In a long-awaited deal, Air New Zealand has announced that it has selected the Boeing 787-10 to replace its ageing fleet of Boeing 777-200ER aircraft.
The deal, which covers eight firm orders for the 787-10, is worth US$2.7 billion at current list prices, subject to discounts. Air New Zealand has also secured options for another 12 jets of the aircraft type. Additionally, the carrier has opted for full flexibility with its order, allowing it to switch orders to the smaller 787-9 and to accelerate or delay the delivery of the aircraft.
The first delivery is scheduled for 2022 and all aircraft are to be delivered by 2027 when the last Boeing 777-200ER is set to leave the fleet. The new 787-10s will be powered by General Electric’s GEnX engines, contrary to the Rolls Royce Trent 1000 engines on the 787-9. The airline had to ground several 787-9 over the past two years due to engine issues of the Rolls Royce Trent engines.
Air New Zealand operates a total of thirteen 787-9 jets today with a 14th of the type set to be delivered this year. In addition to the 787 Dreamliner aircraft, its long-haul fleet consists of Boeing 777-200ER and Boeing 777-300ER airplanes. On domestic and shorter international routes the airline is in the middle of transforming its fleet to the A320neo and the A321neo. Partner airlines also operate ATR72 and Dash 8 turboprops on behalf of Air New Zealand.
Read more: Air New Zealand adds first Airbus A321neo to its fleet.
Jan-Hendrik is an aviation enthusiast from Germany, loves to travel the world and fly on as many aircraft as possible. His first flight was with a Condor 757 to Spain and has been interested in aviation ever since. His fields of expertise are aircraft accidents and passenger experience (PaxEx).
