Air New Zealand has taken the delivery of its first 787-9 Dreamliner, becoming the launch customer of the wide-body aircraft.
Executives of Air New Zealand and Boeing employees representing the 787 programme joined the celebration of the milestone event, Boeing said.
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Powered by Rolls-Royce engines, Air New Zealand’s 787-9 is part of the airline’s fleet modernisation strategy.
The new aircraft features a unique black livery, and is the first of ten Dreamliners to join Air New Zealand’s fleet.
The 787-9 will be launched in October for the Auckland – Perth route and from and to Tokyo and Shanghai in November this year.
Air New Zealand chief financial officer Rob McDonald said: "We believe it will be a game-changer for Air New Zealand, with increased levels of fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.
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By GlobalData"We look forward to inviting our customers on board to experience the aircraft and all of its benefits for themselves."
The 787-9 has a fuselage stretched by 20ft compared with the 787-8, and can accommodate 40 more passengers.
The aircraft is said to travel an additional 450 nautical miles with 20% less fuel use and 20% fewer emissions over others in the segment.
To date, the 787-9 has logged 409 orders from twenty six customers from across the world, which represents 40% of all 787 orders.
Image: Air New Zealand’s 787-9 Dreamliner. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.
