U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy joined JetBlue at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to view commemorative aircraft honoring America’s 250th anniversary
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- JetBlue (NASDAQ: JBLU) today announced that its "Vets in Blue" aircraft now features a commemorative "250" design honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. The aircraft was showcased on Tuesday at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), where U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy joined JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty and an all-veteran JetBlue flight crew to recognize the airline's tribute to veterans and active-duty service members whose service has helped safeguard the freedoms celebrated throughout the nation's 250-year history.
JetBlue specially designed the commemorative “250” design to add to its “Vets in Blue” aircraft, the airline’s special livery honoring U.S. military veterans. The aircraft now serves as a flying tribute to America’s historic anniversary while continuing to recognize the service, sacrifice and dedication of the United States’ service members. As part of the tribute, JetBlue is also unveiling a limited run of 1,776 trading cards featuring the special livery.
“As we mark America’s 250th anniversary, JetBlue is proud to celebrate the spirit of service, community and connection that has shaped our country,” said Joanna Geraghty, chief executive officer, JetBlue. “Our ‘Vets in Blue’ aircraft has long served as a tribute to the veterans and service members who inspire us, and adding this special 250 design gives us a meaningful way to honor this historic milestone. From the onboard video to the volunteer work our crewmembers will take part in, we’re honoring the people who have defended our nation and continue to protect the ideals that move us forward.”
"I'm proud to see JetBlue join in on celebrating America’s 250th anniversary," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. "JetBlue's patriotic plane embodies the great American spirit and reminds passengers our nation is worth celebrating."
Bringing the Celebration Onboard
Continuing the celebration of this milestone in the nation’s history, JetBlue also announced a series of special initiatives to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States, including a limited-time inflight video showcased onboard all JetBlue flights and a veteran-focused service initiative.
The special inflight video honors the United States and its 250-year history, as well as the nation’s veterans and the airline’s own crewmembers. Narrated by JetBlue’s chief operating officer and U.S. Navy veteran, Warren Christie, the video will be available onboard all JetBlue flights throughout July. Customers will also be greeted with a welcome screen featuring the airline’s “250” design. Combined, these will give customers the opportunity to reflect on the country’s anniversary and recognize the people who continue to move the nation forward while traveling across JetBlue’s network.
Crewmembers in Action
This month, JetBlue crewmembers will participate in a volunteer initiative supporting veterans, extending the airline’s commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary into the community.
As part of JetBlue’s longstanding support for U.S. military veterans, the airline’s crewmembers will assemble care packages for veterans, including sock bundles and personalized notes of appreciation, to be distributed to local VA hospitals across JetBlue’s network. This volunteer project provides a meaningful way for JetBlue crewmembers to honor veterans while recognizing the service and sacrifice that have helped shape the nation’s history.
“Service is at the heart of JetBlue’s culture, both to our customers and our communities,” said Geraghty. “This volunteer initiative gives our crewmembers a meaningful way to show gratitude to our veterans, carrying the spirit of America’s 250th anniversary beyond the airport and into the communities we serve.”
JetBlue’s ‘Vets in Blue’ crewmember resource group will also activate local volunteer opportunities throughout the airline’s network.
Veterans Take Flight
JetBlue is proud to celebrate all of its crewmembers with military service, whose leadership, honor and dedication continue to strengthen the company’s culture throughout its operation.
JetBlue supports veterans and military families through a variety of initiatives, including:
Vets in Blue, JetBlue’s crewmember resource group, which fosters community, support and engagement among veteran crewmembers and allies.
The Gateway Rotor Transition Program, which provides U.S. military-trained helicopter pilots a pathway to become JetBlue first officers through fixed-wing instruction and flight-time building opportunities.
An annual military hiring event at JetBlue University, hosted in partnership with Vets in Blue and external military organizations, that welcomes active-duty service members, veterans and their families to explore career opportunities across the airline.
Participation in additional veteran-focused aviation career events throughout the year to help connect military talent with careers in aviation.
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