The NZPA reports that Air New Zealand had received confirmation today from Boeing that the 787-9 aircraft, originally expected to begin arriving at the end of 2010, were not likely to be delivered until early 2012.
The aircraft were on “firm order” and Air NZ would be “entering into compensation discussions” due to the delay.
Air NZ chief financial officer Rob McDonald said the airline had the flexibility to “ensure no capacity shortfall arises”.
“However, we are yet to determine if there will be any impact on our network expansion plans.”
“We are obviously very disappointed that in the current environment of high jet fuel prices, we will not be able to take advantage of the significantly improved economics that this aircraft will provide in the timeframes we initially expected.”
Air NZ also has four 777-300ER aircraft on order from Boeing which will be delivered on schedule, in 2010 and 2011.
This delivery will enable Air NZ to grow capacity over the period as planned.
The 787-9 will have a range capability of around 13,000km and a 280-seat capacity. The carbon-composite plane promises to cut fuel costs by 20 per cent.
The news of delays comes on the back of Airbus chief executive Tom Enders visit to New Zealand.
In Auckland for a meet and greet visit yesterday, Mr Enders offered sympathy to rival Boeing, The New Zealand Herald reported.
“We have reason to be humble – we had a big screwup on the 380.”
“It underlines how complex building large commercial aircraft is particularly if you want to integrate a lot of new technologies and advances.”
A Report by the Mole from NZPA
