FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., June 13, 2013 -- /PRNewswire/ -- JetBlue Airways (Nasdaq: JBLU) today launches daily nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Jose Maria Cordova International Airport in Medellin, Colombia (MDE).  To celebrate the airline's 79th destination, today through June 17, flights from Fort Lauderdale are on sale from $164 one way for travel between September 5 and November 7, 2013 (blackout dates apply) (a). Destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean now make up almost one-third of JetBlue's route network. Medellin, Colombia's second largest city and a vibrant commercial and cultural center, is JetBlue's 79th destination and its third destination in Colombia. JetBlue also offers nonstop service between Bogota and both Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, Florida, as well as nonstop service between Cartagena, Colombia and New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

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"It's great to see customers have embraced JetBlue's low fares and great service on our flights to Colombia from Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and New York. Our Medellin service adds to our successful franchise in Colombia," said Scott Laurence, vice president of network planning for JetBlue Airways. "Customers continue to choose JetBlue and allow us to expand and grow in Colombia."

With the launch, JetBlue will offer at least 24 weekly flights to Colombia.  As the capital of the Colombian state of Antioquia, Medellin is South America's mile-high city, sitting 5,000 feet above sea level. At this altitude, the climate is mild year round at an average of 72 F (22 C). "JetBlue's addition of new nonstop service between the Venice of America and the City of Flowers continues to position Greater Fort Lauderdale as a gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean for visitors whether traveling to visit friends and family, for business or meetings and conventions," said Nicki E. Grossman, president of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau.

"We are excited about JetBlue's new service to Medellin. JetBlue recognizes the importance of the international community in Broward County and has been very successful in developing destinations to meet this market's needs," said Kent George, director of aviation, Broward County Aviation Department. "This new daily service will provide the citizens of Medellin the opportunity to visit Greater Fort Lauderdale and experience our beautiful beaches and the cultural amenities of the region."

"Medellin is currently experiencing a process of metamorphosis that places it as one of the most attractive cities to do business in Latin America," said Anibal Gaviria Correa, mayor of Medellin.  "For this reason, we were filled with joy and pride when we received the news that JetBlue had chosen to begin service to our city. Initiatives like these support and leverage our proposal to advance the region's internationalization, competitiveness and economic development. I am grateful for the trust that JetBlue has placed in Medellin. We are sure JetBlue will find it to be a thriving city with warm, hardworking people." Gaviria Correa reassures that Medellin is "an excellent place to live with great opportunities to strengthen business. JetBlue will always find an ally in our government for the development of projects that will allow us to continue progressing on the route to equity and life."