Jetstar’s first Boeing 787 Dreamliner (VH-VKA) sits at Paine Field earlier today. Photo by Bernie Leighton.
Last weekend, the first of 14 Boeing 787 Dreamliners for the Qantas Group rolled out of the paint hangar at Paine Field. This aircraft will be heading to Jetstar Airways, a Qantas-offshoot low cost carrier (LCC). The delivery will be significant, since as of now Jetstar operates an all-Airbus fleet.
Jetstar currently operates the A320-family on short-haul routes around Australia, the South Pacific, and Asia, while running larger A330-200s on long-haul routes from Australia to Asia & Hawaii. The A330s are a mix of new aircraft and ex-Qantas birds. As the airline receives new 787s, they plan to transition their newer A330s into the legacy Qantas fleet.
Despite this being the first for Jetstar, Boeing has delivered over 100 aircraft to the Qantas Group, ranging from the original 707 up to the 747-400ER (of which they are the only operator of the passenger variant).
The current Jetstar Fleet is made up entirely of Airbus aircraft like the A320 & A330 – Photo: Mal Muir | AirlineReporter.com
As this will be Australia’s first 787 Dreamliner (and the first for the South Pacific region, although Air New Zealand is slated to launch the 787-9) there will be a period of certification and trials required before Jetstar can begin normal operations. No long-haul destinations have been announced as of yet, but they have decided that the aircraft will launch on some of the more popular domestic destinations (Sydney/Melbourne to Cairns/the Gold Coast) first to familiarize staff.
“This first aircraft will be our only 787 to fly domestically before joining our international network, providing a great window of opportunity for thousands of domestic travelers to experience the 787,” Mark Dal Pra, Jetstar Director of the 787 program said. “The technology of the 787 will deliver a superior travelling experience onboard and it’s great to see our first aircraft so close to completion.”
Jetstar’s First 787 inside the Paint Hangar at Everett – Photo: Jetstar
The aircraft will come fitted with the usual 787 features: larger overhead bins, bigger windows that can be dimmed electronically, lower humidity levels, and reduced cabin pressure. Jetstar will fit their new plane with leather seats (the same as their other aircraft) and will feature the latest eX2 Panasonic entertainment system.
Jetstar joins Thomson Airways (UK) and Norwegian as initial LCC’s and charters taking delivery of 787s. This makes sense, as the Dreamliner provides long-haul capacity and 20% lower fuel consumption than comparable aircraft. For a carrier that means one thing: lower operating costs.
“This aircraft technology will allow Jetstar to reduce its operating unit costs,” Mr. Dal Pra said. “This means we maintain our ability to keep offering our low fares while providing a better onboard experience.”
Jetstar’s first 787 is pushed out of the hangar ready to begin test flights – Photo: Jetstar
This is one beautiful bird. I am excited to see this new aircraft flying in my home country and although it’s not in a “proper” Qantas livery, I can’t help but be happy. Now the challenge is, when can I get a ride?
HUGE THANKS TO BERNIE FOR SHARING HIS JETSTAR BOEING 787 DREAMLINER PHOTO!
 | Malcolm Muir, Lead Correspondent. Mal is an Australian Avgeek now living and working in Seattle. With a passion for aircraft photography, traveling and the fun that combining the two can bring. Insights into the aviation world with a bit of a perspective thanks to working in the travel industry. @BigMalX | BigMal’s World | Photos |
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