A new generation of long-haul flying launches in Australia this week, as Jetstar introduces its first refreshed 787. The aircraft, VH-VKK, returned to service after nine weeks of work in Hong Kong. The multi-million dollar refresh includes all new cabins nose-to-tail, plus installation of inflight internet service on board.
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.
– Stephanie Tully, Jetstar Group CEO
Updated Cabins
Jetstar’s premium cabin (Jetstar calls it business but it is decidedly more of a premium economy product) will more than double in the revised layout, now offering 44 more spacious seats. Pitched at 38″ with a 7″ recline, the premium seats from Recaro also include a six-way headrest, plus calf and foot rests for comfort
Jetstar’s premium cabin more than doubles in size, now flying with 44 Recaro seats on board the refreshed 787s (image via Jetstar)
Economy class flies with a 30″ pitch and 5″ recline on all-new Recaro seats. The new seats also feature device holders for passenger comfort when using their own devices for entertainment. Which, incidentally, is the only option available.
Massive IFE/C Shift
Jetstar’s new cabins remove the in-seat entertainment offering, no doubt a move to save weight and costs for the carrier. That cut is offset by the introduction of inflight internet. Similar to parent Qantas, the Jetstar IFC solution is powered by Viasat‘s global Ka-band satellite network.
Unlike Qantas, however, the inflight internet service comes with a cost (as did the now discontinued entertainment offering, at least in economy class). The company shared initial full flight pricing of A$25 for streaming service or A$20 for a Social Plus plan, including basic browsing, social media, and limited video playback.
Jetstar will also provide a wide selection of new release and classic movies, TV episodes, and other entertainment content via the streaming interface for those who purchase internet access. A limited selection of content, including an inflight map and Jetstar TV, will be complimentary.
Dual USB-C is the future of inflight power for Jetstar, backed by the Burrana RISE platform
All seats nose-to-tail are fitted with dual 60W USB-C power ports from the Burrana RISE platform. Jetstar is the launch customer of Burrana’s power-centric cabin architecture, integrating passenger service functionality (ie reading light and call button controls) directly into the RISE Power platform. The resulting streamlined seat architecture simplifies installation and reduces weight while providing a full complement of passenger features.
Extending the Range
With the refresh Jetstar also installed crew rest facilities on board. These sleeping bunks allow the carrier to serve routes with augmented crew requirements, extending the range to 16 hours. The carrier has not yet announced new ultra long-haul markets, but CEO Stephanie Tully teased more destinations coming to the carrier’s route map as additional aircraft work through the retrofit process.
The full fleet of 11 planes are expected to be flying in the new configuration by the end of 2027.
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Seth Miller has over a decade of experience covering the airline industry. With a strong focus on passenger experience, Seth also has deep knowledge of inflight connectivity and loyalty programs. He is widely respected as an unbiased commentator on the aviation industry.
He is frequently consulted on innovations in passenger experience by airlines and technology providers.
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