Jetstar Airways today announced the introduction of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner on all long haul routes between Queensland and Japan from 5 September*.

The delivery of three more 787s to Jetstar’s fleet in the first quarter of FY15 paves the way for the introduction of the aircraft on services from Cairns to Tokyo (Narita) and Osaka.

Jetstar Australia and New Zealand CEO David Hall said the airline was delighted to be offering the 787 to even more customers. “These are Jetstar’s eighth and ninth Boeing 787 routes and it means that all of our long haul Japan routes from Queensland will be operated by the aircraft,” Mr Hall said.

“Jetstar was the first low fares airline in the Asia Pacific to take delivery of the 787. We now operate the aircraft into Bali, Phuket and Thailand and we’ve operated more than 900 commercial flights since the aircraft was introduced in December last year.

“It’s a very special day for Jetstar as Cairns was one of the first ports to receive the 787 when we launched domestic flights, and I’m delighted the 787 will again be a familiar sight when it takes off on 14 August from Cairns to Tokyo (Narita).”

Jetstar operates four 787s and the arrival of three more means Jetstar is well progressed through its fleet plan to move from a hybrid fleet of Airbus A330 aircraft and 787s to a full Boeing long haul fleet by the end of 2015.

“As 787s continue to join our fleet, our customers will see even more benefits,” Mr Hall said.

“Operating the 787s, which are more fuel efficient, means we are able to keep our fares low and offer an exceptional onboard experience for our customers.”

Delivery of the 787s to Jetstar will see its existing A330s transferred to Qantas, following a refit of the cabins. This will then enable the progressive retirement of Qantas’ Boeing 767 fleet.

*subject to government and regulatory approval