JetBlue Airways and Turkish Airlines announce interline agreement

NEW YORK and ISTANBUL – JetBlue Airways and Turkish Airlines today announced an interline agreement to connect the carriers’ networks at New York’s John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).

Through this new partnership, customers will be able to transfer in either U.S. city between Turkish Airlines- and JetBlue-operated flights while enjoying one-stop ticketing and check-in plus hassle-free baggage transfer and other benefits. JetBlue offers connections to and from dozens of cities throughout the United States including Boston, Massachusetts; Buffalo/Niagara Falls, New York; Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina; Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, Florida; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

This summer, Turkish Airlines plans to bolster its already robust schedule from New York by offering three daily nonstop flights to the thriving city of Istanbul – the most of any airline serving the market. Turkish also offers daily nonstop service between Istanbul and the U.S. capital. The carrier’s transatlantic flights are operated in the comfort of its Boeing 777 and Airbus A330 fleet, offering travellers three classes of service, premium meal options, internet connectivity, and a wide array of personal in-flight entertainment choices.

Turkish Airlines has rapidly grown to become one of the world’s largest carriers, serving the most destinations of any European airline from a single airport. Its network touches nearly 200 cities across five continents, affording connecting travellers service throughout Europe, the Middle East, all corners of Africa, the Indian Subcontinent and Asia Pacific. JetBlue’s new relationship with Turkish Airlines expands travel options by opening up a number of exciting new destinations in Europe, Africa, and Asia that were previously unavailable through its other partner airlines.

In the United States, Turkish Airlines also serves Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport.

Known for its award-winning customer service, JetBlue offers Turkish Airlines transfer travellers a premium experience that includes all-leather seating, unlimited free snacks and drinks, plus the most legroom in economy class (based on average fleet-wide seat pitch) as well as the most free live entertainment of any U.S. airline. JetBlue also operates one of America’s youngest and most fuel-efficient airline fleets, with 172 Airbus and EMBRAER aircraft.

At JFK Airport, Turkish Airlines operates from Terminal 1 while JetBlue operates from nearby Terminal 5, a quick ride away on the airport’s free AirTrain service. JetBlue’s Terminal 5, the newest at JFK, offers customers an impressive airport experience complete with unique retail and dining options. Learn more about T5 at http://www.jetblue.com/travel/jfk.

“Turkish Airlines has quickly established itself as one of the world’s leading airlines, and we are pleased to be partnering with them during this impressive period of growth,” said JetBlue Chief Commercial Officer Robin Hayes. “With service from Washington plus three daily flights from JFK to Istanbul and beyond, our new partnership with this respected carrier will allow JetBlue customers to travel virtually anywhere on Earth with a single ticket.”

Turkish Airlines’ Chief Investment and Technology Officer, Ahmet Bolat, Ph.D. added, “We believe that this new partnership will boost traffic between Turkey and the U.S. with JetBlue’s wide-ranging network via New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport. We’re very excited to bring JetBlue service to Turkish Airlines’ customers.”