JetBlue yesterday took delivery of its very first ‘Airspace’ Airbus A321LR (Long Range). The aircraft is set to be deployed on flights to London which will begin later this year.
1st Airspace A321LR delivered
JetBlue yesterday took delivery of its first Airspace cabin equipped Airbus A321LR in Hamburg, Germany. The United States-based airline has 13 such A321LRs on order, alongside 57 A321neo variants that will also feature the Airspace cabin. The aircraft delivered yesterday is registered as N4022J, and carries serial number 10303.
According to Flightradar24, the aircraft took off from Airbus’ Finkenwerder facility just outside Hamburg at 11:13 local time yesterday and landed at 13:04 local time after burning fuel in the air for around 7 hours and 51 minutes.
Commenting on the delivery, Robin Hayes, CEO, JetBlue, said:
The delivery of our new A321LR sets the stage for a new era at JetBlue in which we now have an aircraft allowing us to stretch our wings and become a true global carrier offering flights beyond the Americas for the first time ever. The A321LR platform – offering the range of a wide-body but with the economics of a single-aisle aircraft – is the right size for us and will allow us to effectively compete with our award-winning service and low fares on flights between the U.S.and London. We congratulate Airbus on bringing to life the most exciting and innovative narrow bodied aircraft cabin in the world and JetBlue is honored to be the launch customer for Airspace on the A320 family.
Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer, Airbus, said:
We are honored that JetBlue is our first launch operator for the new Airspace cabin on Airbus Single-Aisle aircraft. We are also confident that the airline’s customers and crew alike will appreciate the outstanding comfort and in-flight transatlantic experience on board these aircraft.
JetBlue’s A321LR is powered by two Pratt & Whitney GTF engines. The GTF engine has ‘revolutionary geared fan technology by which it is transforming aviation by delivering game-changing economic and environmental performance.’
Carroll Lane, President of Commercial Engines, Pratt and Whitney, said:
Today we celebrate another exciting and historical milestone between Pratt & Whitney and JetBlue. The GTF-powered Airbus A321LR aircraft will allow JetBlue to fly farther, opening new routes for their customers, while delivering the economic and environmental benefits of our game-changing engine. We look forward to continuing to power their fleet for decades to come.
JetBlue’s A321LR Cabin
As aforementioned, JetBlue’s first A321LR is the first of 13 aircraft that will have Airbus’ Airspace cabin. JetBlue’s Airbus A321LR aircrafts will come in two-class configuration.
The main attraction on these aircrafts will be the all-new Mint Business Class cabin. The front of the aircraft will feature 24 lie-flat seats in a 1-1 configuration. These seats will take the form of a private suite.
Behind the business class cabin is the standard economy cabin having 114 seats in a 3-3 configuration. Most seats offer 32 inches of pitch, with 18.4 inches of seat width.
Transatlantic flights to London
The aircraft delivered yesterday will eventually make its way on flights to London. JetBlue has not yet revealed the schedule of when and where it will fly to London but we can expect the service to start later this year.
JetBlue is very keen to offer a unique service on its transatlantic flights to London. The airline wants to re-invent the economy class experience. This will see innovations such as customized meals ordered from the seat-back entertainment system and passengers will have access to free WiFi.
Before commencing flights to London, this aircraft will first fly between New York and Los Angeles starting in June. So if you are flying between NYC and LAX on JetBlue in June, keep an eye out for this particular aircraft.
Featured image by Airbus
What do you think of JetBlue’s first Airbus A321LR? Are you excited to fly on this aircraft? Let me know in the comments section below.
Follow IH Aviation and Travel on Social Media on Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.