JetBlue Airways, Puerto Rico’s largest carrier has launched its new nonstop “capital-to-capital” service from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to San Juan, Puerto Rico today.

JetBlue was granted a pair of beyond-perimeter slot exemptions from the United States Department of Transportation to launch this new long-distance flight in May. JetBlue’s flights are the only nonstop service between D.C.‘s downtown airport and San Juan. This route is JetBlue’s 14th destination from San Juan and will operate from JetBlue’s exclusive new ‘home’ in Terminal A at the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport.

“Today’s new flight represents JetBlue’s continued growth at National Airport, having grown from an initial nine flights in 2010, to our 18 daily non-stop, low fare departures today,” said Rob Land, senior vice president of government affairs and associate general counsel at JetBlue.

“It was gratifying to see the overwhelming community support that made this flight happen and this support represents exactly what JetBlue is about: listening to our customers. We’d like to thank both Secretary LaHood and his team at the Department of Transportation and Governor Fortuño and his administration for their support.”

“San Juan’s new capital-to-capital direct service on JetBlue is a major step in our effort to be the premier U.S. hub in the Caribbean, giving travelers new, low-cost fare options that will boost Puerto Rico’s standing as the best destination for business and tourism in the region,” Puerto Rico Gov. Luis Fortuño said.