AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Boeing and Air New Zealand announced the airline plans to add the largest 787 Dreamliner model to its fleet with a commitment to buy eight 787-10 airplanes valued at $2.7 billion at list prices. The carrier says the 787-10 complements its current 787-9 and 777 fleet.
"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," said Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon.
The 787-10 is the largest member of the Dreamliner family. At 224 feet long (68 meters), the 787-10 can serve up to 330 passengers in a standard two-class configuration, about 40 more than the 787-9 airplane. The airplane allows operators to achieve 25 percent better fuel efficiency per seat compared to the previous airplanes.
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 will grow to 22. Air New Zealand's widebody fleet also includes seven 777-300ERs and eight 777-200ERs, which it is progressively replacing with the aircraft order announced recently.
