JetBlue Vacations Strengthens Ties with Florida Panthers, Reaffirming Commitment to the South Florida Community
JetBlue Airways (Nasdaq: JBLU) has recently disclosed the reinstatement of its alliance with the National Hockey League’s Florida Panthers. This renewed partnership builds upon JetBlue’s 14-year association with the Panthers. It solidifies their relationship and reaffirms JetBlue’s steadfast commitment to the South Florida community.
JetBlue in South Florida: More than Snowbirds
Since JetBlue’s inception in South Florida, the airline has consistently delivered value and quality to its customers. The number of passengers using the Fort Lauderdale airport (FLL) has skyrocketed, doubling from approximately 16 million in 2000 to a staggering 32 million in 2022.
JetBlue: Official Domestic Airline of the Florida Panthers
Beyond JetBlue’s status as the “Official Domestic Airline” of the Florida Panthers, JetBlue Vacations has plans to interact with fans. At various engagement points within the FLA Live Arena, JetBlue will enhance the spectator experience. Special games will feature JetBlue Vacations-themed intermissions, and fans can expect exclusive offers tailored to their upcoming vacationing needs.
“JetBlue Vacations and the Florida Panthers share a common vision of fostering community spirit and bringing people together,” said Andres Barry, President, JetBlue Travel Products. “We are thrilled to renew our multi-year sponsorship with the Florida Panthers and join forces to support local initiatives and engage with fans, making a positive impact on the South Florida community that has been instrumental in our success.”
JetBlue’s Plans Growth in South Florida with Spirit Merger
JetBlue has outlined a comprehensive expansion plan in South Florida. The airline’s imminent merger with Spirit makes this ambitious strategy possible. The airline expects over 250 daily departures from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood by the year 2027. With this expansion, JetBlue’s low fares and customer experience will extend to a broader range of destinations.
By increasing competition, this move will benefit consumers and enhance the appeal of Fort Lauderdale as a travel hub, making it an even more attractive choice for South Florida customers. Thus, JetBlue’s growth plan is poised to significantly transform the region’s air travel landscape.
“Ever since our first flight 23 years ago, South Florida has held a special place in JetBlue’s heart, and this partnership with the Florida Panthers further demonstrates our dedication to the region”, said Robin Hayes, CEO, JetBlue. “As we continue to expand our presence in South Florida and bring the JetBlue Experience to more customers, we are proud to stand alongside the Panthers as they inspire and entertain fans on and off the ice.”
JetBlue and Florida Panthers Lend Aid to Broward Partnership
Marking the commencement of this alliance, the Florida Panthers and JetBlue Vacations joined forces for a volunteer event on August 17, 2023. In collaboration with Broward Partnership, Broward County’s most extensive provider of comprehensive services for people experiencing homelessness. The partners came together to prepare and serve meals to those less fortunate.
Broward Partnership is known for its work, helping those in need. They operate the Central Homeless Assistance Center in Fort Lauderdale and the North Homeless Assistance Center in Pompano Beach. Their services include street outreach and offering 498 emergency shelter beds. They also provide over 100 units of off-site permanent housing in Broward County and rapid rehousing initiatives. Additionally, they offer a comprehensive suite of health and social services. These vital services cater to men, women, and families grappling with the harsh realities of homelessness.
“The Florida Panthers are proud to solidify our time-honored partnership with JetBlue, a company which firmly aligns with our common values with a demonstrated history of serving the South Florida community, providing quality service to customers while working to inspire the next generation,” said Panthers Chief Revenue Officer Shawn Thornton. “Through this relationship, Panthers Territory Members will now be able to take advantage of a variety of unique and cost-saving experiences through JetBlue Vacations.”
JetBlue and Florida Panthers: Partners in Marketing and Beyond
The partnership between JetBlue and Florida Panthers is not just about the team’s transportation. It also encompasses sharing marketing assets. This includes schedule page entitlement on the official Florida Panthers website, Wi-Fi splash page entitlement, and in-game features. The partnership further extends to digitally enhanced dasher boards (DED), LED ribbon boards, and more. Social media, interactive fan engagement activities, and exclusive JetBlue Vacations deals for flight + hotel packages to away games add to the extensive list of components that make this partnership truly comprehensive.
About JetBlue Vacations
JetBlue Vacations is a comprehensive solution for travel, covering everything from initial planning to the homeward journey. They offer packages that combine flights with hotel stays or cruises. They also provide options for adding car rentals, transfers, and more. The advantages of booking with JetBlue Vacations are many. Key elements include the Insider Experience program and Very Important Perks (VIP). They add value to every stage of the travel process, reflecting JetBlue’s commitment to putting humanity back into travel.
About JetBlue Travel Products
Operating under the larger umbrella of JetBlue Airways Corporation, JetBlue Travel Products is a fully-fledged subsidiary that encompasses a range of non-air travel services. This entails the JetBlue Vacations brand, which provides customers various travel packages, including flight + hotel and flight + cruise deals. In addition, JetBlue’s travel portal, Paisly by JetBlue, offers exclusive discounts and reward points on various travel needs such as car rentals, accommodation, activities, and luggage.
With its headquarters located in Dania Beach, Florida, JetBlue Travel Products is powered by a dedicated team of over 300 crew members. Their primary mission is to leverage the JetBlue brand to create and deliver innovative, top-tier products to their customers. They strive to infuse a touch of humanity into each stage of the travel experience, making it more enjoyable and less stressful.
About JetBlue
As New York’s Hometown Airline®, JetBlue has firmly established its reputation as a leading carrier in the Big Apple and other major cities such as Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles, Orlando, and San Juan. JetBlue has earned a sterling reputation for combining low fares with exceptional service. This commitment to customer satisfaction has enabled them to transport travelers to over 100 destinations spanning the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean, Canada, the United Kingdom, and France. For further information and to secure the most competitive fares, visit jetblue.com.
About The Florida Panthers
On the eve of the 30th anniversary of their start in the National Hockey League (NHL), the Florida Panthers are basking in the success of an outstanding season. As the southernmost team in the NHL, the Panthers have emerged from a season that saw them clinch the prestigious 2022-23 Prince of Wales Trophy, signifying their triumph as Eastern Conference Champions. This accolade paved the way for the organization’s second foray into the Stanley Cup Final.
Under the strategic guidance of General Manager Bill Zito and Head Coach Paul Maurice, the Panthers – colloquially known as the ‘Cats’ – have evolved into a formidable, dynamic team. Captain Aleksander Barkov and the phenomenal forward Matthew Tkachuk exemplify the team’s prowess. The FLA Live Arena in Sunrise, Florida, serves as the home base for the Panthers, attracting an eclectic mix of fans from the tri-county area, the broader South Florida region, and beyond.
More than just a sports team, the Panthers have cultivated deep connections within the community. They underscore these ties through their ‘Heroes Among Us’ program, a pillar initiative that pays tribute to a military veteran at every game, reiterating their commitment to the community they represent.