Several Jetstar Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliners have been grounded because of technical issues, leading to widespread cancellations affecting thousands of low-cost airline passengers.
In an official statement, which was seen by the BBC on September 6, 2022, Jetstar Airways confirmed that its 787 fleet “has been impacted by a number of issues, including a lightning strike, a bird strike, damage from an item on the runway”. The aircraft have been temporarily grounded due to safety concerns.
The Australian air carrier also said that some of the planes cannot resume operations citing the delay of “a specific spare part” delivery related to ongoing global supply chain issues.
“The part has to be road freighted across the US,” the Melbourne-based airline said.
The ongoing technical problems have significantly affected Jetstar operations. Since September 1, 2022, the airline had canceled eight flights between Bali and Australia, leaving around 4,000 leisure travelers stranded. As of September 6, 2022, up to 200 passengers are still waiting for a return flight to Australia.
“The majority of impacted passengers have now been re-accommodated and our teams are working hard to find the remaining 200 or so impacted passengers an alternative option,” a Jetstar Airways spokesperson told Australia’s Herald Sun.
“Our teams are working hard to get passengers on their way as soon as possible – we are putting on five special services to bring people home and booking seats on Qantas flights also,” the air carrier explained.
While Jetstar has not specified the exact number of jets grounded, at least four of the airline’s Dreamliner have currently been removed from active operations, Planespotters.com data indicates.
According to Flightradar24.com, aircraft holding registration number VH-VKA, VH-VKB, VH-VKJ, and VH-VKL, have not taken off for more than a week.