Jetstar’s first revamped Boeing 787 Dreamliner will take to the skies today, operating its inaugural service from Melbourne to Phuket and giving customers a taste of the new-look cabin and onboard wi-fi on Jetstar’s International 787 network.
The refurbished Dreamliner arrived in Melbourne from Hong-Kong earlier this week after completing a major multi-million-dollar cabin refit, the most significant transformation in the 787 Dreamliner’s history with Jetstar.
The makeover covers both the business and economy cabins, bringing new seating, in-flight Wi-Fi and expanded crew rest facilities that will allow Jetstar to operate flights of up to 16 hours. All 11 of Jetstar’s 787 Dreamliners will progressively undergo the same refit, with the fleet transformation continuing through to late-2027.
Jetstar Group CEO, Stephanie Tully said the return of the first revamped Dreamliner is a real milestone for the airline.
“The cabin transformation is remarkable, but what really matters is what it means for our customers – more comfort, more connectivity, and soon, more destinations.
“We’ve invested heavily in this fleet because we believe our customers deserve access to more low fares on longer international routes, and these refurbished aircraft are how we deliver that. Doubling our business cabin means more people than ever can takeoff in style for less and installing wif-fi capability gives customers can remain fully connected in the air.
“With the capability to fly up to 16 hours, we’re now better placed than ever to connect our customers to more of the world for less. This is just the first of 11 – we’re only getting started.”
New cabins
The business cabin has more than doubled in size, growing from 21 seats to 44 in response to growing demand for premium travel at low-cost prices. The new business seats feature a 38-inch pitch and seven-inch recline, a six-way adjustable headrest, enhanced cushioning, calf and footrests, bi-fold in-arm tray tables with cocktail table, seat back device holders and dual high-power USB-C charging points.
Economy has also been revamped with all-new RECARO aircraft seating. The new economy seats offer a 30-inch pitch and five-inch recline, two inches more than Jetstar’s A320neo and A321LR aircraft. Customers will also benefit from a six-way adjustable headrest, additional in-seat cushioning, seat back device holders and dual high-power USB-C charging points.
Connectivity
For the first time ever on Jetstar’s 787s, customers can stay connected in the air. Jetstar has partnered with Viasat, the same provider used on Qantas flights, to deliver fast satellite-enabled Wi-Fi across the refreshed fleet. The service supports streaming, messaging, browsing, and everyday internet use throughout flights on the revamped 787 aircraft.
Business Class passengers will receive complimentary access to Jetstar’s premium Streaming-Plus product, providing unlimited in-flight entertainment and browsing. Economy customers can also purchase Wi-Fi on board, with two options available at launch:
- Streaming-Plus (unlimited access) from $25^
- Social Plus (basic browsing, social media access & video playback restricted) from $20^
With seatback screens removed, customers are encouraged to bring their own headsets and stream directly to their own devices via the on-board Wi-Fi.
^Wi-fi pricing is introductory and subject to change. Pricing may vary route by route.
Takeoff further
The installation of six lie-flat crew rest bunks at the rear of the aircraft is one of the most significant changes in this refit, allowing the aircraft to travel further, to new destinations. By giving crew the rest they need for longer operations, Jetstar’s 787s will be capable of flights of up to 16 hours, opening the door to exciting potential new routes.
Jetstar already operates its 787 fleet to destinations across Asia, including Tokyo, Osaka, Singapore, Seoul, Phuket, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City and soon, Colombo in Sri Lanka. The extended range capability will give the airline greater flexibility to grow its international network in the years ahead giving customers more choice for international low fares travel.
Business class upgrades
To coincide with the return of the first refreshed 787, Jetstar recently launched BidCash, a new product that gives customers the chance to place a cash bid for a chance to upgrade to a Business Class seat on Jetstar’s international 787 flights.
Jetstar also plans to extend this new and exciting product to Qantas Frequent Flyer members.
