JetBlue Airways today begins non-stop service to Martha’s Vineyard from its home at New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport.  The flights will operate during the peak summer travel season from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, with up to five weekly flights commencing in May and daily service commencing in July.

Flights between New York and Martha’s Vineyard are on sale now through June 15 for as little as $69(a) each way at www.jetblue.com.  To qualify for this rate, which is subject to availability, travel must take place on Tuesdays or Wednesdays and be completed by July 20.

Known for its premium service, JetBlue has offered connections to Martha’s Vineyard through Boston since 2007 in cooperation with its local partner Cape Air.  JetBlue’s new non-stop service will complement that year-round option and give a boost to tourism and business by making access to the island even easier during the summer.

“The historic New England summer colony of Martha’s Vineyard is a welcome addition to the JetBlue route network,” said Dave Barger, JetBlue’s president and chief executive officer.  “We look forward to welcoming islanders and visitors on board our flights, making this quick and convenient connection between the Vineyard and New York City.”

JetBlue’s flights will be operated with its quiet and fuel efficient 100-seat Embraer 190 aircraft – the only full-size jet service to the Vineyard, and the only to offer free in-flight entertainment with live DIRECTV® and XM Satellite Radio programming at every seat.  The spacious E190 offers all-leather seating, industry-leading legroom, as well as unlimited free snacks and drinks served up by JetBlue’s friendly, award-winning crewmembers.

In addition to direct access to New York City, Vineyard travelers have access to scores of onward JetBlue destinations via JFK Airport including Charlotte, Chicago, Los Angeles, Palm Beach, Pittsburgh, Raleigh, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.

“JetBlue’s new service from JFK makes coming to the Vineyard fast, affordable and fun!” said Nancy Gardella, executive director of the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce.  “JetBlue’s Vineyard service makes it so easy to enjoy a well deserved vacation, a romantic getaway, a wedding or a festival on this beautiful Island.  On behalf of the Martha’s Vineyard business community, welcome JetBlue!”

“This new air travel option to New York’s JFK Airport with Cape Air’s partner JetBlue Airways is a perfect addition to our year round service to Boston’s Logan Airport and Westchester County Airport in White Plains, New York,” said Cape Air founder & CEO, State Senator Dan Wolf.  “On behalf of the entire Cape Air team we officially welcome JetBlue to the Island.  All signs are pointing to a great summer season!”

JetBlue resumed non-stop seasonal summer service from New York to neighboring Nantucket last week and in cooperation with Cape Air, provides connections from Boston to Hyannis and Provincetown, Mass., making travel to Cape Cod and the Islands a breeze all year long.  With frequent jet service to Boston; Burlington, Vt.; Hartford, Conn.; and Portland, Maine, JetBlue is among the largest air carriers in New England.