At yesterday’s JFK and LSC Pocket Sessions, one of the questions floating around the room was: Where are we flying to next? That would be Albuquerque, New Mexico—our 77th BlueCity! We will be the only carrier to offer nonstop service from the New York metro area to this Southwestern hotspot that was founded in 1706 as a Spanish military camp. Today, it’s the largest city in New Mexico, rich with Spanish culture, a bustling business district, and beautiful scenery—not to mention it’s home to the world’s largest hot air ballooning event.
At his annual State of the City address today, Mayor Richard Berry will announce our intent to serve Albuquerque, but we will officially announce this new route to the public tomorrow. Beginning mid-April 2013 (stay tuned for an exact date), our A320 fleet will operate daily service from JFK to Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), not long after the launch of BlueCity #76: Charleston, South Carolina and only a few weeks prior to the start of our recently announced routes from San Juan to Punta Cana and Santiago. Next year is already shaping up to be full of exciting new routes and destinations!
Flight Schedule
JFK-ABQ
Depart: 8:25 p.m. / Arrive 11:04 p.m.
ABQ-JFK
Depart: 11:55 p.m./ Arrive: 5:57 a.m.
The famous Route 66 runs through Old Town, an area not to be missed when you visit our newest BlueCity. Since 1706, the “heart of Albuquerque” has been the city’s cultural center, lined with adobe architecture, in Pueblo-Spanish style. Travelers can choose from a variety of museums, fine art havens, museums, and shops full of authentic southwestern jewelry made from turquoise; in fact, there’s even a Turquoise Museum that takes visitors deep into a turquoise mine. Old Town is also home to the most ancient church in the city, San Felipe de Neri, an adobe structure with iconic white towers that flag this part of town from a distance.
Downtown Albuquerque is only five miles from ABQ, and your go-to for restaurants, nightclubs, music venues, and theatre life. The city’s main business district is also located here. Albuquerque recently poured millions into a long-term revitalization project, so think “new” when walking down the bustling streets and taking in the sights. Central Avenue is the main strip in the downtown area, and the longest commercial strip—18 miles—along Route 66. Let’s just say you won’t be at a loss for nightlife activities!
There are three national and 33 state parks in New Mexico, so consider exploring some of the beautiful landscapes in this part of the country. From the Rio Grande and volcanos to gorgeous lakes and unique wildlife (maybe even a bald eagle, or two), there’s no shortage of things to see and if you head outside the city and into the wilderness. A list of parks can be found here, along with available activies like fishing, swimming, hiking and more. Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico even made National Geographic’s list of the most underappreciated national parks. Keep it in mind for a future southwestern excursion!