The airline’s first aircraft honoring an international destination, the vibrant, community-selected design honors Dominican culture and JetBlue’s deep-rooted connection to the country SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- JetBlue (Nasdaq: JBLU), the largest airline serving the Dominican Republic, today unveiled Quisqueya la Bluebella at Santo Domingo’s Las Américas International Airport (SDQ), a vibrant new aircraft livery celebrating Dominican pride and a major milestone for the airline. The newly designed Airbus A320 honors the country’s rich culture and JetBlue’s deep connection to the Dominican community. Created by Dominican artist Willy Gómez, the design was chosen by the public earlier this year.
The name Quisqueya la Bluebella is a playful nod to the beloved patriotic phrase “Quisqueya la Bella,” reimagined with JetBlue’s signature flair. The design was introduced during a celebratory event in Santo Domingo, where customers, community members, local leaders, and JetBlue crewmembers gathered to celebrate Dominican culture and see the aircraft up close.
“When we flew to Santiago for the first time in 2004, we started building a connection with the Dominican Republic that has only grown stronger over the last two decades,” said Marty St. George, JetBlue’s president. “Quisqueya la Bluebella truly celebrates the pride, the passion and the culture of the Dominican community that has been such an important part of JetBlue’s journey. We were blown away by Willy Gómez’s design and the heart he poured into it. It’s bold, beautiful, and impossible to miss. Seeing this aircraft take to the skies is really special for us, and I hope it stands as a reminder to this community of how proud we are to be a part of it.”
A tribute to Dominican culture, identity, and connection
Through Gómez’s artistic eye, the aircraft’s creative design is meant to capture the spirit of the Dominican Republic through color and movement. Flowing lines and dynamic shapes echo the rhythm of merengue and bachata, while vibrant tropical tones reflect its warmth, resilience and energy, bringing to life the essence of everyday Dominican life.
From the Dominican Republic to communities across JetBlue’s network, and among its many Dominican crewmembers, it stands as a powerful symbol of belonging and shared identity. The phrase “Tamo’ aquí” (“We’re here”), featured on the aircraft belly, reinforces JetBlue’s ongoing presence and commitment—both at home and abroad. Today, JetBlue is the largest airline serving the Dominican Republic, with service to Santo Domingo, Santiago, Punta Cana, and Puerto Plata.
Quisqueya la Bluebella features design elements including:
The dominoes game, a beloved part of everyday Dominican life Traditional musical instruments such as the tambora, güira, and accordion, representing the rhythm of merengue and bachata
The Cigüa Palmera, the national bird, symbolizing Dominican identity
Vibrant Dominican flowers that reflect the nation’s natural beauty
The Alcázar de Colón, honoring the country’s rich history
Palm trees and ocean waves, representing the Dominican Republic’s landscapes and coastal culture
Contemporary street-art influences that highlight modern Dominican creativity
“The design represents a graphic synthesis of Dominican identity, reflecting elements of its culture, climate, and wildlife; a combination of qualities dancing together, giving life and rhythm to our nation,” said Willy Gómez. “I feel incredibly proud to be able to represent Dominican culture through a project like this, as it serves as a bridge and inspiration between Dominicans and the rest of the world. For me, it represents a childhood dream come true.”
Elevating Dominican creativity through art
In January, JetBlue launched its RD Orgullo que Eleva (DR Pride That Lifts) campaign, inviting customers, fans and members of the public to help select a design that would celebrate the Dominican Republic through a special aircraft livery. The campaign featured three concepts created by Dominican artists, Gómez, Los Plebeyos, and Lena Tolkens, each offering their interpretation of the Dominican culture, with Gómez’s design selected by the community.
At the heart of the campaign was JetBlue’s commitment to amplify authentic voices and celebrate local talent. Extending this effort beyond the design, JetBlue partnered with Centro Educativo Hogar Andres Boca Chica ahead of the unveiling. Led by Gómez, the initiative engaged and inspired the next generation of Dominican creatives through the creation of a community mural, which was showcased at today’s unveiling event. As part of this initiative, JetBlue also made a donation to support the organization’s ongoing work in the community.
Deepening ties with the Dominican Republic and its diaspora
As a part of the communities it serves, this summer JetBlue will celebrate the Dominican Republic and its diaspora as an official sponsor of the Dominican Day Parade in New York City on August 9. A float inspired by the newly unveiled Quisqueya la Bluebella design will make a special appearance, bringing the celebration to one of the largest Dominican communities outside of the Dominican Republic.
This summer, JetBlue will operate an average of 45 daily flights to and from the Dominican Republic, strengthening connections between the country, the United States and the Caribbean. The airline offers the most routes between the Dominican Republic and the U.S. than any other carrier, reinforcing its position as the lead airline in the country.
Most recently, JetBlue announced additional daily flights from Fort Lauderdale to high-demand destinations, including Santo Domingo and Santiago, starting July 9, further expanding access and meeting growing travel demand. Beyond its network, JetBlue continues to invest in and support communities across the Dominican Republic through meaningful local partnerships, JetBlue Foundation grants, and meaningful local initiatives that help expand opportunities for schools and community programs across the country.
