Airlines JetBlue takes delivery of first A321LR

At Airbus´ delivery center in Hamburg-Finkenwerder, JetBlue has taken delivery its first A321LR aircraft. A delivery ceremony was held at the manufacturer´s facility. It is the first of 13 A321LR aircraft for JetBlue.

With the delivery, a new era begins for the American airline. The carrier seeks to perform transatlantic flights between the East Coast and London. The direct flights are planned to start later this year.

In addition to the 31 A321LRs, JetBlue also has 57 other Airbus aircraft in the manufacturer´s backlog. It shows that the airline seeks to modernize its fleet and to make operations as efficient as possible.

The aircraft also features the Airspace interior. By bringing this cabin to the single-aisle Family, JetBlue´s A321LR will become the first aircraft to feature the cabin in a narrow-body airframe.

Robin Hayes, CEO of JetBlue Airways Corp., commented: “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.”

Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer, added: “We are thrilled to have JetBlue set yet another trend and introduce Airbus’ new Airspace cabin on its long-range service […] For sure the outstanding comfort and in-flight transatlantic experience on board these aircraft will be a winner – for JetBlue, its valued passengers and crew alike!”

The Airspace cabin features a passenger-pleasing lighting that reduces jet lag, new sidewall panels that are slimmer for extra personal space at shoulder level, redesigned window-bezels and completely integrated windows shades. Also, new LED technologies and new lavatories have been installed.

Airbus and JetBlue have been partners for over 20 years now. In 1999, the carrier took delivery of its first A320 aircraft, followed by an order for nearly 50 Airbus planes two years after.