VH-VKA taxis to the terminal at Auckland. (Mike Millett)
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).
This content is available exclusively to Australian Aviation members.
Login
Become a Member
To continue reading the rest of this article, please login.Forgot password?
To unlock all Australian Aviation magazine content and again unlimited access to our daily news and features, become a member today! A monthly membership is only $5.99 or save with our annual plans.
“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.
Still beggars belief that QF Intl are struggling to lower their cost base whilst operating legacy classic aircraft yet Jetstar gets first crack at the B787? I know Joyce really wants to take a sledge hammer to staffing costs but aircraft efficiencies that reduce fuel burn must be part of any cost strategy. Also, it surprises me that collectively on a global or at least alliance scale the airlines seem powerless to drive aviation fuel costs down significantly – they appear to be utterly powerless – presumably OPEC believes they have a captive market that is basically beholden to them.
John Harrison
says:
Yes as Random states, its been beyond my understand since It was announced the Boeing 787’s would go to Jetstar 1st not Qantas. Jetstar should have the old B767-338s to go with their AB330-200s if they want more aircraft. Why give a new aircraft to the “lowcost” side of your business. It just goes to show what Mr Joyce and Co think of Qantas. Enough said I think on this subject.
iscover
random
says:Still beggars belief that QF Intl are struggling to lower their cost base whilst operating legacy classic aircraft yet Jetstar gets first crack at the B787? I know Joyce really wants to take a sledge hammer to staffing costs but aircraft efficiencies that reduce fuel burn must be part of any cost strategy. Also, it surprises me that collectively on a global or at least alliance scale the airlines seem powerless to drive aviation fuel costs down significantly – they appear to be utterly powerless – presumably OPEC believes they have a captive market that is basically beholden to them.
John Harrison
says:Yes as Random states, its been beyond my understand since It was announced the Boeing 787’s would go to Jetstar 1st not Qantas. Jetstar should have the old B767-338s to go with their AB330-200s if they want more aircraft. Why give a new aircraft to the “lowcost” side of your business. It just goes to show what Mr Joyce and Co think of Qantas. Enough said I think on this subject.