Jetstar on-track to be the first LCC to fly Dreamliner

The B787-8s will gradually replace the Airbus A330s currently used on Jetstar's long-haul international routes from Singapore to Melbourne, Auckland and Beijing. The new aircraft will be configured with Business and Economy Class cabins.

The Jetstar Group is expected to receive the first of 15 B787-8s as part of an order of 50 Dreamliners by parent company, the Qantas Group. Singapore travellers will be among the first Jetstar passengers to fly on the Dreamliner from its expanding Southeast Asian hub.

Group CEO Bruce Buchanan said Jetstar already had three of its 11 long haul aircraft based in Singapore and expected this number to grow over time, particularly as its B787s were delivered.

"Innovation has been central to Jetstar's success and so it's a natural fit for us to be the first low fares airline to fly the Dreamliner," said Mr Buchanan.

"This aircraft will deliver significant savings in fuel and maintenance costs, which is the kind of innovation we rely on to help keep our fares low.

"It will deliver a quantum leap in passenger comfort through improvements like larger windows and better cabin pressure. Passengers can have this experience for less with Jetstar, which is why we refer to ourselves as the smart choice."

The Jetstar Group already has one of the youngest fleets, with an average age of four years compared with the industry average of about 11 years.

Mr Buchanan said Jetstar was making strong progress towards placing three long-haul aircraft onto the local Air Operators' Certificate in Singapore.

"Strengthening the long haul capability of the Singapore hub is key to tapping into growing markets across Asia and linking to our other networks, like Jetstar Japan," Mr Buchanan said.