JETSTAR will launch Boeing 787 Dreamliner flights between Melbourne and Phuket this weekend as it ramps up the introduction of the next-generation aircraft onto its international routes.

It follows the start of Dreamliner services between Sydney and Phuket yesterday.

From Sunday, the budget carrier will offer one return Dreamliner service between Melbourne and the Thai resort island each week, before operating all three weekly services using the aircraft from March 30.

All three weekly return services between Sydney and Phuket are currently serviced by Dreamliners.

Jetstar Australia and New Zealand CEO David Hall said the airline now had three Dreamliners operating on international routes.

“We’re delighted to be offering this game changing aircraft on services to some of our most popular long-haul leisure destinations,” Mr Hall said.

Jetstar launched its first international Dreamliner service between Melbourne and Denpasar in December, and is progressively introducing the aircraft onto its international routes, with plans to eventually include Singapore, Tokyo, Osaka and Bangkok.

The Dreamliners will replace Jetstar’s Airbus A330 aircraft, which are being transferred to Qantas to replace ageing Boeing 767s.

Thai Airways has announced it will launch Dreamliner services between Bangkok and Perth from July 1.