JetBlue Shows Off BlueFirst Seats Ahead of December Debut

JetBlue is showing off its new BlueFirst domestic first-class seats at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Wednesday as the airline expands premium seating under its turnaround plan.

The airline says BlueFirst's first revenue flight is scheduled for December 8 between Boston and Fort Lauderdale, with select Fort Lauderdale-LaGuardia flights to follow within days. Additional routes and aircraft will be added in the weeks and months ahead.

The dedicated two-by-two cabin offers recliner seats with five inches of recline and up to seven inches of extra legroom compared with JetBlue's Main seats. It also includes 13.3-inch seatback screens with Bluetooth connectivity, priority boarding and baggage benefits. Meals are planned for flights of 899 miles or longer, with premium snacks on every BlueFirst flight.

BlueFirst is intended for aircraft and routes where JetBlue's Mint business-class product is not offered. JetBlue says the product will eventually reach more markets across its network, including Latin America and the Caribbean, as aircraft are refitted.

The rollout comes as JetBlue seeks to return to operating profit next year. CEO Joanna Geraghty told CNBC that the airline has met with some creditors as part of normal investor engagement and has no plans to file for bankruptcy or reorganize.

JetBlue says introductory BlueFirst fares started at $249 one way on selected routes when sales opened in October. Actual prices and availability depend on the flight, travel date and fare rules.