JetBlue Lands at Bradley International Airport

When JetBlue Flight 324 landed just before 1 p.m. on Wednesday at Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, it meant not only a further expansion of service but new jobs for the region.

The plane was greeted by a spray of water from two Bradley fire trucks and cheering employees as passengers deplaned at gate 8. One of the pilots unfurled a Connecticut state flag as the plane pulled up to the gate.

"Bradley Airport and the (Connecticut) Department of Transportation are extremely pleased that JetBlue decided to serve our airport," said Luis Perez, director of marketing and development at Bradley.

JetBlue is a low-fare airline that has 600 daily flights to more than 60 destinations in 11 countries throughout the Americas. It operates a fleet of 151 aircraft. Bradley is JetBlue's 63rd destination, officials said.

The airline is operating two scheduled flights daily to and from Fort Lauderdale and two flights to and from Orlando. Flight 327, which left at 2:46 p.m., was the inaugural flight from Bradley to Fort Lauderdale.

Jeffrey Parker, commissioner of the department of transportation, said citizens have expressed a desire for more choice in airlines and fares. "This team makes our airport so much stronger," Parker said.

Rob Maruster, chief operating officer for JetBlue, said the service brings 27 jobs to Bradley, with 17 of them being filled by local residents. "Obviously jobs are important," Maruster said. "We're excited to have the majority of our jobs be filled locally."

Since its founding about 10 years ago, the airline has wanted to be in Bradley's market, with its mix of business and leisure travelers, Maruster said. It was part of airline founder David Neeleman's vision to come to Bradley,  he added.

"I don't think it was a question of if , but when, we'd come," Maruster said.

Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele said the airline's arrival is an exciting day for Connecticut. "We have over the years looked at Bradley Airport as a diamond in the rough that we need to utilize more," Fedele said. "I'm somewhat spoiled, I tend to take advantage of JetBlue near Fairfield County where I live."

The company also donated $10,000 to the Hole in Wall Gang Camp in Ashford. "Connecticut is proud, and we're proud to have JetBlue here and supporting us," said Mike Smiles, chief development officer of the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp.

As Maruster spoke during a press conference, he was repeatedly interrupted by the public address system announcing information about various flights from other airlines. 

"By the way, I look forward to the day we have the most announcements at Bradley Airport," Maruster said with a smile.