JetBlue’s first Airbus A321neo aircraft has entered scheduled service featuring a state-of-the-art interior with new features developed from crew and customer feedback to enhance the in-flight experience.
The new aircraft officially entered scheduled service on 24 September from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).
With the airline approaching it’s 20-year milestone in 2020, JetBlue invited founder David Neeleman to collaborate with the design team for the new aircraft’s tail pattern, dubbed ‘balloons’ and including five different shades to represent the five values (Safety, Caring, Integrity, Passion and Fun).
Meanwhile, the cabin features an interior designed to “lighten and brighten customers’ journey and facilitate seamless living.”
Features were bourne from feedback received from crewmembers and customers on how to enhance the in-flight experience such as redesigned seatback pockets with an elastic ‘gadget panel’ stowage, mesh pockets for water bottles or personal devices and a larger pocket for laptops.
JetBlue’s new seats have been designed with enhanced memory foam cushions, adjustable headrests and aim to deliver more living space. The airline said the aircraft offers the widest seats on the market and the most legroom in coach. USB ports are located in each seatback monitor and the AC power ports have been repositioned in front of each seat.
On the in-flight entertainment front, passengers can enjoy DIRECTV and custom seatback games as well as a new 3D moving map. Passengers will also be able to pair a personal device with the seatbacks to use as a remote.
The A321neo will also be equipped with Viasat-2 offering Wi-Fi and with expanded coverage on more than 99% of the airline’s route network, including over water and international cities.
The aircraft features a redesigned welcome area outfitted with residential finishes, full-height edge-lit partitions, and custom flooring, while sky blue mood lighting and uplifting music aim to enhance the boarding experience and create a “laid back and fun ambience” for customers.
Reinventing the airline’s take on an in-flight snack bar, ‘The Pantry’ aims to provide an “onboard gathering place” for passengers to stretch and help themselves to free refreshments or extra snacks throughout the flight.
“JetBlue’s new A321neo boasts features such as the widest and most comfortable seats available for this aircraft type, and a host of thoughtful design elements that are meant to enhance customer comfort and help our crewmembers deliver award-winning service,” commented CEO Robin Hayes.
Hayes also celebrated Neeleman’s legacy calling it “as relevant today as it was 20 years ago” in setting the airline on a course of leading in customer comfort and amenities, adding: “Today we’re proud to continue in that tradition by introducing this new aircraft that’s both fuel efficient and features our most advanced cabin design,” commented CEO Robin Hayes. To celebrate Neeleman’s contribution to JetBlue the aircraft has been named in his honour.
The airline has created an interactive 360° video to showcase the new cabin features on its new A321neo:
