Aer Lingus’s US partner JetBlue is to introduce a new fully flat business class seat next year, the Mint seat, which will be fitted to new A321 aircraft serving transcontinental routes from New York JFK to Los Angeles and San Francisco.
To celebrate JetBlue’s new Mint service, fares are now on sale for US$499 one way from New York to Los Angeles for travel between 15th June – the first day Mint flights will be in service – and 18th June 2014 – the end of JetBlue’s current schedule. Normal fares will be from $599 one way.
The 80”-long Mint seat will have a width of up to 22.3 inches, adjustable air cushions, a 15” TV screen, storage space for shoes, and a dual power outlet with two USB ports. Four of the 16 premium seats will also feature sliding doors, creating “the only private suites with closing doors in the American market”.
Dave Barger, President and Chief Executive, said: “Just as we revolutionised the core travel experience more than a decade ago with an elevated product and customer-focused culture, we intend to reinvent the lucrative coast-to-coast market with Mint, which is JetBlue’s refreshing take on a premium class product. It is stylish service minus all of the stuffiness often associated with the traditional front-of-the-cabin experience.
“JetBlue is truly all about serving the under-served, the customer who wants to enjoy first-rate service at an exceptional and affordable fare. We believe Mint is better than other airlines’ first and business class service, and with fares that make it accessible to everyone, we think Mint will become the obvious choice for customers flying across the country. This is the JetBlue way, and we look forward to welcoming you onboard.”
Mint passengers will receive customised male or female amenity kits, a pre-departure drink, followed by a cocktail and amuse bouche after take-off, and an onboard menu created by New York restaurant Saxon and Parole.
By the fourth quarter of 2014, all seven daily flights between New York and Los Angeles will feature the new seat, with the carrier’s five rotations between New York and San Francisco offering the product by the end of the first quarter of 2015.
