JetBlue Airways is pleased to announce its intention to launch new daily nonstop service from Chicago’s O’Hare to San Juan. JetBlue’s third destination from the Windy City is scheduled to begin service on November 20, 2013. Flights are expected to be out for sale soon. The announcement was made today, coinciding with the airline’s affirmation of its commitment to growth on the Island with the recent privatization of San Juan’s Airport.

“As the largest carrier in Puerto Rico, we are very pleased to connect the sizable Puerto Rican population that calls Chicago home with convenient service to visit their friends and family on the Island,” said JetBlue’s President and CEO, Dave Barger . “We believe these new flights will complement our existing service well as we continue to serve Chicago with competitive fares and the best experience in the skies, complete with a free checked bag, the most legroom in coach, unlimited free snacks and drinks, free live television, and our award-winning crewmembers.” 

“This is great news for O’Hare International Airport, our local economy and for City residents—especially for Chicago’s vibrant Puerto Rican community,” said Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel . “New air service results in millions of dollars in economic activity and new jobs for our city. JetBlue’s decision to expand its service offerings from O’Hare demonstrates that Chicago is a high demand market and premier destination for business, tourism and families.”

“This announcement represents a big step for Puerto Rico as a tourism destination. With this new route we reassure the priority that air access has for our administration.  It fills me with pride to be a part of this new era and that JetBlue continues to believe in the potential of our Island as a destination,” stated the Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, Ingrid Rivera Rocafort .

From its San Juan focus city, JetBlue currently flies to 14 nonstop destinations, ten within the continental US: Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Hartford, Jacksonville, New York (JFK), Newark, Orlando, Tampa, Washington D.C. (Reagan National) and West Palm Beach, and four within the Caribbean: Santo Domingo, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and St. Croix.

JetBlue has served Chicago since 2007 with service to Boston and New York (JFK).

JetBlue’s flights between Chicago and San Juan will be operated with its comfortable Airbus A320 fleet and award-winning service featuring convenient, assigned seating; a first-checked bag free; complimentary and unlimited name brand snacks and drinks; comfy leather seats; free first-run movies on seatback televisions; and more legroom than any other carrier in coach.

City of Chicago officials are expressing their support for JetBlue’s new service between O’Hare and San Juan.

“Our success at our airports continues to bring visitors and economic activity to the City,” said Alderman Michael Zalewski , Chairman of the Chicago City Council Committee on Aviation. “Whether it is new flights bringing tourists and businesspeople to Chicago or whether its air cargo carriers transporting valuable products around the globe, Chicago’s airports are thriving and are a vital part of the City’s success.”

“This is great news for the Puerto Rican community and all of Chicago. I am proud that so many Chicagoans will have an additional option to visit their families, and I am equally happy that many Puerto Ricans will come to Chicago for pleasure or business,” said Chicago 31st Ward Alderman and Vice Mayor Ray Suarez . “The strong ties between Chicago and Puerto Rico are a part of our shared history and I am excited for these additional flights.”

“I want to thank JetBlue Airways for expanding its service offerings from Chicago’s global gateway—O’Hare International Airport,” said Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) Commissioner Rosemarie S. Andolino . “JetBlue’s Chicago to San Juan route will offer more choices for O’Hare travelers and further strengthen Chicago’s robust air service market.”