JetBlue’s A320s (pictured) and some A321s will get new seating and tech improvements. (Image: JetBlue)
Passengers on JetBlue’s Airbus A320s and some of its A321s can expect to see more seats in the future, along with a more connected tech experience.
The airline said this week that it plans to increase the seat count in 15 of its “all-core” A321s (not including those transcontinental A321s equipped with Mint service, which will remain unchanged) from the current 190 to 200, while JetBlue’s 130 A320s will go from the current 150 seats to 162.
According to JetBlue, the increases in seat count will be made possible by the installation of a new galley/lavatory module developed by Airbus called the Space-Flex v2. Those installations “will free additional space” in the cabins, “requiring a reconfiguration of seating,” JetBlue said.
The airline did not say how the reconfiguration might impact seat pitch — currently 34 inches on A320s and 33 on A321s, except for seven extra-legroom rows with more — but it did say that its cabins will still boast “the most legroom in coach” compared to other U.S. airlines.
The aircraft will get new Pinnacle seats from BE Aerospace with moveable headrests, AC outlets and USB ports at every seat, as well as new LED cabin lighting systems.
Economy class on a Mint configured A321 – all JetBlue seats will soon have 10 inch monitors like these (Chris McGinnis)
Work on the A321s will start in the second half of this year, while the A320 overhaul will take place from 2017 to 2019.
JetBlue said the A320s will also get a technology overhaul that links their seatback TVs to the in-flight Wi-Fi service, and new seatback screens that will be 10-inch, high-definition models, almost twice as large as the current screens.
Related: Trip Report- JetBlue Mint SFO-JFK
This will enable streaming TV entertainment through a system built on Google’s Android platform. JetBlue said the new system will mean “unlimited possibilities for custom app and widget development, live content streaming, audio-and-video-on-demand, and personal device pairing to offer more entertainment options than ever.” Besides the streaming content, JetBlue’s DirecTV service will increase from 36 to 100 channels, and its in-flight film library will be able to deliver 300 movies.
Passengers will have gate-to-gate access to JetBlue’s Fly-Fi high-speed wireless Internet service, offering speeds of 12 to 20 Mbps to each linked device, the airline noted.
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At least the lavatories are still there… I’m waiting for some discount airline to get rid of the lavs completely and just install plastic chamber pots under each seat.
Of course it’s all about making more money. Jet Blue has always been a great airline for the common man and now they are doing as much as possible to make more money.
That’s what it’s all about, finding ways of growing revenue and not caring about passengers.
What I find amazing, the airlines are making record profits now with cheap oil prices, and fares have not gone down and the airlines add more fees.
I just can’t wait for the day that oil goes back up and here the airlines cry about less profits, I for one will not care less about the airlines.
15 seats!! That is at least 2 rows of 3×3 and an additional row of 3. Are they putting the lavs and galley on the wings?