Air New Zealand launch customer for new Boeing 787-9 aircraft
Air New Zealand becomes the launch customer airline for the new Boeing 787-9 aircraft following an agreement signed with Boeing to substitute its firm order for four 787-8 aircraft and purchase the latest in the series at an airframe list price of US $183 million each (as at 2006).
Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer, Rob Fyfe said the first of the new aircraft will enter service in December 2010.
“Being the first airline to introduce the 787-9 aircraft will enable Air New Zealand to provide a superior, first to market experience for our customers and is a most desirable position for us to be in given the unprecedented sales success of the Boeing 787 model.”
“The range and seat capacity of the 787-9 is even greater than that of the 787-8 model and this will provide Air New Zealand with new capabilities for our long haul international operations,” said Mr Fyfe.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes Sales Director, Asia Pacific region, Roland Ramirez, says the combination of the 777 and 787 families of aircraft will enable Air New Zealand to “change the game” for trans-Pacific air travel.
“By choosing Boeing for its wide-body fleet and being our launch customer for the 787-9 model, Air New Zealand will now reap the benefits of the 787 operating efficiencies and their passengers will see dramatic changes in their comfort as well. ANZ has certainly raised the bar – these aircraft will offer tremendous flexibility for the airline in terms of its international network,” said Mr Ramirez.
Air New Zealand’s decision also means that the new generation Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 becomes the launch engine for all versions of the 787.
Rolls-Royce President – Civil Aerospace, Mike Terrett said: “In selecting the latest generation of the Trent family of engines, Air New Zealand will benefit from greater reliability and superior economics across its route network. The airline has continually led the field with its decisions regarding the 787 and Trent 1000 programme and we’re delighted to be contributing to their future expansion.”
Branded the “Dreamliner” by Boeing, the structure of the 787 aircraft makes significant use of lightweight high-tech composite materials to deliver operating efficiencies and customer comfort, including higher humidity levels and a more comfortable, lower cabin altitude.
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