Following comments made by JetBlue CEO Dave Barger that expressed frustration in the airline’s relationship with the Long Beach Airport, as well as the potential desire to leave and expand operations at LAX, spokesperson Sharon Diggs-Jackson said that the airport had been aware of the airline’s concerns and that complications to an airport expansion project have burdened the relationship.
“In light of the economy and what happened in the airline industry, there have been concerns about financial feasibility,” Diggs-Jackson said. The expansion plans would address many of the concerns expressed by Barger in an interview with airline blog CrankyFlier.com, including increased terminal space and general infrastructure improvements.
Diggs-Jackson maintains that Long Beach provides JetBlue with tools for success, and points to high marks that the airline has received as a result of their Long Beach service. She also expressed that the expansion project is moving forward, and a new parking garage is expected to break ground before the end of the year.
Those reassurances, however, seem to have done little to please JetBlue. In a statement released to lbpost.com yesterday, airline spokesperson Bryan Baldwin complimented the Long Beach Airport while seemingly leaving the door open for other options.
“We remain committed to our low fare home in Long Beach for the time being. Its unique convenient features are enjoyed by thousands of JetBlue customers every day and it is home to more than 500 Crewmembers and many more business partners. Yet, there are airport improvements that were promised before we began flying, which would benefit the traveling public, which have been repeatedly opposed by some and thus stalled. That is why we must examine all options in an effort to meet the immediate needs of our customers, crewmembers and shareholders as well as the community in which we have invested so much.”
Diggs-Jackson said that new airport director Mario Rodriguez has been in continuous contact with the airline and others since being hired in February. The airport did previously know of JetBlue’s wishes to land their E-190 plans in commuter slots, and to move from temporary trailers into a new terminal at the airport.
“Those weren’t a surprise,” Diggs-Jackson said. The proposed expansion would do wonders to meet the needs of JetBlue and other airlines at Long Beach Airport, but delays and cutbacks have hindered the project since its inception in 2003.
By Ryan ZumMallen, Managing Editor
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