JetBlue Launching Flights Between Boston and Presque Isle

JetBlue announced today that it will launch new, daily service between Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and Presque Isle International Airport (PQI). Beginning on September 5th, the New York based carrier will connect residents of northern Maine and New Brunswick with Boston and destinations around the world via JetBlue and their partner airline network.

JetBlue Wins First EAS Contract at Presque Isle

Presque Isle is covered under the subsidized Essential Air Service (EAS) contract from the U.S Department of Transportation (DOT). JetBlue beat out America, Boutique Air, and incumbent United Airlines to win the contract. United previously operated CRJ-550s between Presque Isle and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) utilizing an annual DOT provided subsidy of $10.8 million.

For this round of bidding, JetBlue’s proposal had the lowest annual subsidy across all carriers. The airline requested $10.4 million in year one and $11.2 million in year two. United requested $13.1 million dollars to continue to operate the EWR-PQI route. The Boston-Presque Isle route marks the JetBlue’s first foray into EAS flying.

Presque Isle City Council Chair Kevin Freeman had this to say about JetBlue’s upcoming service:

“The City of Presque Isle and Aroostook County are pleased to begin a new chapter in airline service partnering with JetBlue. We are eagerly awaiting to experience JetBlue’s renowned innovation and creativity which will expand and grow air travelers’ experiences in our region.”

Kevin Freeman, Presque Isle City Council Chair

JetBlue Presque Isle Fight Schedule and Information

JetBlue’s new service between Boston (BOS) and Presque Isle (PQI) will operate using Embraer E190 aircraft on the following schedule.

Boston (BOS) – Presque Isle (PQI)
B6 206 Departs: 8:45p Arrives: 10:10p

Presque Isle (PQI) – Boston (BOS)
B6 207 Departs: 5:45a Arrives: 7:10a

These flights are scheduled to facilitate connections in Boston across JetBlue’s network.

JetBlue is currently in the process of retiring their Embraer E190 fleet and this route will switch to the airline’s new Airbus A220-300 fleet in the future.

To celebrate the new route, JetBlue is offering special $59 one-way fares on the route available online for a limited time.

Summary

JetBlue is launching flights between Boston and Presque Isle, Maine beginning on September 5th as part of the airline’s new Essential Air Service contract. JetBlue is taking the route over from United that previously connected the northern Maine city with Newark Liberty International Airport. Flights are currently on sale at jetblue.com.