RALEIGH, N.C. — JetBlue launched its service from Raleigh-Durham International Airport Thursday with four daily flights to John F. Kennedy Airport in New York City.

The first flights left RDU Thursday morning from Terminal A. Tickets purchased seven days in advance are priced as low as $94, according to the JetBlue Web site.

The airline also announced plans to have one flight daily that departs from RDU International to Boston, with a cost of $74 one-way.

JetBlue is the first new carrier to arrive at RDU since Independence Air in 2004.

Dave Barger, president of 6-year-old JetBlue, was on hand to help inaugurate the service.

JetBlue will utilize its EMBRAER 190 aircraft that seats 100 people. The high-tech aircraft, which are equipped with all-leather seats, feature DIRECTV satellite TV programming as well as access to XM Satellite Radio. The jets are equipped with two GE CF34-10E engines that are manufactured in Durham.

JetBlue, which recently launched service in Charlotte, serves 41 locations. The addition of the JetBlue flights increases the number of departures from RDU to 223. Those flights go to 37 cities.

Delta launched nonstop service between RDU and Los Angeles International Airport on June 8.

More services are also coming. American Eagle will launch two daily nonstop flights to Columbus, OH, on Sept. 6.