JetBlue new business class helps diversify leisure travelers base

The mid-June launch of JetBlue Airways new business class cabin “Mint” is proving to be a boon for the airline. Robin Hayes, President of JetBlue Airways, while recently talking to mediapersons said that it is expected that Mint would ramp up rather quickly and start earning profits.

Making a marked shift from its previous egalitarian approach, JetBlue Airways inaugurated its first ever business class flights between New York and Los Angeles. The premium class fares offered to the customers was priced at $599 one-way, which was widely believed to be much less than what is currently being offered by its competitors.

The Mint business class cabin offers the customers fully reclining seats. Some of the premium passengers are even being offered closed-door suites as well. Among other amenities being offered include delicious meals, DirecTV and on-board Wi-Fi.

Apart from New York-Los Angeles route, JetBlue Airways is also planning to offer Mint on some other routes as well. The airline is now planning to begin new flights between New York and San Francisco from October 2014 offering Mint business class cabins to its customers.

Robin Hayes said that the new premium class on JetBlue Airways is helping the airline greatly in diversifying its base of leisure travelers and getting on board more business customers.

According to Hayes, the strategy being currently adopted by JetBlue Airways is similar to many other carriers in the United States which are extensively using luxury-travel privileges to increase their profit margins and effectively counter increasing fuel costs.