Marks Opening Of The Lodge At OSC In Orlando, FL

JetBlue Airways has opened the doors to its new crewmember hotel -- The Lodge at OSC (Orlando Support Center) -- located on the airline's JetBlue University training campus. JetBlue's investment in The Lodge reinforces the airline's commitment to its differentiated culture by ensuring crewmembers are immersed in that culture throughout their training at JetBlue University.

The new four-story, 196-room hotel will be home to the more than 7,000 crewmembers that visit the training facility each year for new-hire orientation and recurrent training. The Lodge at OSC will be managed by Pyramid Hotel Group and will operate as a boutique hotel, with every element thoughtfully designed to reinforce JetBlue's values, inspire collaboration and team building, and deliver the JetBlue Experience to the airline's own crewmembers.

JetBlue is best known for its award-winning service and unique culture. Understanding JetBlue's distinctive culture and customer experience begins on every crewmember's first day as the airline sends its approximately 400 new hires every month to Orlando for onboarding at JetBlue University. Additionally, inflight crewmembers and pilots attend recurrent training there throughout the year. Other support staff and business partners also visit the Orlando campus regularly for related airline business.

"JetBlue's distinct culture literally starts from day one. Instead of ending collaboration as crewmembers disperse for the night, we can continue to build lasting relationships in our very own lodging facility," said Warren Christie, senior vice president, safety, security and training, JetBlue Airways. "With the Lodge we are investing in our most important asset -- our people. This facility will help strengthen our Orlando campus, offering crewmembers continued exposure to our culture, our brand and who we are as a company."

The airline's executive leadership team including JetBlue's president and chief executive officer try to attend each and every new-hire orientation to personally welcome new crewmembers. JetBlue's senior leaders say they like to "develop a personal connection with new crewmembers and introduce the company's values and unique culture from the beginning."

JetBlue University opened in 2005, the Orlando bilingual contact center opened in 2013, and JetBlue's Orlando maintenance hangar opened in 2014. Frontline crewmembers, including pilots and flight attendants, attend training at JetBlue University before they step into uniforms and out into the airport environment. The airline will welcome 500 new crewmembers to JetBlue to support its Orlando training and support center needs.

"It is great to see JetBlue continue to develop and further expand its operations here in Central Florida," said Congressman John Mica (R-FL). "JetBlue is a strong contributor to our local economy, employing more than 1,400 local residents, and that role continues to grow. This facility promises to add to this growing footprint in our community and create a key hub for JetBlue personnel and pilots. I look forward to working with JetBlue as they continue to grow and provide outstanding service to its customers."

"Orlando is a critical destination center for families, both domestic and international tourists, and working professionals. JetBlue's increased presence at the Orlando International Airport, particularly with the opening of their new hotel for flight crew in training, The Lodge at OSC, is a welcome addition as it enhances economic growth and opportunity in Central Florida," said Congressman Daniel Webster (R-FL).

FMI: www.jetblue.com