JetBlue Operates First Flight To Glacier Park International Airport

Yesterday, JetBlue completed its first flight to Glacier Park International Airport (FCA). This launch marks the New York-based carrier’s expansion to Kalispell, Montana as it looks to ramp up its domestic network.

JetBlue
JetBlue’s Airbus A320s will fly between New York JFK and Glacier Park International Airport three times a week. Photo: Getty Images.

The next step

JetBlue is no stranger when it comes to flights to Montana. This flight to FCA follows the airline’s existing operation to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN). While Yellowstone grabs all the major attention, there is another impressive national park that is an approximately 300-mile drive away, in the form of Glacier Park. Moreover, neighboring this land is Flathead National Forest, another expansive area of glory.

Flight 2345 will leave JFK every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday at 18:55 to land at FCA at 22:22. On the return, Flight 2346 will leave the same days at 23:19 to arrive back in New York at 5:58 the next morning.

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JetBlue recently started several other domestic initiatives, such as new flights to Charleston, Boise, Denver, and Martha’s Vineyard. Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

National importance

JetBlue vice president network planning Andrea Lusso emphasizes that there has been considerable interest in locations where passengers can experience open spaces in the great outdoors. Thus, the carrier is proud to connect its passengers to Glacier National Park and the rest of the Flathead Valley.

The launch is cause for excitement for those in the region. Glacier Park International Airport director Rob Ratkowsk shared the following about the flight launch:

“We are excited to add JetBlue to the GPIA family. As interest in the Flathead Valley continues to grow, we are pleased that JetBlue is providing increased opportunity for visitors to enjoy this beautiful area.”

Meanwhile, Kalispell Chamber of Commerce, Convention and Visitors Bureau president and CEO Lorraine Clarno added the following:

“JetBlue’s arrival in Kalispell at GPIA is incredibly exciting. Having direct flights to and from New York’s JFK Airport will be a game changer for our tourism-related small businesses. We are confident our amenities and western spirit will delight our newest visitors.”

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Domestic focus

JetBlue joins a host of other carriers ramping up its presence in the Montana spot. Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Allegiant Air, and Sun Country Airlines all expanded services to the airport this year.

Glacier National Park
US airlines all see potential in Glacier National Park. Photo: National Park Service

Overall, with stringent international travel restrictions still prevalent in several regions, airlines are having to adapt their operations in the new climate. The United States has a diverse range of natural wonders across its vast terrain. Notably, the US National Park System includes 423 national park sites spanning over 84 million acres.   

So, the operators won’t be struggling to find locations to promote. There are the usual suspects, such as the hotspots of Hawaii, California, and Florida, along with the metropolises dotted around the country. However, numerous outstanding natural beauties aren’t highlighted as much, including Glacier Park.

The national park has over 700 miles of trails, allowing visitors to enjoy the forests, meadows, mountains, and lakes. It’s been referred to as a hiker’s paradise due to its array of sights. With the pandemic forcing travelers to rethink their plans, now is the perfect opportunity to try something different.

What are your thoughts about JetBlue’s new flights to Glacier Park International Airport? What do you make of the airline’s overall network plans? Let us know what you think of the airline and its operations in the comment section.



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