build a central corporate office and grow jobs over the long term. New York City prevailed, and both our city and the airline are better off for it,” Bloomberg said. “There was a time when New York might have taken such an exercise lightly, relying on the city’s reputation to win out. But cities across the country and around the world are engaged in an increasingly competitive environment to attract growing companies, and while we can’t always compete on cost, we’ve worked extremely hard to strengthen and highlight New York City’s competitive advantages. The up to 200 jobs the company will move to and add in New York City and the new Long Island City headquarters it will occupy will be significant contributions to the local and citywide economies. We wish the company much success in the years ahead, and look forward to our continued partnership.”

“The relationship between New York state and JetBlue is exactly the kind of innovative economic partnership that we have fought to deliver, especially now, at a time when our state needs it most,” Paterson noted. “JetBlue’s plans to invest millions directly into New York’s economy will create more jobs and provide more opportunities for all New Yorkers. As our state and city work to create strategic economic opportunities, we will continue to help companies like JetBlue develop and grow right here, in the great state of New York.”

“We are delighted that JetBlue, a company that started in Queens and employs many Queens residents, is staying right here in America’s most diverse county,” Marshall added. “This decision saves hundreds of jobs during a difficult economic period and represents JetBlue’s commitment to Queens and the city of New York. We couldn’t be happier. I also thank Mayor Bloomberg and the city’s Economic Development Corporation and all the elected officials and parties who worked together to bring about this wonderful announcement today.”

“JetBlue’s decision to move its headquarters to Long Island City will bring over 800 jobs to our community and cement Long Island City as a growing business center of this city,” Van Bramer said. “This is the start of a great partnership between Long Island City and JetBlue.”

“New York City and JetBlue are made for each other,” Barger declared. “After an exhaustive study to determine the best location for our corporate offices, we have decided that remaining in our hometown of New York makes the most sense for our company. The city is an important part of our heritage and culture, our brand and our customer connection, as well as our operation, with our base at JFK’s Terminal 5. As we enter our second decade, we are proud to be New York’s Hometown Airline, and look forward to welcoming our customers locally and across our network with our award-winning service and the high-value JetBlue Experience.”