Boeing has delivered Air New Zealand its first 787-9 Dreamliner, the newest model in Boeing’s family of carbon-composite aircraft. The 787-9, certified last month by both the Federal Aviation Administration and the European Aviation Safety Agency, seats 38 more passengers than the 787-8 and offers a range of approximately 8,300 nautical miles—about 450 nautical miles farther than its predecessor.
Air New Zealand has accepted the first of ten 787-9s on order. The Auckland-based carrier’s 787-9 is configured with 302 seats and is scheduled to begin long-haul service in October on the Auckland (AKL) to Perth (PER) route. Boeing also plans to introduce a longer variant, the 787-10, which will accommodate up to 323 passengers and is targeted for initial delivery in 2018.
The 787-9 builds on the efficiency and passenger-comfort innovations of the 787 family, including improved fuel economy and a quieter cabin environment. For airlines like Air New Zealand, the extended range and additional seating capacity allow for longer nonstop routes and greater operational flexibility while maintaining lower per-seat operating costs compared with older aircraft types.
Air New Zealand’s investment in the 787-9 supports the carrier’s network expansion and fleet modernization strategy, providing a modern platform for medium- to long-haul services. The new Dreamliner’s combination of range, capacity and fuel efficiency makes it well suited for trans-Tasman and regional routes as well as longer international sectors.
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Bruce Dickinson, Vice President And Chief Project Engineer, 747 Program, The Boeing Co.