Aircraft

Air New Zealand converts entire 787-8 order to 787-9s

By David Kaminski-Morrow in London

Air New Zealand has converted its order for four Boeing 787-8s into the larger 787-9 variant, and will become the first airline to take delivery of the type.

The carrier was among the first to commit to the 787 with an order for two in 2004, and last year the airline opted to add another pair.

It had selected the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 powerplant for the aircraft and this choice remains unchanged by the decision to convert the order. Rolls-Royce points out that the switch makes the Trent 1000 the launch engine for all three 787 variants.

“Being the first airline to introduce the 787-9 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 787,” says Air New Zealand chief Rob Ryfe.

The 787-9, which has a catalogue price of $183 million, will be delivered to the airline in December 2010.

Star Alliance member Air New Zealand had originally been scheduled to receive its 787-8s in 2010 and 2011. The aircraft is designed to accommodate 250-290 passengers and will have a range of 8,600-8,800nm (15,900-16,300km).