Volusia County aviation and economic development staff told the County Council on Aug. 15 that JetBlue will begin daily nonstop service to New York-JFK and Boston on Dec. 4, with introductory fares already on sale. Breeze Airways will add Akron–Canton service Sept. 3, officials said.

Cyrus Callum, director of aviation and economic resources, said the new service and carrier mix make Daytona Beach International Airport the busiest the airport has been since the 1990s. He urged residents to use the new flights to help sustain the routes.

Staff also reported active recruitment and site-preparation work to attract aviation and industrial employers. County officials said several airport parcels — including Parcel 61 and a larger Parcel 66 (about 300 acres) south of the airfield — are under analysis for pad-ready redevelopment. A consultant will deliver a site-readiness cost estimate and recommendations to make land available for aviation-related industries, explained Callum.

Council members asked about incentives and FAA rules for airport property. Callum said the JetBlue deal required no direct taxpayer incentives and that FAA approvals are required for development on airport property.

Economic-development staff also said they are coordinating with Team Volusia (the county’s economic recruiter) and the CVB to help preserve and grow air service and to market pad-ready parcels once stormwater and infrastructure needs are addressed.

What’s next: County staff will receive consultant results on pad-readiness and present options for infrastructure and stormwater work needed to make airport parcels available for development; staff will continue to coordinate with airlines and tourism partners to support load factors for the new JetBlue service.