The latest addition to JetBlue’s fleet, an A220, features Ultraleather Promessa AV, a performance fabric from manufacturer Ultrafabrics and its partner Tapis. JetBlue revealed the A220, the first of its new A220-300 series, on 12 January 2021.
The A220 interior is outfitted with the Collins Meridian seat, customised in direct response to customer feedback, and features a number of design elements with comfort and convenience in mind. According to Mariya Stoyanova, director of product development at JetBlue, one of the most noticeable innovations is the added seatback cushioning and headrest padding made from the new, softer, animal-free ‘leather’ material from Ultrafabrics – Ultraleather Promessa AV.
Promessa AV from Ultrafabrics is a Japanese-crafted leather-alternative product designed specifically for comfort. Ultrafabrics’ proprietary production process, Takumi Technology, creates a four-layer construction that includes a microfoam layer. This provides an extra layer of support, acting as a heat dissipation layer to enhance both physical and thermal comfort for the guests. The Promessa AV product line also includes an inherent EPA-registered antimicrobial solution, for added protection from micro-organisms.
The Promessa AV product from Ultrafabrics marks a great collaboration between two New York-based companies. “It was a fantastic experience working with another local New York-based company in JetBlue,” said Perry Hodge, vice president of transportation at Ultrafabrics. “Throughout these difficult times and seeing New York, in particular, struggle through the pandemic, it’s fantastic to see two strong New York companies launch such a creative and class-leading new passenger experience.”
Tapis is Ultrafabrics’ exclusive agent in the aviation industry and the brands have worked together for more than four decades to bring future-forward ideas to the aviation industry. From commercial airlines to private jets, Ultrafabrics’ fabrics are used for seating, headliner, bulkhead, sidewall and other vertical surfaces.
“While we’re a global company, working with such a great customer in our own backyard was a great experience,” said Matthew Nicholls, sales director at Tapis. “You can tell how much JetBlue cares about its passenger experience given the lengths and details they went into, within the development process.”
The JetBlue project is just the latest aviation interior for Ultrafabrics and Tapis. The companies recently contributed fabric solutions to the Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo vessel.
The JetBlue aircraft is scheduled to be deployed across the route network as soon as possible, but exact routes are not yet clear. Transcontinental and international destinations are a possibility.
“With the A220 we’ve taken a state-of-the-art aircraft and added our award-winning touch to bring to life an experience only JetBlue could dream up,” said Jayne O’Brien, head of marketing and loyalty at JetBlue. “We look forward to welcoming customers on board our newest aircraft with incredible onboard comfort and one-of-a-kind design elements and unparalleled entertainment and connectivity.”
