NEW YORK and DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, April 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- JetBlue Airways JBLU, New York's Hometown Airline™, and Emirates, the Dubai-based international carrier, today announced a codeshare agreement to connect the carriers' networks via New York's John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport.

The two airlines have been interline partners since 2010, enabling customers to enjoy the convenience of a single combined ticket for Emirates and JetBlue-operated flights, plus other benefits including one-stop check-in and baggage transfer.

Tickets featuring an Emirates flight number will soon be available for sale for JetBlue-operated connections between New York/JFK and the following U.S. destinations:

• Boston (BOS)
• Burlington, Vermont (BTV)
• Buffalo, New York (BUF)
• Charlotte, North Carolina (CLT)
• Chicago/O'Hare (ORD)
• Fort Lauderdale, Florida (FLL)
• Jacksonville, Florida (JAX)
• Orlando, Florida (MCO)
• Portland, Maine (PWM)
• Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina (RDU)
• Tampa, Florida (TPA)
• Washington/Dulles (IAD)

"Emirates' network within the United States will soon extend to almost 20 cities through our partner JetBlue, making flying to the U.S. from the Gulf, Middle East, Africa, the Indian Subcontinent and the Far East smoother and more convenient than ever before," said Thierry Antinori, executive vice president of passenger sales worldwide. "JetBlue shares our passion for innovation and best-in-class services, and we look forward to continuing to grow the relationship as we seek new ways to build our presence within the United States," continued Mr Antinori.

"We are pleased to expand upon our successful relationship with Emirates through this new codeshare at JFK, where JetBlue is the number one domestic airline," said Scott Laurence, JetBlue's vice president of network planning and partnerships. "Emirates has been a terrific travel partner for JetBlue, affording our customers easy access to all corners of the globe in comfort and style."

Emirates' network now encompasses 123 cities globally, giving travellers in the U.S. access not only to the carrier's home of Dubai, the commercial and tourism hub of the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf region, but also to cities across Africa, India, and throughout Asia Pacific.

From JFK, Emirates offers two daily nonstop flights to its global hub at Dubai International Airport – including service aboard its flagship A380 and its ultra long range 777-300ER – both of which offer travelers fine dining, personalized service and multi award-winning entertainment options. Winner of over 500 international awards, Emirates' unique service offering includes complimentary chauffeur-driven airport transfers for premium customers, privacy suites in First Class, and an inflight entertainment system featuring over 1,200 channels of new release Hollywood movies, TV, music and games. 

Known for its award-winning customer service, JetBlue offers transfer customers from Emirates' network of global destinations a premium experience that includes all-leather seating, unlimited free snacks and drinks, plus the most legroom in economy class (based on average fleet-wide seat pitch) and the most free live entertainment of any U.S. airline. JetBlue operates one of America's youngest airline fleets, with 172 Airbus and EMBRAER aircraft. At JFK Airport, JetBlue operates from its acclaimed 26-gate Terminal 5, while Emirates operates from the adjacent Terminal 4, allowing for fast and easy connections between flights.

About Emirates
Emirates currently serves 123 cities around the globe with a young and technologically advanced fleet of 171 wide-bodied aircraft that are equipped with industry-leading comforts in the air. Additionally, Emirates has 232 wide-bodied aircraft on order, worth more than US$84 billion, and is the leading customer of the Airbus A380, with 21 in its fleet and 69 on order. Renowned for its excellence in service and innovation, both on board and on the ground, Emirates holds an impressive array of prestigious awards, most recently including Air Transport World's 2011 "Airline of the Year" award and Frommer's selection of the Emirates Lounge at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport as one of the 2011 "Top Airport Lounges in North America." For more information visit www.emirates.com.

About JetBlue Airways
JetBlue is New York's Hometown Airline™ with other focus cities in Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, and Orlando. Known for its award-winning service and free TV as much as its low fares, JetBlue offers the most legroom in coach of any U.S. airline as well as super-spacious Even More Space seats. JetBlue is also America's first and only airline to offer its own Customer Bill of Rights, with meaningful and specific compensation for customers inconvenienced by service disruptions within JetBlue's control. Visit www.jetblue.com/promise for details. JetBlue serves 70 cities with 750 daily flights and plans to launch service to Dallas/Fort Worth in May. With JetBlue, all seats are assigned, all fares are one-way, and an overnight stay is never required. For information call +1 800-538-2583 (+1-801-449-2525 from Dubai), TTY/TDD +1 800-336-5530, or visit www.jetblue.com.

SOURCE JetBlue Airways