Jetstar has taken delivery of its seventh Airbus A321neo LR aircraft on May 16, 2023, the Australian low-cost carrier announced.
The newest aircraft had a 20-hour journey from the Airbus factory in Germany which included two stops, before arriving in Melbourne Airport (MEL).
The airline is set to receive another 11 A321neo LR aircraft by the end of 2024, bringing its next generation fleet to 18.
After final preparations and checks by Jetstar engineers at the airline’s hangar in Melbourne, the newest Airbus A321neo will start flying customers in the coming days.
One of its first destinations will be Rarotonga International Airport (RAR) on June 29, 2023, when Jetstar launches the first direct services between Sydney International Airport (SYD) and the Cook Islands.
Jetstar also uses the A321neo on domestic services, and flights between Australia and Bali’s Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS). The airline said that the A321neo’s capability to use up to 20% less fuel helps it deliver on its commitment to providing more low fares.
“Our Airbus A321neo LRs are some of the newest aircraft in the world and our current fleet of six has delivered world beating mechanical reliability for its aircraft type. We are excited to be adding the seventh NEO to our fleet,” Jetstar’s chief operating officer, Matt Franzi said in a statement.
New check-in times
To strive for better customer satisfaction and punctuality, Jetstar also announced that it is making changes to its check-in times for flights out of Australia.
Starting May 23, 2023, check-in and bag drop will close 40 minutes before departure for Australian and New Zealand domestic flights and 60 minutes prior to departure for flights departing from an international terminal.
The boarding gate will close 20 minutes before departure for both domestic and international flights.
“We know our performance hasn’t been up to scratch and we are working hard to boost punctuality and reliability,” Franzi said.
“To improve our performance, we’re also recruiting more airport staff, cabin crew and engineering team members and making changes to our check-in, bag drop and boarding times, to bring them in line with other low-cost carriers around the world,” Franzi added.
Customers will be updated by email, text message, at jetstar.com and via signage in airport terminals.