Sneak peek inside Jetstar’s upcoming A321neo LR aircraft
Expect wider seats, more overhead storage, flip-down tablet storage and more.
Earlier in the year, Jetstar revealed that it would be introducing the next generation of Airbuses to its fleet in 2020.
Now, the low-cost airline has given us a super sneak peek into what customers can expect from it.
Named the Airbus A321neo LR, it's a long-range aircraft capable of flying 1,200 kilometres further than the current generation of A321s. To give you an example of exactly how far that is, it can travel from Avalon to Bali or from Cairns to Auckland in a single flight.
For now, the plan is to deploy it onto domestic routes where there is demand, as the intention is to free up some of the airline's Boeing 787s for international long-haul journeys.
This is partly due to the aeroplane's configuration, which features a single cabin (so sadly this means no business class seats) and only has a single aisle.
Comfort, however, is at the forefront of Jetstar's mind, and the Airbus A321neo LR will feature the widest cabin for a single aircraft.
As a result, seat width has been increased from the standard 17.9 inches to 18.2 inches and tapered armrests have been installed to maximise space.
Seat pitch remains the same as the A321s at 29 inches for the majority of seats.
Other added comforts include 40% more space in the overhead bins, colour LED lighting that adjusts throughout the flight, in-seat USB power and flip-down tablet and smartphone storage. This will be coupled with the ability to digitally stream Jetstar's in-flight entertainment onto your own device.
From a green perspective, the A321neo LR is a more environmentally-friendly option than the rest of Jetstar's fleet. Not only does it burn 15% less fuel than its predecessors, but it also produces 50% less aircraft noise and features lighter galley carts and freight containers, which will contribute to the removal of 170kgs off each flight.
Advanced weather technology systems will also enable pilots to pre-predict and navigate more fuel-efficient paths during adverse weather conditions.
"Combining a smaller environmental footprint together with wider, ergonomic seats, greater stowage and in-flight streaming for personal devices, we think customers are going to love them," said Jetstar Group CEO Gareth Evans.
The first of Jetstar's 18 commissioned A321neo LR aircraft will launch in August 2020. The full fleet is expected to land by 2022.