Sports Fans Flying JetBlue Can Now Enjoy The Best In International Sports Broadcasts on Setanta Through JetBlue's DIRECTV(R) Programming
SAN FRANCISCO and NEW YORK, March 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Sports fans can now tune in to the best in international sports programming while in the air through a new agreement announced today between Setanta Sports North America and JetBlue Airways Corporation (NASDAQ:JBLU). Under the agreement, Setanta Sports' premier European and international soccer and rugby programming is now available on all flights via JetBlue's live onboard television service, provided by DIRECTV.
JetBlue customers will now be able to enjoy premier European and international soccer and rugby matches, including LIVE and exclusive English Premiership matches, top European club rugby, Tri-Nations, and later this year the Rugby World Cup, all from the comfort of their all-leather seats, equipped with personal seat-back television sets. The programming, which features live, 24-hour coverage on Saturdays, is part of a winning lineup of 36 free DIRECTV(R) channels provided by JetBlue, the most live TV available on any airline.
Commenting on the new partnership, Roger Hall, CEO of Setanta Sports North America, said, "We are delighted to provide JetBlue customers with access to the excitement and energy of the best international sports events as only Setanta Sports can deliver them -- authentically and in their original format. Having Setanta programming included in JetBlue's DIRECTV line up allows us to reach an expanded audience of sports fans who will recognize the quality programming we bring to them, and to our subscribers, 24 hours a day." "With 36 channels of free DIRECTV programming, JetBlue offers the most live entertainment options in the skies today," said Brett Muney, JetBlue's Manager of Product Development. "Now, through our partnership with Setanta Sports, our customers will have first-hand access to rugby and soccer matches across the globe. We are constantly looking for ways to enhance the JetBlue Experience, and by offering Setanta's international sports channel, in addition to four ESPN channels and live sports coverage on most major networks, our customers won't have to miss a minute of their favorite sporting events -- in the U.S. and overseas." "DIRECTV customers, whether they're airborne or earthbound, have access to a wider variety of programming like the unique international sports content delivered by Setanta Sports," said Derek Chang, executive vice president of Strategy and Development, DIRECTV, Inc. "With the popularity of soccer and rugby at an all-time high in the United States, Setanta Sports will be a great addition to the DIRECTV in-flight line-up, providing JetBlue customers with the best sports viewing experience in the air." About Setanta Sports North America (http://www.setanta.com/) Setanta Sports North America operates the only dedicated International sports and rugby channel in North America. In 2006, the 24-hour, digital pay TV network aired more than 1,000 live events, including European and International soccer, world-class rugby and other sports programming designed to meet the growing demands of international sports fans living in North America. Setanta Sports North America is owned by Dublin-based Setanta Sports worldwide, a leading, international pay television broadcaster and the number two sports broadcaster in the United Kingdom, providing top sports leagues and events to more than 100 million digital television homes globally and to commercial venues in six countries. In North America, Setanta Sports is currently available to subscribers via DIRECTV, GlobeCast World, ITVN as well in commercial settings such as sports bars and pubs nationwide.
About JetBlue Airways JetBlue Airways is focused on creating a new airline category -- an airline that offers value, service and style. Based in New York City, and now in its eighth year, the low-cost carrier currently serves 50 destinations with more than 550 flights daily. JetBlue has the most legroom in coach (a) and is America's first and only airline to offer its own Customer Bill of Rights, with meaningful compensation for customers inconvenienced by flight delays or cancellations (b). In addition to its signature seatback personal television service (c), the low-fare, high-value airline offers customers generous brand name snacks and beverages, including freshly brewed Dunkin' Donuts(r) coffee, and delicious wines selected by the airline's Low Fare Sommelier, Josh Wesson from Best Cellars(r). JetBlue service from Boston to Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Provincetown, and Hyannis, MA is operated by JetBlue's marketing partner, Cape Air. With JetBlue, all seats are assigned, all travel is ticketless, all fares are one-way, and an overnight stay is never required. For information or reservations call 1-800-JETBLUE (1-800-538-2583) or visit http://www.jetblue.com/.
(a) JetBlue has the most legroom in coach, based on average fleet-wide seat pitch for U.S. airlines.
(b) For full details of JetBlue's Customer Bill of Rights, visit http://www.jetblue.com/promise.
(c) DIRECTV(r) service is not available on flights outside the continental United State s; however, where applicable, FOX InFlight(tm) is offered complimentary on these routes. FOX InFlight(tm) is a trademark of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. JetBlue's in-flight entertainment is powered by LiveTV, a wholly owned subsidiary of JetBlue. DATASOURCE: Setanta Sports North America CONTACT: Evan Goetz, +1-212-850-5639, or Megan Grabos, +1-312-861-4710 , both of Financial Dynamics for Setanta; Alison Eshelman for JetBlue, +1-718-709-3089, Web site: http://www.setanta.com/ http://www.jetblue.com/ http://www.jetblue.com/promise
|