JetBlue Installs Bullet-Proof, Dead-Bolted Cockpit Doors; Airline Considering Security Cameras in Cabins, Monitored by Pilots

Business Wire, Oct 15, 2001

Business, Airline & Travel Editors

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 15, 2001

JetBlue Airways has commenced installing bullet-proof, force-resistant cockpit doors across its fleet.

The first aircraft outfitted with the Kevlar-reinforced doors will begin flying JetBlue's route network today and the airline expects the entire fleet to be completed by the end of October.

The airline currently operates 18 brand new Airbus A320 aircraft and will receive three more aircraft through 2001. The investment in the reinforced cockpit doors, a first for U.S. carriers, is estimated to be approximately $10,000 per aircraft.

JetBlue is also considering installing security cameras in passenger cabins across its fleet early next year. These cameras will be monitored by the pilots from the cockpit, made possible by the airline's sophisticated LiveTV onboard technology, which will help protect flight attendants and passengers alike.

"In our two year history, JetBlue has consistently focused on innovation to give our customers the best experience possible, from being the first start-up with an entire fleet of new aircraft to the first to offer satellite TV at each seat," said David Neeleman, JetBlue's CEO. "While the circumstances that require these safety innovations remain deeply sad and troubling, I am so proud of our entire team for being able to move so swiftly to install these secure cockpit doors."

From its base at New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport, JetBlue flies six times daily to Fort Lauderdale, FL; five times daily to Buffalo, NY; four times daily to Orlando, FL, and Rochester, NY; three times daily to Tampa, FL, and Syracuse, NY; twice daily to Burlington, VT, LA/Long Beach and Ontario, CA, Oakland, CA, and West Palm Beach, FL; and daily to New Orleans, LA, Denver, CO, Fort Myers, FL, Salt Lake City, UT, and Seattle, WA.

JetBlue scored the highest points of any airline in the Conde Nast Traveler 2001 Business Travel Awards (October, 2001) and #2 Best Domestic Airline for comfort and service in the 2001 Zagat Airline Survey (March, 2001). Since launching operations 20 months ago, JetBlue has served three million passengers. The airline flies a fleet of 18 brand new Airbus A320 aircraft and will take delivery of another three new A320s by the end of 2001. All JetBlue aircraft are outfitted with roomy all-leather seats each equipped with free LiveTV satellite television, offering 24 channels of DIRECTV programming at every seat.

With JetBlue, all seats are assigned, all travel is ticketless, all fares are one-way, and a Saturday night stay is never required. The airline currently (until October 31) offers $5 each way off all fares booked through its web site, www.jetblue.com. For more information, schedules and fares, please visit www.jetblue.com or call JetBlue reservations at 1-800-JETBLUE (538-2583).