21 hours ago
Before JetBlue flights can begin in December, here's what the airline needs to do
VERO BEACH — JetBlue Airways plans to begin nonstop service from Vero Beach to New York and Boston beginning in December, but before it does, there are local hoops the New York-based airline must jump through.
"There is a laundry list of boxes that need to be checked before flights can start," explained Airport Director Todd Scher. "And JetBlue has not completed anything yet."
Checking boxes
At least four weeks prior to starting flights, JetBlue must send the airport its formal letter of intent, including its desired start date.
JetBlue's letter must confirm it owes Vero Beach no money (even though it's never flown here before); it must give notice that it is not in default of any city contracts; provide insurance information; and provide an account from which the city can draw fees.
Once those requirements are met, Scher expects to issue a letter of authorization, granting JetBlue use of the airport on a month-to-month basis.
As of Aug. 19, the airport is reviewing the requirements for commercial airlines, and the regulations could change before JetBlue begins flights, according to Scher.
For its part, the airport will need to provide additional staff to accommodate additional flights. It has budgeted an additional police officer, an additional airport operations specialist and two additional part-time terminal attendants. However, additions to the airport budget are require City Council approval.
JetBlue would be expected to pay for the additional personnel in its monthly fees.
The airport is currently undergoing improvements, including include covered walkways to the aircrafts; a covered — but still outdoor — baggage-claim area; all-LED lighting inside and outside the terminal; improved ADA-accessible bathrooms near the exit; and reconfigured turn lanes in the parking lots.
Airport fees
The airport lowered its flat monthly fees for airlines Aug. 1, just days before JetBlue's announcement about Vero Beach.
Previously, its airline charge was $10,862 per month. The airport actually lowered the flat monthy fee to $8,897. However, it's turn fee — $250 per one arrival and departure — and $546 per holiday turn, remained the same as it was prior to August.
JetBlue also will be required to pay the airport $750 per month per ticket counter and $6,500 for each additional aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle needed.
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City response
City officials were taken off guard by JetBlue's sudden interest in Vero Beach.
"It was definitely unexpected," said City Manager Monte Falls. "In a matter of a week, we had gone from initial talks to an announcement."
JetBlue emailed Scher Aug. 11, expressing interest in the airport. By 5 p.m. Aug. 13, airline offiials told Scher they want to start operations in December.
"JetBlue has a little time, but not much," explained Falls. "They are going to have to work quickly to start flights Dec. 11."
In its Aug. 14 news release, JetBlue said it wants to emphasize Florida service.
'Florida continues to be a place JetBlue's unique combination of low fares and great service resonates, and we're proud to grow our footprint with these new destinations to meet customer demand for more of the Sunshine State,' Dave Jehn, JetBlue vice president, network planning and airline partnerships, said in the news release. 'Whether it's customers in the Northeast looking for a warm getaway or Floridians traveling north, we're excited to bring more choices and better service to these markets.'
At the same time it announced new service to Vero Beach, JetBlue announced resumption of flights to Daytona Beach. The airline had ceased Daytona Beach service Jan. 7, 2019.
Nick Slater is TCPalm's Indian River County Watchdog reporter. You can reach him at and 224-830-2875.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Here's what JetBlue needs to do before starting Vero Beach flights
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