While JetBlue might be New York’s hometown airline, it also proudly operates as the largest carrier serving the US Territory of Puerto Rico. The airline, which operates a robust network of international and domestic services from the Caribbean archipelago, today unveiled a vibrant new aircraft livery designed by renowned Puerto Rican artist, Juan Gutiérrez Rovira.
Named the ‘Isla del Bluencanto’, this design was curated to symbolize the strong bond between the island and JetBlue. The design was unveiled on October 2 at The Flight Park at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, the territory’s busiest airport.
Chosen By Public Vote
The design, which pays homage to Puerto Rico‘s affectionate nickname, Isla del Encanto, was chosen by a public vote in March. Rovira, also known as the Stencil Network, designed the aircraft livery, ensuring the celebration of Puerto Rico’s rich culture while showcasing its unique Puerto Rican heritage through iconic symbols. During the aircraft unveiling, a celebration took place with many Puerto Rican JetBlue crew members and other local leaders and community members at the Puerto Rican airport.
Three main symbols are depicted on the aircraft’s fuselage, which include the Jilbaro, portraying the resilience and nobility of Puerto Rico’s rural heritage, the Fruits and Flora of the Island, which depict the island’s warmth, spirit, and biodiversity, and also the Somos Boricua, which is emblazoned on the belly of the airplane, which shows pride, unity and identity and can be spotted from the ground as the airplane travels through the sky. Rovira was honored to be chosen to design this unique livery, as noted below:
“Designing Isla del Bluencanto has been an honor and an unforgettable experience. Creating this design inspired by Puerto Rico is my way of paying tribute to the island where I was born and raised. My wish is for this plane to be a living symbol of Puerto Rico.”
Serving Puerto Rico Since 2002
JetBlue has continuously operated to Puerto Rico since its first service in 2002. Since then, the airline has become an integral part of operations at the island’s airport, and according to the carrier, employs more than 800 residents.
According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, more than 12 million passengers passed through SJU in 2024, with JetBlue accounting for more than 28% of all travelers. JetBlue maintains the largest network of destinations from the airport, with their route map including Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Hartford, Medellín–JMC, New York–JFK, Newark, Orlando, Providence, Punta Cana, Raleigh/Durham, St. Croix, St. Thomas, Santiago de los Caballeros, Santo Domingo–Las Américas, Tampa, Washington–National, and White Plains.
Expanding domestic and international air routes to Puerto Rico remains a top priority for the island, with the Puerto Rico Tourism Company attending the aircraft’s unveiling and commenting on how proud they are to continue their partnership with JetBlue, which has contributed to local economic development in the tourism sector.
SJU Is One Of JetBlue’s Six Focus Cities
Across the last 23 years, JetBlue has strengthened its position as Puerto Rico’s largest carrier. The airline has expanded from initial flights from the US mainland to San Juan to now Aguadilla and Ponce. Part of the airline’s dominance in Puerto Rico is its decision to establish San Juan as one of the carrier’s six major focus cities.
Across the Northern Hemisphere winter season, JetBlue will operate more than 45 direct flights daily from Puerto Rico, adding more flights not only to the continental United States, but also across the islands of the Caribbean and Latin America. JetBlue offers more seats between Puerto Rico and the United States than any other airline.
While JetBlue’s roots trace back to its home in Long Island, New York, it’s now got some Caribbean flair, with its history now also part of Puerto Rico, as the airline continues to be a vital contributor to the island’s economy, and in 2024, it opened its first crew base outside the US, welcoming San Juan based flight attendants and pilots.
