Quantcast

AirTran Airways was the first airline to serve illy coffee in-flight

Airlines begin canceling flights, offering rebooking ahead of Hurricane Helene
Southwest Airlines to cut service and staffing in Atlanta to slash costs
Explore Japan for free? Japan Airlines offers free domestic flights to foreign travelers
Delta named Official Airline Partner of Birmingham City Football Club
American Airlines to Cut These Routes to Las Vegas, Orlando, and More — Here's Why
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
Southwest wouldn't really start charging for bags — right?
JD Power ranked this Midwest airport as the best among largest airports in North America
Alaska Airlines Chief Plans More Routes After a Deal With Hawaiian
Air Canada could begin suspending flights soon as strike deadline nears
JetBlue's new ticket policy entitles every passenger to a carry-on bag
Why United Airlines’ CEO makes as few decisions as possible
American invests in the future of aviation maintenance with new jobs, additional work
DOT probe seeks to determine if frequent flyer programs are fair to travelers
American Airlines flight diverted after passenger starts vaping
Russian Airline Wants $100 Million From Canada for Seizing Its Giant Cargo Plane
Here's where American Airlines is adding flights to Europe in summer 2025
Major airline grounds Airbus A350 fleet, citing faulty engine component
Airline CEO wants airports to cap passengers at 2 alcoholic drinks to limit on-board disruptions
Regulator cuts Malaysia Airlines' air operator certificate duration after probe
United Airlines flight attendants are prepared to strike. Here's why it's still unlikely.
2 workers killed, 1 injured in tire explosion at a Delta Air Lines shop in Atlanta
Emirates Will Buy 5 Airbus A380s From Lessor For $200 Million
Delta Air Lines named official airline of the WNBA
Pair Of C-Suite Officials Depart Wheels Up
LAX Receives Final Cars for People Mover Train
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines merger clears Justice Department hurdle, now faces DOT
Alaska Airlines flight attendants reject new contract, union says there's 'more work to do'
Elliott Investment To Push For 10 New Boardroom Directors At Southwest Airlines
Alaska Air Backs JetZero Blended-Wing Design
AirTran Airways was the first airline to serve illy coffee in-flight
Policy
Webp received 1362249461632918
AirTran Airways | Official Website

In the realm of airline coffee, quality has not always been a focal point, with passengers frequently accepting mediocre options to stay energized. However, recent trends have seen airlines partner with renowned coffee brands, enhancing the travel experience.

United Airlines' collaboration with illy, the esteemed Italian coffee company, is a prominent example. In 2015, United introduced illy coffee on its flights, delighting passengers who long sought a better beverage at high altitudes. A lesser-known fact is that AirTran Airways served illy coffee first, well before United's notable initiative.

In 2009, AirTran partnered with illy, offering illy issimo Latte Macchiato as part of its inflight services, as reported by ADVFN. The drink was complimentary for business class and available for purchase in economy class. This offering was significant for introducing a high-end European coffee brand to the airline industry before it became standard on major US carriers.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

AirTran, originally founded as ValuJet Airlines in 1992, rebranded after merging with AirTran Airways in 1997 following a major setback. Under the AirTran name, the airline broadened its network and enhanced customer service, becoming a formidable low-cost carrier. In 2010, Southwest Airlines acquired AirTran for approximately $1.4 billion, completing the integration by 2014.

United Airlines, although not the first, brought illy to a broader audience. A press release from United Airlines noted that in 2015, the airline replaced its former in-flight coffee with illy's premium blend fleet-wide. This decision responded to passenger feedback advocating for a superior coffee experience, leading to a significant improvement deemed notable by travelers.

Since integrating illy coffee, United Airlines continued to develop this partnership. Notably in July 2024, United announced the introduction of illy Ready-To-Drink Cold Brew on select flights and in United Clubs. As stated by PR Newswire, this expansion aligns with rising demand for cold coffee beverages among younger travelers.

Illy, founded in 1933 in Trieste, Italy, is renowned for its commitment to quality and sustainability. The company offers 100% Arabica beans sourced from across the globe, ensuring a smooth and well-balanced flavor. The brand's recognizable blend and ethical practices make it an appealing choice for airlines looking to enhance their onboard coffee offerings.

While United Airlines championed illy's recognition in aviation, AirTran Airways was a pioneer, introducing illy products to passengers in-flight. Other airlines have also improved their coffee services, reflecting a shift toward better-quality onboard food and drink selections. Notably, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and Emirates have also upgraded their in-flight coffee, partnering with premium brands.

The evolution in airline coffee highlights the importance of meeting passenger expectations. Both AirTran and United Airlines recognized the impact of offering a premium coffee experience, a realization now shared by many carriers worldwide.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Every now and then, ambitious aircraft concepts emerge that capture attention but often do not materialize.

Jun 8, 2025

Long Beach Airport has announced a new daily nonstop service to Baltimore Washington International (BWI) through Southwest Airlines.

Jun 7, 2025

Lidl workers in Belgium initiated a strike and blockades on June 5, following similar actions in France and Italy.

Jun 6, 2025

Delta Air Lines is expanding its flight offerings for the 2025 pro football season, introducing new routes and increasing capacity to accommodate fans traveling to major games.

Jun 6, 2025

National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President and CEO Ed Bolen addressed the U.S. House Aviation Subcommittee, emphasizing the urgent need to reform the nation's air traffic control (ATC) infrastructure.

Jun 6, 2025

Last month, over 130 volunteers from Delta Air Lines and several partner organizations collaborated to construct a new playground in College Park, Georgia.

Jun 6, 2025