Jetstar Dreamliner flights take off across the Tasman today

26 February 2014 Auckland (1 page)

Jetstar Dreamliner flights take off across the Tasman today

- Jetstar begins Boeing 787 flights between Auckland and Melbourne for one month

- Travellers experience an innovative long haul aircraft at a trans-Tasman price

- More than 500 passengers on the inaugural flights

Jetstar begins the first-ever Boeing 787 commercial service across the Tasman today with the aircraft due to touch down in Auckland from Melbourne late this morning and return this afternoon.

The Dreamliner has been scheduled to fly between Auckland and Melbourne three times a week for the next month to give Kiwi travellers a chance to experience the innovative long haul aircraft.

Jetstar was the first Asia Pacific low cost carrier to take delivery of the Dreamliner, receiving its first aircraft in September last year. The airline currently has three Dreamliners in its fleet with several more on order and will have transitioned to an all 787 long haul fleet by 2015, replacing Airbus A330 aircraft.

Grant Kerr, Jetstar Head of New Zealand, said that more than 500 people would be flying on the inaugural 787 trans-Tasman flights today and many more over the coming four weeks.

“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.” To mark the first commercial 787 trans-Tasman flights the Dreamliner will be greeted with a water arch welcome when it touches down at Auckland Airport later this morning and Jetstar will host a gate-lounge celebration for passengers and invited guests, including Hon Todd McClay, Associate Minister of Tourism.

Jetstar’s 787s carry 335 customers and feature a 21 passenger business class cabin and 314 seats in economy, with inflight entertainment in every seat. While full business class service will not be offered on the trans -Tasman schedule, the business cabin can be purchased as an extra leg room seat.

Key features of the Dreamliner include larger dimmable windows, technology to provide a smoother ride, a quieter cabin, and improved cabin pressure and humidity to reduce jet lag.

The 787 uses 20 percent less fuel than similarly sized aircraft, offering better sustainability and helping Jetstar to keep its fares low. More details on the Jetstar Dreamliner are available at the Jetstar website.

ENDS

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