JetBlue keeps focus on Florida and Caribbean with new routes as it plans up to 8.5% growth in 2012

JetBlue's plan to grow its capacity on the high side for the US industry by 6.5% to 8.5% in 2012 is reflected in a planned roll-out of new destinations to the Caribbean, Florida and Latin America during 4Q2012. Those regions, particularly the Caribbean and Latin America, are the primary growth vehicles for the carrier as some other US airlines retrench in those areas. The airline's new Florida markets build on JetBlue's strong brand awareness in the region as the airline expands into Florida from the less dense market of Providence, Rhode Island.

Executives at JetBlue recently stated the carrier continues to grow profitably in the Caribbean and Latin America, with those regions representing 10% of the 7% to 9% capacity growth the carrier expects to record during 3Q2012. The airline's other major growth market, Boston, is accounting for about 7% of the 3Q2012 capacity growth.