Airbus delivered the first A321LR to JetBlue Airways on Thursday in Hamburg. The aircraft, with extended range, will be used by the US carrier on transatlantic flights initially to the United Kingdom later this year.
JetBlue’s A321LR is also the first to be configured with the ‘Airspace’ cabin in a single-aisle jet.
“At JetBlue we are eagerly looking forward to introducing the Airbus A321 Long Range single-aisle aircraft with Airbus’ Airspace interior for our new transatlantic services. These aircraft will allow us to offer our customers attentive, boutique-style service, while also ensuring ample personal space, larger overhead bins, customized lighting and a design that gives the cabin a wide-body feel,” said Robin Hayes, CEO of JetBlue .
“We are thrilled to have JetBlue set yet another trend and introduce Airbus’ new Airspace cabin on its long range service,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer.
JetBlue configured the A321LR with 24 full-flat adaptive-mattress seats in the airline’s Mint premium-class private suites in addition to 114 economy class seats that are 18.4 inches wide.
The economy class has a 32-inch pitch with four rows offering five inches more in the “Even More Space” service. The airline will also offer free high-speed Wi-Fi in addition to other entertainment options.
JetBlue should receive 13 A321LR in addition to 57 A321neo from other variants, all equipped with the ‘Airspace’ cabin.
The expectation is for the US-based carrier to debut on flights from New York and Boston to London, where it recently received approval from the UK CAA.
Although not yet confirmed, it is speculated that JetBlue will fly to Heathrow Airport, the busiest in the country.
