Revamped Jetstar planes have one new feature everyone has been asking for
Updated . First published at
The first of Jetstar's revamped planes has officially taken off, giving travellers a chance to experience a new-look cabin and upgraded features.
The Aussie low-cost carrier is refreshing its 11 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and one new addition is something plenty of travellers have been asking for.
Passengers will notice there are no longer any seat-back video screens, and fliers are instead being encouraged to use their own devices.
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Jetstar's new economy seats will have USB-C charging ports. Supplied
However, you won't have to worry about running out of battery as Jetstar's new economy seats provide two USB-C charging ports, and faster charging (60W compared to 15W).
As power-bank use being increasingly restricted on flights, and most aircraft still only offer traditional USB ports this is a welcome addition.
Gone are the days when you'd need to ensure you pack an 'old-school' USB cord to be able to charge your phone.
If you still use an older Lightning cable for an iPhone, for example, Jetstar confirmed there will not be any traditional USB ports onboard.
However, if you're caught out, multi-converting cords will be available to buy from the crew via the onboard menu.
Inside the new Jetstar planes
The refurbished Dreamliner will fly its inaugural service from Melbourne to Phuket following a multi-million-dollar cabin refit across both the business and economy cabins.
All 11 of Jetstar's 787 Dreamliners will progressively undergo the same revamp, with the full fleet transformation expected to be completed in late-2027.
All seats across business and economy have had a refresh. Supplied
One of the biggest updates include the addition of on-board WiFi.
For the first time, passengers will be able to buy WiFi on board. The airline has partnered with Viasat (the same provider as Qantas) to deliver the satellite‑enabled Wi‑Fi.
The service will support streaming, messaging, browsing, and everyday internet use.
The WiFi service will be complimentary for business class passengers.
Economy customers can purchase Wi-Fi on board, with two options available at launch (subject to change):
- Streaming-Plus (unlimited access) from $25
- Social Plus (basic browsing, social media access & video playback restricted) from $20
Jetstar Boeing 787 Dreamliners are all being upgraded. Jetstar
Sophie Dawson, 787 Cabin Refresh Program Manager, said as part of the refresh every seat across the aircraft has been replaced and screens were removed.
"The intent of this program is to make our whole 787 fleet fit for the future," she said.
"The new seats don't have seat-back screens and that's a massive positive for our customers," she added, pointing to the reduced weight of the aircraft and flexibility to stream from your own device as major plus points.
One thing to note however is that travellers will need to ensure they bring their own headphones.
"We already encourage our 787 passengers to bring their own headphones to help us reduce landfill. But this is even more important on the refreshed 787s, as we will not be providing headphones on board," the airline noted.
New crew rest area
The new aircraft have also introduced expanded crew rest facilities that will allow Jetstar to operate longer flights.
New crew rest areas have been fitted. Supplied
"What that has enabled us to do is to extend the range of this aircraft so we can fly it further international up to 16 hour flights," Ted Knight, Head of Network and Fleet Strategy, said.
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 airline says the extended range capability will give offer greater flexibility to grow its international network in the years ahead and give customers more choice for international low fares travel.
