Jetstar has operated its inaugural 787 revenue flight, with its first 787-8, VH-VKA, operating flight JQ432 between Melbourne and the Gold Coast on Wednesday.
More than 250 passengers including Jetstar CEO Jane Hrdlicka and representatives from Boeing and General Electric were aboard the flight, which departed a wet Melbourne Airport at just after 11am and touched down at the Gold Coast 1 hour 39 minutes later. The crew was led by Captain Peter Terrill and cabin manager Andrew Pahuru.
“Today, we celebrate Jetstar being the first low fares airline in Asia Pacific to start commercial 787 services,” Hrdlicka said.
“Our customers will experience a step change in their comfort onboard and fly on the most modern and passenger friendly aircraft available.”
VH-VKA returned to Melbourne that afternoon on the reciprocal JQ435 service. On Thursday was due to operate a return service to Cairns. Over the next four weeks the aircraft is due to operate daily return services from Melbourne to Cairns and six weekly return services from Melbourne to the Gold Coast. The first international service, between Melbourne and Denpasar, Bali is scheduled for December 18.
