First refurbished Jetstar 787 Dreamliner takes flight from Melbourne

Jetstar’s first refurbished Boeing 787 Dreamliner operated its inaugural flight from Melbourne Airport to Phuket International Airport on April 7, 2026. The aircraft had arrived in Melbourne from Hong Kong following a multi-million-dollar cabin refit, initiating a fleet-wide upgrade program for all 11 of the airline’s 787s, set to complete by late 2027.

The refit doubled business class capacity from 21 to 44 seats to meet demand for premium options at lower fares. New business seats feature a 38-inch pitch, seven inches of recline, six-way adjustable headrests, enhanced cushioning, calf and footrests, bi-fold in-arm tray tables with cocktail tables, seatback device holders, and dual USB-C charging ports.

Economy received new RECARO seats with a 30-inch pitch and five inches of recline, surpassing the two inches on Jetstar’s A320neo and A321LR aircraft. These include six-way adjustable headrests, extra cushioning, device holders, and USB-C charging.

In-flight Wi-Fi debuted on the 787 fleet through a partnership with Viasat, supporting streaming, messaging, and browsing. Business passengers receive complimentary unlimited access; economy options include Streaming-Plus from AU$25 (US$17) or Social Plus from AU$20 (US$14). Seatback screens were removed, with passengers advised to use personal devices and headsets.

Six lie-flat crew rest bunks were added at the rear, enabling flights up to 16 hours and potential new routes. Jetstar’s 787s currently serve Asian destinations including Tokyo, Osaka, Singapore, Seoul, Phuket, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, and soon Colombo.

Jetstar launched BidCash, allowing cash bids for business upgrades on international 787 flights, with plans to extend to Qantas Frequent Flyer members using points. Jetstar Group CEO Stephanie Tully described the changes as delivering more comfort, connectivity, and destination access.