JetBlue Airways Announces New Aircraft Maintenance Contract

Just think of all these airplanes sitting around demanding their photos be taken! :D


New York Based and Headquartered Low-Cost Carrier Supports Upstate
New York Economy With Airbus A320 Heavy Maintenance Contract

NEW YORK, Dec 11, 2006 (PrimeNewswire via COMTEX News Network) -- JetBlue Airways Corporation (Nasdaq:JBLU) today announces an aircraft heavy maintenance agreement with Empire Aero Center of Rome, NY. Empire Aero Center, in partnership with SR Technics, will provide JetBlue with Airbus A320 heavy maintenance support, known as "C" Checks, for up to 12 aircraft in 2007.

"We searched the world for an additional partner for this important maintenance work and found Empire Aero Center in our own backyard," said David Neeleman, CEO and Founder of JetBlue Airways. "As a New York based and headquartered airline, we're committed to supporting the flight needs and the economy of the Empire State. In addition to our existing service in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and soon, Newburgh, we look forward to a successful partnership with Empire Aero Center and SR Technics that will support the economy of Upstate New York while maintaining JetBlue's fleet as we continue to grow."

"This is a very important day for all of us at Empire Aero Center as this contract with JetBlue Airways represents the culmination of our goal to provide outstanding service to blue chip customers," said Brian Olsen, President of Empire Aero Center. "This is just the beginning of a partnership that will undoubtedly precipitate our long-term goal to become a leading provider of airframe MRO services in North America."

"Today's announcement is yet another validation of the tremendous resources of skill and expertise that exists here in Rome and throughout the Mohawk Valley. This new partnership between JetBlue and the Empire Aero Center will help new jobs take off and new opportunities take flight in the Mohawk Valley. Indeed, this is a great day for the community and New York - I am proud to have played a part in making this happen," Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton said.

JetBlue has a current fleet of 96 A320 aircraft with an additional 82 A320 aircraft on order and 49 A320 aircraft options through 2013. In support of this scheduled growth, this agreement between JetBlue and Empire Aero Center has the potential to extend beyond 2007.

http://investor.jetblue.com/phoenix.zht ... highlight=

Great news for the upstate community, which is sorely lacking for jobs. This is at the former Griffiss AFB that has been sitting pretty much unused for several years, so nice to see SR set up there and Jetblue has decided to send some money there for a change and not just to El Salvador.