Jetstar has confirmed to Australian Aviation that its first 15 Boeing 787s will comprise a mix of 787-8s and -9s as it takes delivery of the Qantas Group’s first 15 Dreamliners.
Spokesman Simon Westaway said that the airline will take the initial eight 787-8s from June 2012 as announced by Qantas earlier this week, with an eventual fleet of 15 787s, comprised of both the -8 and -9 models, although that could still grow in the future. In addition, Jetstar will have 787s based in both Australia and Singapore to serve its growing international network.
“It is our intention to transition in line with the Group’s fleet plan from our existing fleet of A330-200s into the Dreamliner with this new fleet moving onto existing Jetstar international routes, along with consideration of future flying markets including southern Europe and greater levels of Asian services on existing markets or by example the possibility of future serving some Chinese markets through long haul flying,” said Westaway. “It would be our intention to base future B787s in both Australia and Singapore.”
He added that the airline is planning to focus on the larger 787-9 for its eventual fleet. “Over time Jetstar will … ultimately transition into a fuller B787-9 operator, but will launch Dreamliner operations with the B787-8,” he said.
