Air New Zealand Orders 8 Boeing 787-10 Aircraft

Air New Zealand has finalized an order with Boeing for eight 787-10 Dreamliner airplanes valued at $2.7 billion at list prices.

Deliveries of the new aircraft are expected to begin in 2022.

The deal includes options to increase the number of aircraft from eight up to twenty, and substitution rights that allow a switch from the larger 787-10 to smaller 787-9s, or a combination of the two models for future fleet and network flexibility.

"This is an exciting decision for our business and our customers as we deliver on our commitment to grow our business sustainably. With the 787-10 offering around 15 percent more space for both customers and cargo than the 787-9, this investment creates the platform for our future strategic direction and opens up new opportunities to grow," said Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer, Christopher Luxon.

As the largest member of the Dreamliner family, the 787-10 is 224 feet long (68 meters) and can seat up to 330 passengers in a standard two-class configuration, about 40 more than the 787-9.

"Air New Zealand has made very strategic investments in advanced widebody aircraft to build on its status as a leading global carrier connecting the South Pacific with Asia and the Americas. We are very honored that Air New Zealand has selected to add the 787-10 and its unique capabilities to complement its long-haul fleet of 777 and 787-9 airplanes," said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing, The Boeing Company.

Air New Zealand was a global launch customer for the 787-9 and today operates 13 of the Dreamliner variant. With another 787-9 on the way and the 787-10 airplanes in the future, the airline's Dreamliner fleet is on track to grow to 22.

The new Dreamliner aircraft will replace Air New Zealand's fleet of eight 777-200ERs.

See latest HD Video Interviews, Podcasts and other news regarding: Air New Zealand, New Zealand, Boeing.