Dreamliner comes to Melbourne on first Australian domestic flight

Jetstar passengers will experience the quieter and more fuel efficient aircraft from mid-2013 when the airline becomes the first carrier in Australasia, and the first low cost carrier in the world, to fly the B787.

Victorian Minister for Aviation Gordon Rich-Phillips welcomed the VIP delegation travelling on board the aircraft’s first Australian domestic flight from Sydney to Melbourne, including Jetstar Group CEO Bruce Buchanan.

Jetstar expects to operate the B787* across its existing long haul network from Melbourne, Sydney and the Gold Coast to destinations such as Bali, Bangkok, Phuket, Tokyo, Osaka, Singapore and Honolulu.

Mr Buchanan said preparations for the Dreamliner to enter service in 2013 were well-advanced and being led from Melbourne.

“Jetstar is a Melbourne-born company that is successfully exporting its low fares know-how to other markets around the world,” Mr Buchanan said.

“We’re proud to call Melbourne home and our team based here will coordinate the entry of this innovative aircraft into our fleet.”

Victorian Minister for Aviation Gordon Rich-Phillips said several key components for the Dreamliner would be manufactured in Melbourne by Boeing Aerostructures Australia.

“The Dreamliner is at the cutting edge of aircraft design and our involvement in manufacturing parts for the aircraft is testament to Victoria’s world class aerospace and aviation capabilities.”

Around 1,000 people are employed directly by Jetstar in Victoria, not including additional economic activity via suppliers.

*Subject to regulatory approval