JetBlue yesterday revealed its plans on how it will re-invent Economy class experience on transatlantic flights on the Airbus A321LR.
The announcement comes as the airline plans to start nonstop flights to London later this year with its new Airbus A321LR (Long Range) featuring the stunning brand-new Mint Cabin.
Re-inventing Economy Class Experience
JetBlue has outlined how it intends to re-invent the passenger experience in Economy Class when travelling between the United States and United Kingdom. According to JetBlue, there are three specific pain points when traveling in economy over the Atlantic. These are:
- ‘The dreaded centre section’
- ‘The ‘choice’ of assembly-line chicken or beef’
- ‘The lack of connectivity’
JetBlue has proposed a solution to each of these problems in order to revolutionise travel.
Fixing the ‘dreaded’ centre seat:
JetBlue has been working with Airbus to be the launch customer of the all-new AirSpace interior.
According to the airline, this cabin will pair the comfort of a widebody aircraft with a narrowbody’s boutique style. 114 seats will make up the economy cabin, with ‘the most legroom in economy’ at 32 inches. JetBlue says that this will offer ‘more space and comfort’ than any other transatlantic carrier. In addition, the Airbus A321LR will feature 4 rows of Even More® Space seating with up to 6 inches of more legroom.
Solution to ‘assembly-line chicken or beef’:
You may be wondering what is it that JetBlue is describing as ‘assembly line chicken or beef’. The airline has partnered with Dig to provide catering on these flights. According to the carrier, passengers will be able to customize their food tray from their seatback screen.
The ‘Build-your-own-tray table’ concept will allow passengers to choose exactly what they want to eat.
The ‘Build-your-own meal’ concept does sound like it will create a lot of extra work for the cabin crew.
Customers will have the option to choose one of three main selections including a protein or vegetable that comes with a base, and two out of three hot and chilled side options.
The airline says that the passengers will also be able to access a self-serve pantry throughout the flight, while the airline will serve a light bite before arrival. Additionally, tea, coffee, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages will also be included in the ticket price.
Jayne O’Brian, Head of Marketing and Loyalty, JetBlue, said:
When we shook up premium travel with Mint, one of the biggest ‘wow’ moments for our customers was our fresh take on dining. Great food doesn’t have to be limited to the premium cabin, and our customers in core also deserve a dining experience that is thoughtfully prepared and offers choices.
Tackling the problem of in-flight connectivity
In order to tackle the problem of in-flight connectivity, JetBlue will offer every passenger complimentary WiFi, whether in the economy cabin or the new Mint business class cabin. This will work from gate to gate and will be provided with Thales AVANT and ViaSat-2 connectivity. As such, the airline says that the WiFi should be high-speed for every customer. Additionally, every seat will have access to a state-of-the-art entertainment system that includes international live TV.
Featured image by Airbus
What do you think of JetBlue’s different concepts in order to revolutionise Economy Class Experience? Let me know in the comments section below.