Quantcast

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

Another city ignores airport commission's advice, zones for housing near JWA
JetBlue is no longer serving hot food in economy class on transatlantic flights
Video shows traveler hurl computer monitor at Frontier employees in Chicago
White House 'in touch' with airlines as hurricanes Helene, Milton spark price-gouging fears
Airline bans two items from luggage amid conflict in the Middle East
Turkish Airlines pilot dies midflight, leading to emergency landing in New York
Spirit Airlines Explores Bankruptcy Filing
Airlines turn to AI to allocate gates and cut waiting times
American Airlines Passengers Save Woman from Alleged Violent Male Companion on Flight
Garuda Indonesia and Japan Airlines (JAL) Form Joint Business Agreement — What To Know
Here's how Southwest Airlines' new seating and boarding process will work
Delta Adds New Route to Asia
Southwest Airlines will begin selling assigned seats in 2025
United Airlines Pilot Buys Passengers Pizza In Albuquerque After Flight Was Delayed 7 Hours
Czech Airlines to Cease Operations, Ending 23-Year SkyTeam Partnership
An Asian airline hopes launching one of the world's longest narrowbody routes will actually be a comfort upgrade for passengers
Airlines begin canceling flights, offering rebooking ahead of Hurricane Helene
Southwest Airlines to cut service and staffing in Atlanta to slash costs
New heights, new features: Discover Alaska’s enhanced Flight Pass subscription service
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
American Airlines welcomes JetSMART to the award-winning AAdvantage program
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
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

Flying Food Group has announced the retirement of Armando de Santiago after 11 years of service at its Denver facility, as said in a LinkedIn post.

Aug 4, 2025

Emirates will introduce a fourth daily flight between Dubai and London Gatwick starting 8 February 2026.

Aug 4, 2025

UPS has operated one of the longest direct air cargo routes in the United States since 2018, connecting Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) in Kentucky with Dubai International Airport (DXB) in the United Arab Emirates.

Aug 2, 2025

The Boeing 737 MAX 10 is the largest version of the 737 family, designed to compete with the Airbus A321neo.

Aug 2, 2025

Russian airline Aeroflot reported significant flight disruptions on Monday, July 28, due to a failure in its information systems.

Aug 2, 2025

After more than four years, American Airlines will reintroduce its Boeing 777-200ER aircraft on the New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) route starting October 6.

Aug 2, 2025