JetBlue opts to keep its HQ in New York

NEW YORK — JetBlue will maintain its headquarters in New York.

The low-cost airline announced Tuesday that it will remain in Queens and expand its terminal at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

JetBlue had considered moving its base to Florida when its lease at a building in Long Island City ends in 2023. The airline already operates a training center in Orlando and has a subsidiary based in Fort Lauderdale.

Instead, the airline said that after going through a competitive bidding process it intends to stay in New York where it began in 1998. The airline will negotiate a new lease for its headquarters.

Chief Executive Officer Robin Hayes said New York is still a great place to live, work and visit, and JetBlue wants to help the city recover from the pandemic.

The announcement was praised by leaders in New York. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said JetBlue’s growth at JFK Airport will create thousands of new jobs.