Jetstar's long-haul Boeing 787 fleet is undergoing a significant transformation, with 7NEWS providing an exclusive first look at the extensive retrofit work. The first of 11 aircraft is currently in Hong Kong, where new business and economy class seating is being installed, alongside the introduction of WiFi for the first time in the fleet.
New Upgrades and Features
In a move to enhance passenger experience, Jetstar will implement a bidding system called BidCash, allowing economy class passengers to upgrade using cash, with plans to eventually accept Qantas points. Prue McKenzie, Jetstar's Executive Customer and Digital Manager, announced that customers can start using this system from Tuesday, emphasizing its simplicity and affordability for securing better deals on flights.
Enhanced Cabin Layout
The retrofit in Hong Kong more than doubles the Dreamliner's business class cabin to a total of 44 seats. These new seats offer 38 inches of legroom, making them comparable to Qantas domestic class seats on aircraft like the Boeing 737 and Airbus A220 / A321XLR. Additional features include a cocktail table for added convenience.
Route Adjustments and Future Plans
The Boeing 787 is utilized on Jetstar's longer routes to destinations such as Thailand, Japan, and Vietnam. Notably, it is no longer used on shorter flights to Bali, which now operates with a single-class economy service only. The cabin overhaul will span the entire Jetstar 787 fleet over the next two years and will include a crew rest area, enabling the aircraft to be deployed on even longer flights, including new routes like Colombo starting in August.
How BidCash Works
Eligible customers for a BidCash upgrade will receive an email in the days leading up to their flight, subject to business class seat availability. Bidding starts at competitive prices, for example, $180 for flights to Ho Chi Minh. Passengers can access the BidCash site to participate in this innovative upgrade system.
