Jetstar 787's coming back?

[henrus]

Perhaps I'm thinking into it too much but a Jetstar 787 just positioned AVV-SYDL

VH-VKH Flight Tracking and History 13-Apr-2021 (AVV / YMAV-SYD / YSSY) - FlightAware

Track VH-VKH flight from Avalon to Sydney

flightaware.com

Jetstar had proposed using 787's on domestic/NZ flights (on the basis that borders stay open). So I wonder if brining one to Sydney is the start of the JQ 787's returning?

 

[milehighclub]

Gareth Evans mentioned on a company town hall that this would be happening and my friends have put in an EOI to work on them so most likely.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Well... that would be of interest if they are offering their 'business' cabin. It's not a bad value product for a short flight of a few hours.

 

[dajop]

Well... that would be of interest if they are offering their 'business' cabin. It's not a bad value product for a short flight of a few hours.

Is the seat really much different to QF’s (or VA’s or ZL’s) 737 business class cabins?

 

[henrus]

Well... that would be of interest if they are offering their 'business' cabin. It's not a bad value product for a short flight of a few hours.

I guess it depends on the route it's put on. I've taken a few BNE-SYD and OOL-SYD 787's as domestic flights (the ones that left from the international terminal).

The prices for business class on those flights were ~$250-400 from SYD-OOL/BNE, in fact, some are still for sale in January 2022:




A lot had changed since then and it's now possible to get Rex or Virgin flights for $299 one way from SYD to OOL in Business.

Strangely some MEL-OOL are still on sale for $299 (which is cheaper than ZL or VA's $349):


Perhaps this is a way for the QF group to dump cheap business class fares on ZL routes without dropping the QF J prices?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Is the seat really much different to QF’s (or VA’s or ZL’s) 737 business class cabins?

Seat wise not so much, a little narrower, but JQ reckons they have an extra inch pitch.

But in terms of overall space, the 787 wins. Dual aisles, dedicated WCs, lots of overhead space. And no status required to book row 1! (or row 3G/J, which probably won't be needed as crew rest to NZ).

 

[Daver6]

Could compete against VA on the transcon routes.

 

[jakeseven7]

Could compete against VA on the transcon routes.

Agree how funny things have changed in a year.... JQ J would probably be preferable to VA J on transcon!

 

[Mattg]

Could compete against VA on the transcon routes.

My understanding is that the Jetstar 787s are slated for use on high-demand domestic routes (think routes like SYD-MEL, BNE-CNS, SYD-CNS, BNE-MEL, OOL-MEL, etc.) rather than the trans-continental services.

 

[dajop]

My understanding is that the Jetstar 787s are slated for use on high-demand domestic routes (think routes like SYD-MEL, BNE-CNS, SYD-CNS, BNE-MEL, OOL-MEL, etc.) rather than the trans-continental services.

Perhaps specifically the routes coloured red in the map below?

 

[justinbrett]

Geez, might actually get some spirits in J!

 

[henrus]

Looks like they'll go up against rex!

Jetstar also expects to deploy up to five of its Boeing 787-8 aircraft, usually flown on international routes, in the domestic market from mid-year until international flying returns. On sale from today, these 335-seat aircraft will initially be flown between Melbourne/Sydney-Gold Coast and Melbourne/Sydney-Cairns.

 

[aikman]

My MEL-OOL flight has been replaced with a 787.

The 'business class' seats have been designated as 'extra legroom' seats which means anyone can select those seats at the 'extra legroom' surcharge of $20, which is included if you buy the max bundle.

 

[henrus]

The 'business class' seats have been designated as 'extra legroom' seats which means anyone can select those seats at the 'extra legroom' surcharge of $20, which is included if you buy the max bundle.

Not bad especially on the SYD-OOL route these flights are ~$44 + $18 for the seat. Puts a bit of pressure on Rex/Virgin now that you can get a business class seat for $62.

Yes you're not getting the full lounge/onboard meal experience however for a $237 saving you can spend that on a nice meal on the ground.

 

[jakeseven7]

That's actually a pretty good deal!

Not that I would fly Jetstar if QF had seats avail at a reasonable price.

 

[2infinity]

It was exciting to read that Jetstar was going to use the 787 domestically. Even made me go check Jetstar website. Unfortunately, I got the usual disappointment I get when Jetstar is involved. The cheap seats available Melbourne - Cairns and Sydney - Cairns are so few and far between that it's pointless. Oh well, I'll get on a 787 one day.

 

[dk4]

Having flown JQ Business between MEL & CNS with a D sticker, let me tell you, you don't do it for the service! The "meal" was a muffin served on a tissue, and choice of drinks throughout the flight. And given the restrictions at their lead in price point, you don't buy it for lounge access or points/status!

It's an interesting value proposition though, for the QAN group product mix - but I think JQ would have to well undercut VA's business price point, because with; a cafe meal, lounge access, and points/status IMO - VA737 J offer beats JQ787 J offer hands down. (Although VA did close their lounge in CNS - poor decision IMO, especially this winter - with limited ability for Australians to fly internationally to chase the sun.)

JQ787 J might come close to beating a ZL737 J service though, as ZL are without FF perks anyway and lounge-less at OOL.

Does JQ have enough Australian based crew to staff their 787 cabins? (I thought most of them were foreign based contract labour?)

 

[Saab34]

These won't be a D Sticker service, they leaving from the Dom Terminal.

It won't be a J service. Your just getting the seat. For $30 bucks or whatever who cares I will happily just take the seat.

 

[Kremmen]

My MEL-OOL flight has been replaced with a 787.

The 'business class' seats have been designated as 'extra legroom' seats which means anyone can select those seats at the 'extra legroom' surcharge of $20, which is included if you buy the max bundle.

Not working that way now. If I try to book a max bundle, it'll charge an extra $40 each way for those seats, even though the initial screen says that "any seat" is included!

 

[henrus]

Not working that way now. If I try to book a max bundle, it'll charge an extra $40 each way for those seats, even though the initial screen says that "any seat" is included

Seems they've realised that people are willing to pay more for the J seats!