Blues owner Dave Checketts said today he wants JetBlue Airways to begin service to St. Louis.

What makes this intriguing is that Checketts is a member of JetBlue’s board.

The matter came up at today’s luncheon sponsored by the Partnership for Downtown St. Louis. Checketts told the hundreds of businesspeople present that St. Louis needs more air service. He provided no details but the audience applauded, anyway.

After the luncheon, Checketts said in a brief interview with the Post-Dispatch that JetBlue is the airline he hopes will serve St. Louis. But he added he has no idea if that will happen. Checketts said his only role has been “to make introductions” between JetBlue leaders and some Missouri officials, includng Matt Blunt when he was still governor.

JetBlue, based in New York, is a major carrier in the Northeast, Florida and the West Coast.

Otherwise, not much new came from the luncheon’s other main speaker, Cardinals President Bill DeWitt III. He said he remains committed to Ballpark Village and that “behind the scenes” leasing activity remains strong.

But he also said the continuing shakiness of financial markets means that Ballpark Village bonds might be sold until the middle of next year. DeWitt hopes the state gives final approval next month for state subsidies to help the downtown project next to Busch Stadium.

In contrast, Checketts said his project to restore Kiel Opera House will get going in early August. He told the lunch crowd to expect “a big surprise” when Kiel reopens in time for the holidays next year.