MELBOURNE- Jetstar (JQ) launches its first refurbished Boeing 787 Dreamliner today on the service from Melbourne (MEL) to Phuket (HKT).
The aircraft introduces a major cabin upgrade that includes new seating in business and economy classes, satellite Wi-Fi, and expanded crew rest facilities.
This multi-million dollar refit marks the most significant transformation in the 787 Dreamliner’s history with Jetstar.
The plane arrived in Melbourne from Hong Kong earlier this week. All 11 Dreamliners in the fleet will receive the same upgrades progressively through to late 2027.
Jetstar New 787 Dreamliner Business Class
The business cabin has more than doubled in size from 21 seats to 44 to meet growing demand for premium travel at low fares.
Each new seat offers a 38-inch pitch, 7-inch recline, 21-inch width, six-way adjustable headrest, generous 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 class now features all-new RECARO aircraft seating with a 30-inch pitch, five-inch recline, and 17-inch width. These seats provide two extra inches of pitch compared with Jetstar’s A320neo and A321LR aircraft.
Passengers also gain a 6-way adjustable headrest, additional cushioning, seat-back device holders, and dual high-power USB-C charging points.
The changes deliver greater comfort across the entire cabin while supporting longer flights.
Jetstar In-Flight Connectivity
Jetstar introduces satellite-enabled Wi-Fi on its 787 fleet through a partnership with Viasat, the same provider used on Qantas flights.
The fast connectivity supports streaming, messaging, browsing, and everyday internet use throughout the flight.
Business Class passengers receive complimentary access to the Streaming-Plus package for unlimited entertainment and browsing.
Economy passengers can purchase Wi-Fi with two options at launch: Streaming-Plus (unlimited access) from $25 or Social Plus (basic browsing, social media access, and restricted video playback) from $20.
Seatback screens have been removed, so customers should bring their own devices and headsets to stream content.
Extended Range and New Routes
Installation of 6 lie-flat crew rest bunks at the rear of the aircraft ranks as one of the most significant changes. This upgrade enables operations of up to 16 hours and opens the door to longer routes.
Jetstar currently operates its 787 fleet to destinations across Asia that include Tokyo (NRT/HND), Osaka (KIX), Singapore (SIN), Seoul (ICN), Phuket (HKT), Bangkok (BKK), and Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), with Colombo (CMB) in Sri Lanka launching soon.
The added range gives the airline greater flexibility to expand its international network while offering more low-fare options.
Business Class Upgrade Options
Jetstar recently launched BidCash, which lets customers place cash bids for a Business Class seat on international 787 flights, starting from just $180.
The airline plans to extend the product to Qantas Frequent Flyer members, allowing bids with Qantas Points through Classic Upgrade Reward and Points Plus Pay options.
With business capacity more than doubled on many routes, more passengers now have the chance to secure an upgrade and travel in greater comfort.
Jetstar Group CEO Stephanie Tully called the return of the first revamped Dreamliner a real milestone. She highlighted that the changes bring more comfort, more connectivity, and soon more destinations while delivering low fares on longer international routes.
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