Thursday, 9 November 2023: Jetstar will invest in a multi-million-dollar upgrade of its existing Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet, providing customers with more inflight comfort and choice, as well as new low-cost travel opportunities.
The upgrade includes overhauling the economy and business class cabins with new seating, inflight connectivity and lie-flat crew rest areas to fly greater distances.
The business class offering will also more than double in response to growing premium demand, increasing from 21 seats to 44.
Jetstar’s 787s have so far operated more than 54,000 flights to international destinations such as Bali, Honolulu, Tokyo, Seoul, Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok, making available more than 18 million low-cost seats.
Jetstar Group CEO, Stephanie Tully said the fleet upgrade will significantly enhance the medium to long-haul flying experience for customers.
“This multi-million-dollar fleet revamp will allow us to offer our customers more choice, comfort and amenities when flying longer distances internationally.
“Our existing 787 business class offering is extremely popular, so we’re doubling the number of business class seats, and to keep customers connected in the air, we’re introducing on-board wi-fi.
“The new crew rest areas mean our crew will be able to get the rest they need to operate longer flights, unlocking the possibility of exciting new destinations like Sri Lanka and India.”
Erika Pearson, Boeing vice president, Commercial Sales and Marketing, Southeast Asia and Oceania said the 787 is designed to operate safely and reliably for several decades.
“Congratulations to our partners at Jetstar on the first of many decades flying the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.”
“This milestone is a testament to Jetstar’s dedication to investing in market-leading environmental performance and providing unmatched comfort to passengers in Australia and across the globe.”
SEATING
All economy and business seats are being replaced with next generation ergonomic designs by RECARO Aircraft Seating.
The seating in economy will feature seat back smartphone and tablet holders, a power outlet to keep devices charged and six-way headrests for head and neck support. There will be no change to the current seat pitch.
In response to growing customer demand for more choice and extra comfort when flying long-haul, Jetstar will increase business seats to 44 from 21. It will also develop new ways for customers including Club Jetstar members to book a business seat.
In the business cabin, the seats will have device holders, a power outlet, headrests and a generous recline.
To accommodate the extra business seats, the total number of seats across the aircraft (business and economy) will drop by 10 to 325.
CONNECTIVITY
For the first time, Jetstar customers will be able to stay connected in the air. Onboard wi-fi will allow for surfing the internet or streaming content from Jetstar’s entertainment collection. Customers will be able to access in-flight connectivity using their own devices.
CREW REST
A new lie-flat crew rest area will be installed above the economy cabin at the rear of the aircraft, so crew are able to get the rest they need to operate longer flights.
These beds will make up to eight business and economy seats, which are currently reserved for crew rest, available for customers to book.
DESTINATIONS
The new crew rest area will give Jetstar a potential extended range, opening the possibility of direct flights from Australia as far as India, Sri Lanka or Africa. No decisions have been made yet about future routes.
SUSTAINABILITY
The 787 burns up to 25 per cent less fuel than previous generation aircraft, with an equivalent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. This is achieved through lighter weight composite construction, modern engines, improved aerodynamics and state-of-the-art flying systems.
To further reduce overall aircraft weight and fuel burn, the fleet’s current seat back screens will be removed, a change facilitated by the rollout of inflight wi-fi and content streaming to personal devices, and the new RECARO seats and exterior paint will also weigh less.
LIVERY
As part of the changes, the fleet will also receive updated Jetstar livery to match the latest aircraft in our fleet, the Airbus A321neo LR.
TIMELINE
The multi-million-dollar investment in each aircraft will progressively be completed during scheduled aircraft maintenance from late 2025. Detailed design work is currently underway, with more details to be provided in the coming months.
