For New Training and Maintenance Center

JetBlue Airways just let the world know that it will house its first flight training center and a new hangar for aircraft maintenance and LiveTV installation and maintenance at Orlando International. The new facilities, which will cover 150,000 square feet, and associated training equipment are expected to require a capital investment of up to $160 million and to 'create more than 150 jobs' in Orlando.

JetBlue's new training center will encompass an 80,000 square foot building with the capacity for eight flight simulators and two cabin simulators, plus classrooms, cabin crew training equipment, a training pool, a fire-fighting training station and administration areas. JetBlue will use this new facility for the initial and continuous training of all JetBlue pilots and inflight crew, plus support training for its technical operations and customer service crew. Construction of the training center is scheduled to be completed in late 2005.

The low-fare carrier's new maintenance hangar will cover approximately 70,000 square feet and have the capacity to accommodate three Airbus A320 aircraft. The hangar, which is expected to be completed by early 2005, will be used for aircraft maintenance as well as the installation and maintenance of the airline's LiveTV inflight satellite television system. (LiveTV is the wholly-owned subsidiary of JetBlue that provides the inflight satellite television system available on all JetBlue aircraft.)

"Building on our long-standing partnership with the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, Governor Bush, Mayor Buddy Dyer and County Chairman Rich Crotty have all stepped up to the plate to help take JetBlue's commitment to Central Florida to a new level," said Dave Barger, President and COO of JetBlue Airways. "We were also fortunate to have the support of a variety of community organizations such as the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission, Enterprise Florida, the University of Central Florida and Valencia Community College."

"We are very pleased that an industry leader like JetBlue has chosen Orlando International Airport and Central Florida to play an important role in their corporate business plan," said C.William Jennings, Executive Director Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. "Their commitment to excellence in customer service is an important value that we look for in business partners and speaks to Orlando's position in the aviation industry."

FMI: www.jetblue.com