JetBlue to introduce 'Junior Mint' first class on domestic flights in 2026.

• JetBlue intends to introduce first-class seats on its Airbus aircraft, which won't feature the lie-flat Mint class.
• The seats will be in a two-by-two configuration.
• JetBlue has added more routes to regain a profitable trajectory.

The airline plans to introduce domestic first-class seats on some of its planes without the Mint class in 2026, as part of an initiative to attract higher-paying customers and return to profitability.

JetBlue's Airbus aircraft without Mint seats will have two or three rows of domestic first-class seats, as announced by Marty St. George, the airline's president, in a note to employees.

St. George stated that since the launch of Mint over a decade ago, the idea of expanding a version of it across the fleet has been explored, often referred to as 'mini-Mint' or 'junior Mint.' However, he pointed out that Mint cannot be replicated on shorter flights, so the airline had to devise a solution for passengers who were willing to pay for more space on these flights.

St. George wrote, "We're keeping our ideas under wraps for now, preparing for a 2026 launch. Let's keep our competitors guessing."

JetBlue's former commercial chief, St. George, returned to the airline earlier this year to help new CEO Joanna Geraghty achieve profitability and reduce costs. The airline is now focusing more on its core markets in Florida and the Northeast.

Since its inception nearly 25 years ago, JetBlue has been a leader in the U.S. airline industry, introducing comforts such as seat-back entertainment and an affordable business class, making flying at the front of the plane more accessible to customers compared to major carriers that dominate U.S. air travel.

Since its bid to acquire was blocked and its partnership with ruled anticompetitive, the airline has intensified its efforts to boost sales.

JetBlue is discontinuing some unprofitable routes and making changes to its European service, including a new flight from Boston to Madrid, according to CNBC's report from last week.

The emphasis on premium seats over standard coach seats has intensified in the airline industry due to the post-pandemic trend of leisure travelers being willing to pay more for spacious seating and additional perks such as airport lounges.

On Tuesday, announced that it would assess its premium seat offerings and upgrade some of its planes as part of its global expansion plans following its merger with Hawaiian.

JetBlue earlier this year said it will build its first lounges.