JetBlue spokesperson Sebastian White in JetBlue's NY HQ confirmed to LBREPORT.com that [as reported earlier June 14 by [update] Pat Maio at LBRegister.com [end update] followed by Beatriz Valenzuela on PressTelegram.com] discussions had taken place between the carrier and Long Beach Airport.

"JetBlue is very committed to the Long Beach market and we are interested in adding international service at some point in the future," Mr. Sebastian said, "and I can confirm there have been discussions with Long Beach Airport [on the matter.]"

Asked by LBREPORT.com who from Long Beach was involved in the discussions and whether they included Long Beach elected officials or City Hall management or staff, Mr. Sebastian indicated that would require checking with others after the weekend.

[June 16 update] JetBlue has previously and publicly expressed an interest in adding international flights at LGB but the latest development indicates those company desires have now involved talks with some Airport and perhaps city officials. [end June 16 update]

Adding international flights would require adding some type of federal customs/inspection facility that could presumably also be used by other carriers besides JetBlue. That could give an entirely new type of carrier -- cargo and/or passenger planes to/from foreign destinations -- an incentive to seek Long Beach Airport flight slots that may or may not be available and are currently limited under LB's Airport ordinance.

LB's Airport ordinance, upheld on review by two federal courts, is considered among the most progressive in the country for allowing increased flights as aircraft become quieter. It simultaneously protects neighborhoods and the property tax revenue they provide (which is the City General Fund's largest or second largest revenue source depending on the year). In contrast, LB Airport revenue from Airport operations can't be used to provide LB residents with police, fire, parks, or libraries. LB taxpayers receive basically "spin-off" sums from sales taxes (a penny on the dollar), tourist related items (if the flier visits Long Beach instead of simply using the Airport) and hotel room tax (if the flier stays in Long Beach, which not all do.)

LB's Airport ordinance dates from the 1990s when noise was the main metric used before the health impacts of particulate pollution were fully appreciated. As recently reported by LBREPORT, a recent study showed that L.A. airport's harmful particulates are many times higher and extend further than previously assumed. Long Beach Airport's impacts, combined with LB's four encircling freeways and its proximity to the L.A.-LB Port complex, plus the impacts of railroads and trucks, weren't included in that study. [LBREPORT.com coverage, click here.]

Developing with further to follow on LBREPORT.com.