Jetstar revels major upgrade to fleet including wi-fi, better seats and longer flights

Jetstar has announced a multimillion-dollar upgrade to its fleet that will transform customers in-flight experience and offer up low-cost travel.

The upgrade of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet will overhaul its economy and business class cabins with more business class seats, on-board Wi-Fi and better crew rest areas to allow them to fly greater distances.

This will open up the possibility of flights to Sri Lanka and India, which can take up to 11 hours.

Growing demand for premium services has meant the business class cabin will double from 21 to 44 seats.

However, among the major updates, the airline is scrapping its in-flight entertainment screens.

All economy and business seats will be replaced with ergonomic designs by RECARO Aircraft Seating featuring seat back smartphone and tablet holders, a power outlet to keep devices charged and six-way headrests for head and neck support.

“To further reduce overall aircraft weight and fuel burn, the fleet’s current seat back screens will be removed, a change facilitated by the rollout of in-flight Wi-Fi and content streaming to personal devices, and the new RECARO seats and exterior paint will also weigh less,” Jetstar said.

However, the airline notes only the business seats will get the benefit of a “generous recline”.

For the first time ever, Jetstar customers will also get access to wi-fi on-board their flight, allowing them to access streaming content and browse the internet.

Jetstar Group chief executive Stephanie Tully said the upgrade will significantly enhance long-haul flying experience for customers.

“Our existing 787 business class offering is extremely popular, so we’re doubling the number of business class seats, and to keep customers connected in the air, we’re introducing on-board wi-fi,” she said.

The airline’s 787 fleet have already transported 18 million passengers to international destinations such as Bali, Honolulu and Tokyo, at budget prices.

The upgrade is forecast to use about 25 per cent less fuel due to lighter weight construction, modern engines, improved aerodynamics and state-of-the art systems.

This will contribute to the airline’s CO2 emissions reduction targets.

The multimillion-dollar investment in each aircraft will be completed during scheduled aircraft maintenance from late 2025.

Detailed design work is currently underway, with more details to be provided in the coming months.