Jetstar transforms Boeing 787 fleet with Wi-Fi and new business seats.

Jetstar is starting a major upgrade of its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner fleet. The first refurbished plane is currently in Hong Kong for a total cabin makeover. It is scheduled to return to service in March 2026.

This project will update all 11 of the airline's widebody aircraft over the next 18 months. Travellers will notice big changes as soon as they step on board. The most obvious change is the removal of seatback entertainment screens.

A New Digital Experience

Jetstar is replacing old screens with high-speed Wi-Fi. This allows passengers to stream content on their own devices. Each seat will now feature a built-in holder for phones or tablets.

To keep devices powered, the airline is installing 60W USB-C ports. These are much faster than the old 15W USB-A ports. According to Boeing technical data, removing screens also reduces aircraft weight. This helps the airline save on fuel costs.

Expanding Business Class

Jetstar is doubling its business class capacity. The number of premium seats will grow from 21 to 44. The airline is using a new ergonomic seat from Recaro.

This seat is the same model used for Emirates premium economy. While these seats do not lie flat, they offer a seven-inch recline. To make room for more business seats, the total plane capacity will drop from 335 to 325 seats.

Reaching New Destinations

A hidden but vital upgrade is the addition of crew rest bunks. These six overhead beds allow pilots and cabin crew to sleep during long flights. This change increases the flying range of the 787 to 16 hours.

With this extra range, Jetstar can look at new cities. Management has mentioned Las Vegas and Cape Town as future possibilities. The first major test for the new fleet will be a route to Colombo, Sri Lanka, starting in August 2026.

Future Fleet Growth

Jetstar is also preparing for new Airbus A321XLR aircraft in 2027. These narrow-body planes will feature business class for the first time. They will fly for up to 9.5 hours, freeing up the 787s for even longer routes.

Key takeaways for stakeholders:

• Increased Revenue: Doubling business class seats targets high-yield premium demand.
• Operational Efficiency: Weight reduction from removing screens lowers fuel burn.
• Network Expansion: New crew bunks unlock ultra-long-haul markets previously out of reach.

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