JetBlue to operate first transatlantic route with new A321LR

On April 29, 2021, JetBlue (JBLU) announced it had taken delivery of its first Airbus A321 Long Range (LR) aircraft bound to launch the airline’s first-ever transatlantic service to London in summer 2021. 

“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,” said Robin Hayes, chief executive officer, JetBlue (JBLU).

Pratt-powered single-aisle Airbus A321LR aircraft can reach a speed of 876 km/h and has a range of 7,400 kilometres, the parameter which, according to JetBlue (JBLU), would allow it to tap into long-haul markets that were not previously possible with the airline’s existing fleet. Also, the newly delivered Airbus A321LR offers 30% fuel savings and nearly 50% reduction in noise footprint. 

Additionally, JetBlue (JBLU) is the first launch partner for the new Airspace cabin configuration designed by Airbus to bring long-haul style to the Airbus A321 aircraft. With the Airspace cabin configuration, the A321LR aircraft has a layout of only 138 seats: 114 in economy class and 24 in JetBlue’s (JBLU) Mint Suites.

“We are honored that JetBlue (JBLU) 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,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer.

Currently, JetBlue (JBLU) has a total of 273 aircraft in its fleet, Planespotter.net data shows. The largest part of the airline’s fleet consists of Airbus A320 family aircraft with 120 Airbus A320-200s as well as Airbus A321 aircraft family with 63 A321-200s and 17 A321neo aircraft.

 

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