JetBlue took its first Airbus A321neo with the new Mint suites on Friday. This aircraft is not the Airbus A321LR that JetBlue will use for flights in the Atlantic, but it is a big step for the airline. This aircraft will operate some premium domestic routes before the launch of JetBlue long-haul international flights.
JetBlue takes first Airbus A321neo with Mint Suites
On Friday, February 26, JetBlue announced that it had received its first Airbus A321neo aircraft configured with the airline’s new Mint suites. The plane flew directly from Hamburg, Germany, to JetBlue’s largest base at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
The plane itself is registered as N2105J and is called “NEO Mintality”. This is the 270th aircraft to join the JetBlue fleet and is the 16th Airbus A321neo in its fleet. However, this is the first Airbus A321neo to introduce the Mint.
The aircraft can be recognized outside the “Ribbons” tail. JetBlue likes to make their duck tails fun, and this is no exception. The tailfin features three blues from the JetBlue brand palette and is inspired by optical art that uses simple shapes to create the illusion of three dimensions and movement.
The aircraft is configured with a capacity for 160 passengers – a light load for the A321neo. The aircraft has 16 Mint suites, including two Mint Studios with extra square footage, in the business class cabin.
In economy class, JetBlue offers 144 seats. There are seven extra space saving lines for the legs. All seats also have access to the AC and USB ports. Economy class seats are 18.4 inches wide.
Each seat offers entertainment on demand. In economy, this includes a 10.1-inch 1080P high-definition screen. On this screen, passengers can choose between live TV channels, films and back-up games.
The new Mint suites
This is the biggest update to JetBlue’s Mint product since the airline’s launch. Each suite has access to the corridor, a larger on-board entertainment screen and now wireless charging features. All of this pales in comparison to the seat itself.
Each Mint seat is a suite. The airline chose the Thompson Aero Seating VantageSOLO seat. A narrow-body option for access to all corridors, the JetBlue product is highly anticipated. This is especially true for the first two seats at Mint Studio. These two seats offer more space than the other seats and offer space for a guest while flying at cruising altitude.
The new Mint suites will rock the transatlantic market and JetBlue is ensuring that its customers at home have access to the same product. Offering this product on JetBlue’s most premium routes will help the airline retain its premium paying customers who need to fly across the United States and across the ocean.
Where will this Airbus A321neo fly?
The Airbus A321neo will debut on select flights between New York-JFK and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The aircraft is expected to enter service in the summer. JetBlue likes to waste time introducing new aircraft. An example includes the airline’s Airbus A220-300.
Jayne O’Brien, JetBlue’s head of marketing and loyalty, stated the following:
“With so much enthusiasm surrounding JetBlue’s plans for London, we are delighted to present our fabulous brand new Mint transatlantic suites to customers on select flights within the United States. Our reimagined Mint and award-winning basic experience, combined with the superior economy of the A321neo aircraft, will position JetBlue to compete effectively and add relevance to our customers in the Mint markets. “
The transcontinental market is one of the most important of JetBlue. In the coming years, as the airline takes more A321neos with the new Mint suites, the operator is expected to expand the number of routes that receive the new Mint suites. Some other routes that could receive the new Mint suites would include San Francisco and Seattle. For now, however, JetBlue is being conservative and keeping the plane reserved for transcontinental flights.
Are you excited to fly in JetBlue’s Mint suites? Would you fly aboard this aircraft? Let us know in the comments!