JetBlue received a warm Texas welcome today at William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) in celebration of their new non-stop service between HOU and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The celebration began as the first JetBlue plane arrived to Gate 55 with a traditional water arch display from the Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighter Station 81 at Hobby. As the JetBlue Airways passengers arrived at Hobby, they were greeted with open arms and welcoming remarks from members of the Houston Airport System (HAS), Jet Blue and the City of Houston.

© Houston Airport System JetBlue Airways arrives at Houston's Hobby.

Representing HAS, Tom Bartlett, Deputy Director of Operations, proudly welcomed JetBlue to the list of airlines contributing to Houston’s growth and economic strength. Bartlett continued by recognizing the ample ramp space available in Houston as he introduced JetBlue representative to the podium.

Tim Claydon, Senior VP of Sales and Marketing for JetBlue Airways was impressed with Houston, saying, Houston is one of the largest cities we serve and has given us by far the largest welcome.

City Council Member Carol Alvarado addressed everyone as she presented Claydon with a proclamation on behalf of Houston’s Mayor, Bill White, declaring September 7, 2006 JetBlue Airways Day.

“JetBlue Airways is a perfect fit for Hobby Airport,” said Rick Vacar, director of the Houston Airport System. “Their service to JFK adds an important new link to the New York market and beyond, and enhances Hobby Airport’s market position as a low-cost carrier hub.”

The low-cost airline is using 156-seat A320 aircraft to fly three daily non-stop flights between HOU and JFK, equipped with industry-leading legroom, 36 channels of free DIRECTV programming and more than 100 channels of XM Satellite Radio. Departures from HOU are at 7:00 a.m., 11:50 a.m., and 5:00 p.m. Arrivals are at 11:00 a.m., 4:10 p.m., and 11:00 p.m.

According to J.D. Powers & Associates, William P. Hobby Airport is first in customer satisfaction among smaller airports in the United States. The Houston Airport System served 48 million passengers in 2005. It is the fourth-largest multi-airport system in the U.S. and the sixth-largest in the world

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