Australian budget airline Jetstar received in the past days its second Airbus A321neo. As the airline called an advanced Christmas present. Let’s find out what the news is all about and future fleet plans Jetstar has.
The Arrival of Jetstar’s Second A321neo
This as previously mentioned is the second Airbus A321neo the Australian airline has received from the European manufacturer. Specifically this is a an A321neo LR, the long range version. This new A321neo will fly under registration number VH-OFL.
The airliner will be able to cover quite long routes despite being a narrow body jet. The range of the LR variant of the A321 is of over 6,400km (or 3,500 miles).
This allows the airliner to cover all of Jetstar’s domestic routes along with many of it international ones too. Some of the routes you’ll be able to spot VH-OFL on include among others:
- Melbourne – Brisbane
- Melbourne – Gold Coast
- Melbourne – Bali
- Sydney – Rarotonga
The new generation of Airbus A321neo represents a significant leap forward when compared to the previous versions. Fuel consumption will be reduced by almost 20% while also being up to 50% quieter.
The VH-OFL Cabin Configuration
Jetstar has chosen to fit this its highest density cabin configurations, just as it did on the previous A321neo LR it received (VH-OFE). An all economy class configuration has been chosen for this aircraft type, capable of carrying up to 232 passengers on a full load.
These seats offer an in-seat USB outlet but don’t feature seat-back IFE screens. Instead of offering its IFE system with in cabin hardware, the entertainment system will be accessible via digital streaming technology. Which means that the IFE is accessible via the passenger’s personal electronic devices.
Future Jetstar Fleet Plans
The Aussie airline has on order a total of 18 Airbus A321neo LR planes. Two of which it has already received (VH-OFE and VH-OFL) other 16 still to join the fleet.
Jetstar expects to receive another two of the type in the coming weeks and to have the order completed by mid 2024.