JetBlue has reached tentative terms with the US Government for CARES Act Payroll Support, which with a payroll in Q2 – Q3 2019 equating to US$1.23 billion, at 76% support, would amount to an allocation of US$935.8 million. Of that sum, US$658.1m is direct support and US$250.7m is a low-interest loan.
These funds will help secure jobs at JetBlue during the Covid-19 crisis, and CEO Robin Hayes is understandably delighted. He has shared a few words of support and encouragement for JetBlue’s staff and the industry:
“Now that we have some breathing room, we can turn our attention to how we get up and running again. What’s important to our customers will be different after this, and we are already working to be ahead of that. Our aspiration to become a travel brand that “brightens the journey” is more important than ever. Our low-cost structure will allow us to offer low fares and help people battered by the economy to make that trip and take care of them along the way.
“I’m so proud of what we have been doing throughout this crisis to serve our communities and we will be here to power the economy back to life when the time comes. While we don’t know when demand will return to 2019 levels, what I do know is our combination of inspired service, great product, more space, and low fares will be more appreciated than ever. JetBlue has been shaking up this industry for 20 years and that will continue to be key to our success.
“Every time I see our Inspire Humanity livery, it reminds me of what’s important. In times like these, we need to double down on our mission. This has been an unprecedented time. We have lost some of our crew members, and our thoughts are with their families and friends, and we are supporting them through this difficult time. We also have crew members who are fighting coronavirus or have family members who are sick. Please keep them in your thoughts.
“Thank you for everything that you are doing at work to care of each other and our customers while you look after yourself and your loved ones. You are an inspiration to me every day.”
