Jetstar Airways has taken delivery of its first B787 Dreamliner, and will use the new aircraft initially to serve domestic routes from Melbourne to the Gold Coast and Cairns.
The low-cost carrier has a further 13 Dreamliners on order, and plans to gradually introduce the aircraft onto its international network destinations, such as Hawaii, Phuket, Bali and Japan.
Each B787 Dreamliner aircraft will feature a two-class configuration, with 21 seats in business class and 314 in economy. The business class seat plan will sport a 2-3-2 layout, while economy class seats are positioned 3-3-3.
In a move to close the gap between low-cost carriers and legacy airlines, Jetstar revealed that inflight entertainment would be available in every seat.
Furthermore, passengers will be able to take advantage of the additional features offered by the Dreamliner aircraft, including electronically dimmable windows, better cabin atmosphere, and larger stow bins.
The B787 will replace the airline’s existing A330s which will be transferred to Qantas, following a refit of the cabins. This will help enable the progressive retirement of the Australian flag carrier’s Boeing 767 fleet. Jetstar is aiming to fly an all-787 long-haul fleet by 2015.
Last month, the low-cost carrier's attempts to enter the Hong Kong market were met with a formal objection by Cathay Pacific (see here).
For more information, visit www.jetstar.com
Clement Huang