Jetstar Airways is enhancing its international Boeing 787 fleet as part of a significant revamp aimed at increasing the appeal of its business class offerings. This transformation entails more than doubling the size of the business class cabin from 21 seats to 44, resulting in a reduction of 33 economy seats. While the new seats will still resemble premium economy recliners rather than true lie-flat business class beds, they are designed to cater to budget-conscious leisure travelers, effectively creating a ‘business class on a budget’ experience. After flying on the first of the refurbished jets from Melbourne to Singapore, here’s what travelers should know about the new business class experience on Jetstar’s 787 fleet.
Jetstar commenced operations with the Boeing 787 in October 2013, ahead of its parent company Qantas by four years. The ongoing makeover affects the airline’s 11-strong Dreamliner fleet, with the first upgraded aircraft now serving long-haul routes, including flights to destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket, Singapore, and Ho Chi Minh City. The complete upgrade of all 11 Dreamliners is scheduled for completion by late 2027. The refurbishment also includes the installation of a crew rest compartment equipped with six bunk beds for pilots and cabin crew, allowing for longer flight durations of up to 16 hours. Although new long-range routes have yet to be announced, potential destinations include Las Vegas, India, and Cape Town.
Three primary changes characterize the new business class on Jetstar’s 787: the absence of seatback screens, the introduction of Wi-Fi, and the switch to USB-C power outlets. Jetstar’s decision to forego screens aligns with a growing trend in aviation, recognizing that most travelers prefer to use their personal devices for entertainment. Passengers will need to bring their own headphones, as these are no longer provided. The upgraded aircraft will feature satellite Internet, with business class passengers receiving complimentary access, though the service may experience occasional interruptions. Furthermore, only USB-C outlets will be available, with two high-power ports per passenger, catering to modern travel technology.
The new business class seating arrangement maintains a 2-3-2 layout, featuring six full rows of seats and an additional pair in a corner. The seats, sourced from Recaro, are the same model used by various airlines for premium economy, albeit without the extensive customizations seen in other carriers’ versions. While the seat pitch remains at 38 inches, the design aims to provide a comfortable experience with a seven-inch recline and supportive calf-rest and leg-rest features. However, there is still limited storage for personal items, with only a small seat-back pocket available for essentials.
As for in-flight connectivity, Jetstar offers two Wi-Fi packages: Social-plus for light usage at $25 and Streaming-plus for $30, which supports more data-intensive activities. Each business class passenger is provided with a unique login code for complimentary access to the Streaming-plus service.
Travelers seeking to identify whether they are on an upgraded 787 can do so through the seat selection chart: three rows indicate the original configuration, while the new layout features six and a half rows of business class seats.
Source: Executive Traveller
