Jetstar has begun operating the 787 on the trans-Tasman on an interim basis through until March 28 as it continues to build crew experience on the new Boeing twinjet.
The Qantas Group’s low-cost carrier will operate the 335-seat 787-8 three times weekly between Melbourne and Auckland (on Mondays, Wedensdays and Fridays), with VH-VKA landing in Auckland at 11:25am on Wednesday morning after operating the first trans-Tasman 787 RPT flight (JQ229).
“The Dreamliner is a destination in itself and we’re pleased that over the next month thousands of Kiwis will be able to experience this unique long-haul aircraft at trans-Tasman prices,” said Grant Kerr, Jetstar’s NZ head.
Even though the 787 is configured with 21 business class seats, Jetstar is not offering a full business class service on the trans-Tasman. Instead the business class seats are being sold as ‘extra leg room seats’.
Once the interim services are completed, the 787 is likely to return to New Zealand in Jetstar colours at some point by mid 2015 once the aircraft has completely replaced Jetstar’s A330-200 fleet to operate the airline’s current Singapore-Auckland flights.
