New York-based JetBlue and Dubai-based Emirates have signed an interline agreement that will connect the Maldives to most major cities in the United States via John F. Kennedy International Airport. Soon, cities such as Boston, Chicago, Orlando and Washington will be connected with the Maldives, according to a joint statement by the two airlines.
JetBlue, which already has similar deals with American Airlines, South African Airways and the Irish carrier Aer Lingus, said that itineraries will soon be available for purchase through online travel agencies and by calling Emirates for reservations.
The JetBlue-Emirates venture is designed to let travelers to purchase joint tickets for “seamless international travel.”
“Customers will be able to connect to cities as diverse as Auckland, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Nairobi, Singapore and Sydney plus ten cities in India, points through the Middle East, and a host of exotic island getaways including the Maldives, Mauritius, and the Seychelles,” it said.
Under the agreement, travelers will be able to book a single combined ticket for JetBlue and Emirates-operated flights and enjoy one-stop check-in and baggage transfer between the airlines.
Currently, Emirates offers two daily nonstop flights from New York’s JFK International Airport to Dubai International Airport, with service aboard its flagship A380 and its ultra long range 777-300ER.
In turn, Emirates passengers flying out of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Gulf region can enjoy JetBlue’s 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. carrier.
JetBlue currently has one of the country’s youngest airline fleets, featuring 157 Airbus and EMBRAER aircraft. At JFK Airport, JetBlue flies out of its new 26-gate Terminal 5, while Emirates is conveniently located in Terminal 4.
via Maldives Traveller
