NEW YORK and ISTANBUL, May 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- JetBlue Airways (NASDAQ: JBLU), New York's Hometown Airline™, and Turkish Airlines, the fast growing global carrier, today announced an interline agreement to connect the carriers' networks at New York's John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).

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Through this new partnership, customers will be able to transfer in either U.S. city between Turkish Airlines- and JetBlue-operated flights while enjoying one-stop ticketing and check-in plus hassle-free baggage transfer and other benefits. JetBlue offers connections to and from dozens of cities throughout the United States including Boston, Massachusetts; Buffalo/Niagara Falls, New York; Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina; Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, Florida; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

This summer, Turkish Airlines plans to bolster its already robust schedule from New York by offering three daily nonstop flights to the thriving city of Istanbul – the most of any airline serving the market. Turkish also offers daily nonstop service between Istanbul and the U.S. capital. The carrier's transatlantic flights are operated in the comfort of its Boeing 777 and Airbus A330 fleet, offering travellers three classes of service, premium meal options, internet connectivity, and a wide array of personal in-flight entertainment choices.

Turkish Airlines has rapidly grown to become one of the world's largest carriers, serving the most destinations of any European airline from a single airport. Its network touches nearly 200 cities across five continents, affording connecting travellers service throughout Europe, the Middle East, all corners of Africa, the Indian Subcontinent and Asia Pacific. JetBlue's new relationship with Turkish Airlines expands travel options by opening up a number of exciting new destinations in Europe, Africa, and Asia that were previously unavailable through its other partner airlines.

In the United States, Turkish Airlines also serves Chicago O'Hare International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport.

Known for its award-winning customer service, JetBlue offers Turkish Airlines transfer travellers a premium experience that includes all-leather seating, unlimited free snacks and drinks, plus the most legroom in economy class (based on average fleet-wide seat pitch) as well as the most free live entertainment of any U.S. airline. JetBlue also operates one of America's youngest and most fuel-efficient airline fleets, with 172 Airbus and EMBRAER aircraft.

At JFK Airport, Turkish Airlines operates from Terminal 1 while JetBlue operates from nearby Terminal 5, a quick ride away on the airport's free AirTrain service. JetBlue's Terminal 5, the newest at JFK, offers customers an impressive airport experience complete with unique retail and dining options. Learn more about T5 at http://www.jetblue.com/travel/jfk.

"Turkish Airlines has quickly established itself as one of the world's leading airlines, and we are pleased to be partnering with them during this impressive period of growth," said JetBlue Chief Commercial Officer Robin Hayes. "With service from Washington plus three daily flights from JFK to Istanbul and beyond, our new partnership with this respected carrier will allow JetBlue customers to travel virtually anywhere on Earth with a single ticket."

Turkish Airlines' Chief Investment and Technology Officer, Ahmet Bolat, Ph.D. added, "We believe that this new partnership will boost traffic between Turkey and the U.S. with JetBlue's wide-ranging network via New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport. We're very excited to bring JetBlue service to Turkish Airlines' customers."

About JetBlue Airways

JetBlue is New York's Hometown Airline™ with other focus cities in Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, and Orlando. Known for its award-winning service and free TV as much as its low fares, JetBlue offers the most legroom in coach of any U.S. airline (based on average fleet-wide seat pitch) as well as super-spacious Even More Space seats. 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 71 cities with 700 daily flights. With JetBlue, all seats are assigned, all fares are one-way, and an overnight stay is never required. For information call +1 800-538-2583 (+1-801-449-2525 from Istanbul and other foreign cities), TTY/TDD +1 800-336-5530, or visit www.jetblue.com.

About Turkish Airlines

Established in 1933 with a fleet of only five airplanes, Star Alliance member, Turkish Airlines is today a four star airline with a fleet of 179 aircraft (passenger and cargo) flying to 191 cities around the world, comprised of 40 domestic and 151 international destinations. One of the fastest growing airline companies, Turkish Airlines has received several "Passengers Choice Awards" from the consumer ranking group, Skytrax. Based on 2011 results, Turkish Airlines has been chosen as the winner in 3 categories, "Best Airline Europe", "Best Premium Economy Seats" for its Comfort Class seats and "Best Airline Southern Europe". It has also received awards for its catering and holds a coveted 4-star designation, putting the airline in a small group of top quality carriers. Turkish Airlines was also given the Skytrax designation of "World's Best Economy Class On-board Catering" in 2010, and Skyscanner's "Best On-board Food 2011". Long haul Business Class passengers also enjoy the Flying Chef service on-board. For more information visit www.thy.com.

SOURCE JetBlue Airways