JetBlue launches the first Airbus A321neo with new Mint suites



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JetBlue embarked on Friday its first Airbus A321neo with the new Mint suites. This aircraft is not the Airbus A321LR that JetBlue will use for flights across the Atlantic, but it is a big step forward for the airline. This aircraft will operate some premium domestic routes ahead of JetBlue’s launch of long-haul international flights.

JetBlue A321neo ribbons
JetBlue’s first Airbus A321neo with Mint suites has a ‘Ribbons’ design on its rear fin. Photo: JetBlue

JetBlue wins first Airbus A321neo with Mint Suites

On Friday February 26, JetBlue announced that it had taken delivery of 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 aircraft itself is registered N2105J and is called “NEO Mintality”. It is the 270th aircraft to join the JetBlue fleet and the 16th Airbus A321neo in its fleet. However, this is the first Airbus A321neo to feature Mint.

JetBlue A321neo
JetBlue already flies an Airbus A321neos, like the one pictured here. photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple theft

The aircraft can be recognized from the outside thanks to the rear fin “Ribbons”. JetBlue loves to make their tailfins fun, and this one is no exception. The rear fin 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 to accommodate 160 passengers – a light load for the A321neo. The aircraft features 16 Mint suites, including two Mint studios with additional floor space, in the business class cabin.

New Mint Studio
There are 16 Mint studio seats aboard the A321neo. Photo: JetBlue

In economy, JetBlue offers 144 seats. There are seven rows of extra legroom saving. All seats also have access to AC and USB ports. The economy class seats are 18.4 inches wide.

Each seat is equipped with an entertainment system on demand. In economy, that includes a 10.1-inch 1080P high-definition display. From this screen, passengers can choose from live TV channels, movies, and backrest games.

JetBlue A321neo Pantry
The A321neo has an onboard catering station with a mini-fridge and drawers with free snacks. Photo: JetBlue

The new Mint suites

This is the major update to JetBlue’s Mint product since its launch by the airline. Each suite has aisle access, a larger in-flight entertainment screen and now wireless charging capabilities. It all pales in comparison to the seat itself.

Every Mint chair is a suite. The airline chose the VantageSOLO seat from Thompson Aero Seating. A narrow-bodied option for all-aisle access, the JetBlue product is highly anticipated. This is especially true for the first two seats which are Mint Studio seats. These two seats offer more space than the other seats and provide room for a guest during the flight at cruising altitude.

JetBlue A321neo
The new Mint Suites are truly revolutionary for high-end narrow-body travel. Photo: JetBlue

The new Mint suites will shake up the transatlantic market, and JetBlue is ensuring that its customers in their homes can have access to the same product. Offering this product on JetBlue’s most premium routes will help the airline retain its highest paying premium customers who have to cross the United States and cross the pond.

Where will this Airbus A321neo fly?

The Airbus A321neo will make its debut on select flights between New York-JFK and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The plane is expected to enter service by the summer. JetBlue likes to take its time with the introduction of new planes. One such example includes the airline’s Airbus A220-300.

Jayne O’Brien, Head of Marketing and Loyalty at JetBlue, said the following:

“With so much enthusiasm surrounding JetBlue’s plans in London, we are delighted to also introduce our fabulous and all-new Mint Transatlantic Suites to customers on select flights within the United States. the A321neo aircraft, will position JetBlue to be competitive effectively and add relevance to our customers in the mint markets.

JetBlue A321neo
JetBlue will place the A321neo with Mint suites on transcontinental flights later this year. Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple theft

The transcontinental market is one of the most important for JetBlue. Over the next several years, as the airline uses more A321neos with the new Mint suites, expect the carrier to increase the number of routes for the new Mint suites. Some other routes that could get the new Mint suites would include San Francisco and Seattle. For now, however, JetBlue is being cautious and keeping the aircraft reserved for transcontinental flights.

Are you looking forward to flying into JetBlue’s Mint suites? Would you fly on this plane? Let us know in the comments!

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