JetBlue Takes Off to Traverse City with New Service to Cherry Capital Airport
JetBlue has officially launched its highly anticipated seasonal summer service connecting Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) with Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City, Michigan. The new route took off on June 6 and will operate through October 25, offering flights on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Designed to link New England travelers with one of the Midwest’s most charming and scenic summer destinations, the service marks JetBlue’s continued expansion of its East Coast leisure network.
To celebrate the launch, JetBlue is offering promotional fares starting at just $69 one-way for flights booked via its official website, jetblue.com. The route provides an important new option for vacationers while also giving Northern Michigan residents easier access to Boston and the dozens of domestic and international destinations JetBlue serves from its Logan hub.
Unlocking a Hidden Gem of the Midwest
Often described as a hidden gem for summer travel, Traverse City sits on the crystal-clear shores of Grand Traverse Bay and is renowned for its natural beauty, food and wine scene, outdoor adventures, and—of course—its iconic cherry orchards. In fact, Traverse City is known as the Cherry Capital of the World and celebrates this distinction with its annual National Cherry Festival, attracting visitors from across the country.
JetBlue’s entry into the Traverse City market highlights the airline’s growing strategy of connecting underserved but high-demand regional destinations with larger metropolitan hubs. “Traverse City might be one of the best-kept summer secrets, and JetBlue is excited to make it more accessible to travelers,” said David Jehn, vice president of network planning and airline partnerships at JetBlue. “This new route reflects our commitment to connecting more people to unique and underserved destinations.”
Jehn further emphasized that JetBlue’s expanding presence in Boston—where it already serves more destinations than any other airline—makes this new addition even more meaningful. “By adding Traverse City to our map, we’re not only opening the door for New Englanders to discover Northern Michigan’s natural beauty but also giving locals easier access to Boston and JetBlue’s broader network.”
A Warm Welcome from Michigan
Local leaders in Michigan’s tourism and aviation sectors have enthusiastically welcomed JetBlue’s new route, citing its potential to strengthen both regional tourism and economic vitality. “We’re thrilled to welcome JetBlue to the TVC route map,” said Kevin Klein, CEO of Cherry Capital Airport. “This exciting addition enhances our connectivity to Boston and the East Coast, opening new opportunities for both regional travelers and visitors discovering all that Northern Michigan has to offer.”
Traverse City Tourism, the region’s official destination marketing organization, also celebrated the new connection. “This expansion not only enhances travel options but also strengthens the visitor economy—an essential driver of prosperity for our region,” said Trevor Tkach, President and CEO. “Supporting tourism and connectivity is vital to our continued growth, and this new addition marks another step forward for our community.”
The route is expected to attract a diverse range of travelers, from leisure seekers and outdoor adventurers to foodies and wine enthusiasts. Northern Michigan’s reputation for pristine beaches, freshwater lakes, forested trails, and charming wineries aligns well with JetBlue’s target leisure demographics.
Why Traverse City?
Traverse City is frequently ranked among America’s top summer destinations, and for good reason. Set against the backdrop of Lake Michigan’s turquoise waters, the area offers a perfect blend of small-town charm and upscale amenities. Visitors can explore the towering dunes of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, kayak along crystal-clear rivers, enjoy freshly harvested cherries, or sip on award-winning wines at local vineyards.
Food lovers will find a burgeoning culinary scene that emphasizes farm-to-table fare, local ingredients, and artisanal traditions. Meanwhile, history buffs can tour iconic lighthouses, and families can enjoy beachfront parks, hiking trails, and a variety of cultural festivals.
With its quaint downtown, waterfront views, and laid-back pace, Traverse City combines the tranquility of a coastal town with the vibrancy of a cultural hub—making it an ideal getaway for Boston-area residents seeking a summer escape.
A Strategic Expansion for JetBlue
The launch of the Traverse City service is part of JetBlue’s broader initiative to expand its leisure offerings along the East Coast. Boston remains a central pillar of this strategy, with the airline continuing to build out its transatlantic and domestic networks. Recent route additions include transatlantic service from Boston to Madrid, Spain, and Edinburgh, Scotland—both of which launched this summer season.
JetBlue’s position as the leading carrier in Boston, based on number of destinations served, provides a strong foundation for expanding connectivity to new markets like Traverse City. The new Michigan route also complements JetBlue’s existing domestic leisure portfolio, which includes popular destinations in Florida, the Caribbean, and now the scenic Midwest.
This alignment with traveler trends—especially the growing demand for unique, experience-driven destinations—gives JetBlue a competitive edge in appealing to vacationers looking beyond the usual big-city or beachside choices.
The Bigger Picture: Economic and Tourism Growth
JetBlue’s service isn’t just a win for travelers; it’s a significant economic opportunity for Northern Michigan. Increased air connectivity can boost visitor numbers, support local businesses, and encourage investment in hospitality and infrastructure.
“Tourism is a key economic engine for our region,” noted Tkach. “With JetBlue now offering direct service from Boston, we’re expecting to see an influx of first-time visitors who may not have previously considered Traverse City for a vacation. It’s a major milestone in elevating our visibility on the national stage.”
Cherry Capital Airport, already a growing regional hub, has invested in infrastructure upgrades and service enhancements to accommodate rising passenger traffic. The addition of a new carrier like JetBlue validates those efforts and adds momentum to future development plans.