It was planned to utilise the aircraft both
internationally and on domestic routes,
replacing the reliable-yet-ageing Boeing 767-
300ER eet that had formed the backbone
of domestic trunk routes since 1995.
The 787’s early life was characterised by
delays as manufacturer Boeing struggled with
the monumental task of creating a commercial
aircraft unlike anything then on offer.
A series of highly publicised delays meant
the rst 787 wasn’t rolled out until July 2007.
Further setbacks led to the maiden ight not
taking place until December 2009, well past
Qantas’ original planned entry dates fo its
787s. Further delays ensued leading to the
rst Dreamliner delivery for launch customer
ANA not taking place until September 25,
2 011.
For its part, Qantas continued to
operate its Boeing 767 eet domestically,
while the purchase of Airbus A330s (as
well as a transfer of some aircraft from
mainline services) enabled Jetstar to start
international operations.
In 2012, the carrier dramatically
reorganised its international business in
an attempt to stem losses and revitalise its
appeal in a crowded market. Key to the new
strategy was an unprecedented ten-year
partnership with Emirates, a move that saw
Qantas transfer its European connection hub
from Singapore to Dubai.
Starting in 2013, its Airbus A380s
started ying to London via Dubai, while
existing Boeing 747-400 services to to lessbusy destinations such as Frankfurt were
withdrawn, as the airline codeshared with
Emirates to locations throughout Europe.
London is now the only destination served in
Europe by Qantas.JETSTAR
Despite delays and slumping pro ts, Qantas
Group nally took possession of its rst
Dreamliner in October 2013. This ‘dash
eight’ model, registered VH-VKA, was
handed over to Jetstar and began scheduled
ights on November 13.
This aircraft was the rst of 11 for
the budget carrier, which con gured its
eet in a two-class layout, sporting a
modest Business Class cabin in a 2-3-
con guration, as well as a larger economy
cabin in the standard 3-3-3 layout.
The aircraft are owned by Qantas and
leased to the low-cost subsidiary, meaning
the mainline unit gained valuable experience
with the aircraft; including delivery processes,
introduction into service and maintenance.
Jetstar used its Dreamliner eet to
expand services into Asia, and as each
new aircraft arrived an existing A330 was
transferred back to the parent organisation.
However, while Jetstar celebrated its
newest aircraft, the mainline eet was
experiencing a dramatic restructuring of its
own, off the back of an unprecedented loss
of AU$2.8bn in 2014. The airline moved
quickly to accelerate its transformation
programme, which included further routehttp://www.aviation-news.co.uk 19Below: The Economy Class cabin sports
maroon seating with adjustable headrests.
All photos Chris Frame, unless stated
Below right: Large in- ight entertainment
screens are available in all classes, pictured
are those in Economy.
Bottom: The Premium Economy cabin is
nished in brushed aluminium and grey
fabrics.
Bottom right: The 787’s Business Suite is an
updated version of that used on the A
eet, with movable dividers.18-21_quantasDC.mfDC.mf.indd 19 04/12/2017 14: