NEW YORK, Sep 10, 2008 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX News
Network) -- JetBlue Airways (Nasdaq:JBLU), the first major U.S. airline to
provide free live television and personal seatback screens to all customers on
all flights, has been recognized for the second year in a row by the World
Airline Entertainment Association (WAEA) for offering travelers the best overall
in-flight entertainment experience in the Americas. The award was announced this
week during the WAEA's 20th Annual Avion Awards in Long Beach, Calif.
Avion Award winners were selected by more than 55,000 worldwide airline
passengers surveyed by Skytrax, a leader in airline passenger opinion studies,
about their in-flight entertainment experiences.
"JetBlue is honored to be recognized for the second straight year for our
leadership in in-flight entertainment," said Brett Muney, JetBlue's General
Manager of Product Development. "JetBlue introduced live in-flight television
service to the skies in partnership with LiveTV eight years ago, and over the
past year we've pioneered even more innovation with the launch of complimentary
in-flight e-mail and instant messaging services on aircraft 'BetaBlue,' a first
among U.S. airlines. We look forward to continuing to expand our in-flight
offerings to give our Customers even more entertainment and more value when they
jet with JetBlue."
JetBlue offers the most free live entertainment options in the skies today,
including 36 channels of DIRECTV(r) programming and more than 100 channels of XM
Satellite Radio. On flights longer than two hours, JetBlue offers a rotating
selection of pay-per-view options from top Hollywood studios including Disney,
FOX, NBC Universal, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures and Warner Bros.
In December 2007, JetBlue launched "BetaBlue," its first internet-equipped
A320 aircraft. Aboard BetaBlue, Customers can use their Wi-Fi(r) enabled laptop
or smartphone to take advantage of numerous email and instant messaging services
to stay connected in the air. Those with a hankering for a bit of in-flight
shopping can also browse options from Amazon.com. JetBlue's in-flight
connectivity is powered by LiveTV's Kiteline platform, and is offered free to
all customers.
JetBlue and The New York Times recently partnered to offer "Times On
Air"(tm), an in-flight video magazine of unique content from the newspaper's
TimesTalks events -- its signature discussion series featuring journalists in
conversation with today's newsmakers and cultural leaders -- along with articles
and multimedia from NYTimes.com. Befitting New York's hometown airline,
customers on flights arriving in the Big Apple can now tune-in to an hour of
special free programming from the Broadway Channel with behind-the-scenes
rehearsals, captivating interviews and exclusive coverage of star-studded
opening nights from Broadway, Off-Broadway and Las Vegas.
About JetBlue Airways
New York-based JetBlue Airways has created a new airline category based on
value, service and style. Known for its award-winning service and free TV as
much as its low fares, JetBlue is now pleased to offer customers Lots of Legroom
and super-spacious Even More Legroom seats. JetBlue introduced complimentary
in-flight e-mail and instant messaging services on aircraft "BetaBlue," a first
among U.S. domestic airlines. JetBlue is also America's first and only airline
to offer its own Customer Bill of Rights, with meaningful and specific
compensation for customers inconvenienced by service disruptions within
JetBlue's control. Visit www.jetblue.com/promise for details. JetBlue serves 51
cities with 500 daily flights. With JetBlue, all seats are assigned, all travel
is ticketless, all fares are one-way, and an overnight stay is never required.
For information or reservations call 1-800-JETBLUE (1-800-538-2583) or visit
www.jetblue.com.