JetBlue Airways today announced it has begun introducing the new iPad Pro powered by Apple’s M1 chip to the airline’s pilots.

JetBlue was one of the first domestic airlines to use digital documentation in the cockpit, and continues to be a leader in the industry bringing innovative tools into operation. The new iPad Pro keeps JetBlue pilots on the cutting edge of technology and provides safety-critical functions for all JetBlue crew members. iPad has become an essential tool on board – from loading operational tracking apps, hosting system maintenance checks, checking real-time weather patterns to avoid turbulence, and accessing procedures and manuals.

JetBlue first received Federal Aviation Administration approval to give iPads to all pilots in 2013, which enabled more real-time capabilities in the cockpit. Since then, the airline continues to trust iPad to provide everything pilots need at the touch of their fingertips, even at 35,000 feet in the air.

iPad Pro is the right fit for the cockpit, with its thin, light design and large, bright Liquid Retina display. The new iPad Pro features the industry-leading M1 chip, which offers next-level performance when pilots are running more than a dozen apps throughout the duration of the flight. iPad Pro’s fast 5G capabilities delivers better performance and access to next-generation download and upload speeds.

“Not only will the new iPad Pro with M1 take our pilots to the next level of advanced technology, but also future-proof JetBlue with top-of-the-line hardware for years to come,” said Captain Chuck Cook, director communications, navigation, surveillance and technical programs.

In the coming months, JetBlue will provide iPad Pro to new incoming pilots, and will replace older models in use over time.

JetBlue Airways has entered into a new relationship with World Energy and World Fuel Services for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). JetBlue’s LAX flights using SAF started this month. This increase in the airline’s usage of SAF includes 1.5 million gallons of blended SAF a year for at least three years, accounting for approximately five percent of JetBlue’s LAX fuel.

Renewable fuel options will play a critical role in the aviation industry’s transition to lower-carbon operations. This is the latest step for JetBlue as the airline works to achieve its ambitious and comprehensive environmental social governance (ESG) targets, including a goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. Last year, JetBlue became the first major U.S. airline to achieve carbon neutrality on all domestic flying, today primarily through carbon offsets while the SAF industry continues to grow, and lower-carbon technologies to reduce direct emissions.

“JetBlue is facing climate change head on and preparing our business for a new climate reality,” said Sara Bogdan, director of sustainability and environmental social governance. “Sustainable aviation fuel is one of the most promising ways to rapidly reduce air travel emissions and help our industry move toward our net-zero goals. We are focused on growing our use of sustainable aviation fuel to replace conventional fossil-based jet fuel in our focus cities as it becomes available. It has not historically had the same policy support as other low carbon fuels and comes at a premium today. We’re excited by the prospect of additional policy support to help grow and scale sustainable aviation fuel, helping to usher in a lower-carbon future for aviation.”

This follows JetBlue’s move to fuel flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) with SAF with another fuel provider. World Energy, a zero-now solutions provider for transport and the industry’s first commercial-scale producer of SAF, is supplying JetBlue fuel at LAX from its facility in Paramount, Calif. JetBlue is World Energy’s second U.S. commercial airline partner to incorporate SAF into its regular operations. Made from inedible agricultural waste, World Energy’s SAF is certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials to reduce emissions by up to 80 percent per gallon before being blended with petroleum jet fuel. Delivery of the fuel into LAX will be managed by World Fuel Services, JetBlue’s fuel management company.

“JetBlue is taking aggressive action utilizing tools available today to deliver on their net-zero carbon emissions goals,” said Bryan Sherbacow, chief commercial officer, World Energy. “Expanding commercial use of sustainable aviation fuel is critical in changing the industry’s carbon outcomes. World Energy is excited to partner with JetBlue in fueling their success in transitioning to a zero-carbon aviation industry.”

“We are honored to support JetBlue’s comprehensive sustainability strategy through our steady supply of sustainable aviation fuel,” said Brad Hurwitz, senior vice president – supply and trading, World Fuel Services. “Since 2014, World Fuel Services has delivered more than 22.1 million gallons of cleaner-burning, low-carbon sustainable aviation fuel. With World Energy, we continue to focus on increasing sustainable aviation fuel availability and supply chain efficiency for aviation.”

JetBlue views robust oversight of key ESG issues as good for business and for generating long-term value, and recognizes that customers expect clean, efficient, and affordable travel. That’s why JetBlue is helping lead the path in sustainable aviation.

LAX is one of JetBlue’s most successful and busiest markets, climbing to 40 flights per day to 23 markets this summer, allowing significant growth opportunities for the airline’s network. With support from Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), JetBlue plans to embark on meaningful expansion at LAX over the next five years – both domestically and internationally into multiple markets with plans to reach about 70 flights per day by 2025.

“Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) is committed to achieving ambitious sustainability goals, including net-zero carbon emissions and 100% renewable energy for LAX facilities by 2045,” said Justin Erbacci, chief executive officer, LAWA. “We are thrilled that JetBlue is supporting this bold agenda to help combat climate change through the use of sustainable aviation fuel.”

JetBlue’s Decarbonization Strategy

Carbon neutrality on its domestic flights is just one way JetBlue is preparing for a changing climate and ensuring a more sustainable business for its crewmembers, customers, shareholders and communities. JetBlue’s carbon reduction efforts focus on decreasing emissions through fuel-efficient operations and aircraft, growing usage of SAF, and supporting the next generation of low-emissions aircraft technologies.

Earlier this year the airline announced emission reduction targets, including efforts to:

Reduce direct emissions:

• Decrease aircraft emissions 25 percent per available seat mile (ASM) by 2030 from 2015 levels, excluding offsets

Increase usage of sustainable energy:

• Convert 10 percent of total jet fuel to be from blended sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by 2030
• Convert 40 percent of three main ground service equipment vehicle types to electric by 2025 and 50 percent by 2030

JetBlue’s focus on climate leadership – JetBlue’s environmental social governance (ESG) strategy focuses on issues that have the potential to impact its business and the industry in the long-term. Customers, crewmembers and community, as well as stakeholders, are key to JetBlue’s climate and sustainability strategy. Demand from these groups for responsible service is one of the motivations to further reduce the airline’s environmental impact. Shareholders, including many crewmembers, have demanded that JetBlue’s ESG strategy benefit stakeholders and the airline’s financial position. Tying ESG to its treasury function, including cash investments and a sustainability-linked loan with some terms dependent on the airline’s ESG scores, further demonstrates JetBlue’s commitment to combat climate change.

Photos: JetBlue.

JetBlue today announced its first Airbus A321neo (new engine option) with Mint has officially entered scheduled service with the first revenue flight from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), departing shortly after 10:30 a.m. this morning. The aircraft is scheduled to operate select flights between New York-JFK and LAX for the next several weeks.

JetBlue’s A321neo with Mint is the first to feature the airline’s reimagined Mint premium experience, with 16 fully lie-flat, private suites with a sliding door for every Mint customer, including two new, ultra-spacious Mint Studios™, a custom-designed seat cushion by Tuft & Needle®, and countless design touches that help every customer feel at home in the air. The aircraft will also include 144 core seats with the most legroom in coach (a) and an unparalleled inflight entertainment and connectivity experience on-board.

Travelers can spot the A321neo with Mint by its unique “Ribbons” tailfin. The design features three blues from the airline’s brand palette and is the first tailfin inspired by so-called “Op Art” – as in optical art – using simple shapes to create the illusion of three dimensions and movement. The aircraft – tail N2105J named “NEO Mintality” – is JetBlue’s 16^th A321neo and the first of this aircraft type to feature Mint.

JetBlue Mint, Reimagined

JetBlue’s first major design overhaul of Mint – designed in partnership with Acumen Design Associates – will set a new standard for transcontinental flying.

• We made every Mint seat a suite: JetBlue’s reimagined Mint will offer more privacy with 14 fully lie-flat, aisle-access suites. Every inch of space anticipates customer needs, with features including a tilting 17-inch Thales AVANT seatback screen, wireless charging capabilities, an integrated phone ledge for multitasking, and easy-to-reach in-seat power, as well as laptop, shoe and handbag stowage. JetBlue is the first carrier to outfit its aircraft with Thompson Aero Seating’s VantageSOLO seat, the company’s revolutionary single aisle seating solution with a herringbone configuration developed and designed specifically for narrow-body aircraft and further customized for JetBlue.
• Mint Studio is the pinnacle of space and privacy: The all-new Mint Studio – conceptualized by Acumen and developed in partnership with AIM Altitude – is JetBlue’s latest game-changing innovation, offering the most space in a premium experience from any U.S. airline (b). Each aircraft will have two Mint Studios in the first row, providing ample room for working or relaxing, and featuring a 22-inch tilting Thales AVANT seatback screen, an extra side table for added productivity, and a guest seat that can accommodate an additional Mint customer during flight at cruising altitude. When reclined, customers can kick back and relax on the largest lie-flat bed of any U.S. carrier (c).
• Our proprietary seat design is truly a bed in the sky: JetBlue tapped Tuft & Needle – the innovative mattress company that pioneered the bed-in-a-box trend – to shape the entire Mint sleep experience onboard. Engineered for comfort, every Mint seat is layered with Tuft & Needle’s proprietary T&N Adaptive® foam and a breathable cover to create a cool and comfortable sleep experience unlike anything in the sky. The seat complements additional sleep amenities developed in partnership with the brand, including a convertible blanket with a built-in foot pocket, a memory foam lined pillow with a pillowcase, and a snooze kit with a matching eye mask and earplugs.

Looking ahead, JetBlue will introduce a 24-seat layout on its Airbus A321 Long Range (LR) aircraft which will operate flights between New York-JFK and both London Heathrow and London Gatwick airports beginning later this summer.

Core and So Much More

JetBlue’s core experience on the A321neo – with the most legroom in coach – features the Collins Meridian seat, which was customized around customer feedback and features a number of design elements with comfort and convenience in mind.

• 144 seats with a width of 18.4 inches, the widest available for the A321neo aircraft.
• Seven rows of Even More Space® seating, all located in the forward area of the core experience, based on customer feedback.
• 10.1 inch, 1080P high definition screen at every seat.
• Easy-to-reach in-seat power, featuring AC and USB ports.
• Enhanced cushion comfort and adjustable headrests.
• Contoured seatback design at knee level creating additional living space.
• Custom designed seatback storage.

Staying Connected at 35,000 Feet

JetBlue will build on its reputation as an industry leader in inflight entertainment options with Thales AVANT and ViaSat-2 connectivity. With this system, JetBlue will offer every customer aboard the A321neo with expanded and personalized entertainment choices in nearly every region the airline flies (d). With JetBlue, all customers have the ability to connect an unlimited number of devices and stream, surf, or chat during the entire flight, from gate to gate.

• 100+ channels of DIRECTV®, hundreds of movies, full seasons of binge-worthy TV shows, and custom seatback games.
• Picture-in-picture function.
• Enhanced, 3D flight map offering multiple ways to track time to destination.
• Personal handheld device pairing capabilities for use as a remote or gaming controller.
• Expanded Fly-Fi® connectivity, providing coverage to nearly the entire JetBlue network.

Bold Design Elements

JetBlue is also maximizing the A321neo’s ultra-modern design to create an elevated customer experience throughout the interior. Every aspect of the aircraft has been meticulously customized to create a perfect environment to deliver JetBlue’s award-winning service.

• Refreshed onboard Pantry™ with a mini-fridge and drawers full of complimentary snacks.
• Spacious overhead bins for additional carry-on bag capacity.
• Custom LED mood lighting designed to provide a more soothing inflight experience with lighting scenarios that change with time of day or phase of flight.
• Four full-size lavatories featuring subway tile patterns – a nod to JetBlue being New York’s Hometown Airline®.
• Custom-designed front and rear wall panel featuring unique and modern patterns.

Impressive Aircraft Economics

The A321neo with Mint helps ensure JetBlue delivers on its cost-savings and sustainability commitments in the coming years. Thanks to the Airbus new engine option, the aircraft features a 20 percent increase in fuel efficiency compared to the previous generation of the aircraft. It also boasts an increased range of up to 500 nautical miles. JetBlue’s existing fleet of all-core A321neo’s has allowed the airline to enter new and longer nonstop markets not previously possible with other aircraft types.

Optimizing fuel burn is an important first step in JetBlue’s cost-conscious sustainability strategy, and prioritizing fuel-efficient aircraft and engines aligns with JetBlue’s approach to reducing emissions. In 2020, JetBlue became the first major U.S. airline to achieve carbon neutrality for all domestic flights, and later announced its commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.

JetBlue continues to navigate the new travel environment with a steady hand and a long-term view on recovery. The investment in the A321neo with Mint allows the airline to continue to execute its low cost business model, and enables JetBlue to continue to offer low fares to more customers.