Air New Zealand has announced a multi-billion dollar investment in a new fleet of Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners.
The first of eight new aircraft will join the Air New Zealand fleet in 2022 with the remainder delivered at intervals through to 2027. Options are also open to increase the order by up to 20.
Air New Zealand says the order represents a value of US $2.7 billion (NZ$4.1bn) but has “negotiated a significant discount” on current list prices and the parties have agreed not to disclose the actual purchase price.
Air New Zealand chief executive Christopher Luxon says the current fleet of 13 787-9 Dreamliners have proved to be the perfect aircraft for the airline’s Pacific Rim focus.
“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,” Luxon says.
The airline has also negotiated substitution rights that allow a switch from the larger 787-10 aircraft to smaller 787-9s, or a combination of the two models for future fleet and network flexibility.
The new long-haul aircraft will replace Air New Zealand’s fleet of eight 777-200 aircraft, which will be phased out by 2025.
Combined with GE’s GEnx-1B engines, they are expected to be 25% more fuel efficient than the aircraft they’re replacing. Together they will have the potential to save 190,000 tonnes of carbon per year.
