May 27 2019  |  Airline & Terminal News

Air New Zealand commits to eight 787-10 Dreamliners

By Rachel Debling

The new aircraft will have the potential to save 190,000 tonnes of carbon per year

Air New Zealand announced today that it has invested in eight 787-10 Dreamliners powered by GE Aviation’s GEnx-1B engines, a value of US$2.7 billion at current list prices. The actual purchase price has not been disclosed, as is often the case with such orders.

The airline currently operates 13 787-9 Dreamliners. The first of the on-order aircraft will be delivered in 2022, and the new Dreamliners will gradually replace the carrier's fleet of eight 777-200 aircraft, which will be phased out by 2025.

Christopher Luxon, Air New Zealand's Chief Executive Officer, said of the announcement: "The 787-10 is longer and even more fuel efficient. However, the game changer for us has been that by working closely with Boeing, we've ensured the 787-10 will meet our network needs, including the ability to fly missions similar to our current 777-200 fleet.

“This is a hugely important decision for our airline. With the 787-10 offering almost 15% more space for customers and cargo than the 787-9, this investment creates the platform for our future strategic direction and opens up new opportunities to grow."

The agreement also includes options to increase the number of aircraft from eight to up to 20, as well as substitution rights that allow a switch from the larger 787-10 aircraft to smaller 787-9s, or a combination of the two models. Delivery can also be delayed or accelerated according to market demand.

Luxon continued: “Today's news is incredibly exciting for our business and our customers as we continue to invest in the most innovative, sustainable and comfortable aircraft on the market and deliver on our commitment to grow our business sustainably.

“In connecting New Zealand with the world, we naturally offer a high proportion of long-haul flights, and these state-of-the-art aircraft will ensure we continue to operate one of the world's youngest and most efficient jet fleets.”

Christy Reese, Vice President of Boeing Commercial Sales and Marketing for Asia Pacific, also said: “We are honored to extend our deep partnership with Air New Zealand. This is a bold decision by the airline and will help carry forward the ambitions of Air New Zealand for many years to come.

“The 787-10 is the most efficient wide-body in operation today with 25% better fuel costs per seat than the aircraft it replaces. In addition, the 787-10 has 95% commonality with Air New Zealand's existing fleet of 787-9s and will provide the airline with added benefits in terms of capacity and overall operations.”

“GE is honored to be selected to power and support Air New Zealand's new fleet of 787-10 aircraft with our GEnx-1B engines," said Jason Tonich, GE Aviation's Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing. “The GEnx engine is the leading engine of choice on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, with world-class utilization, reliability and fuel efficiency that will benefit Air New Zealand and its customers."


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