Air New Zealand has revealed the destinations it will fly the Boeing 787-9 to, and what seating will be installed.
The ultra fuel-efficient aircraft will initially serve the two key long-haul destinations Shanghai and Tokyo, which went daily in January (see online news January 29), as well as mid-haul destinations such as Perth, Honolulu and Papeete, Tahiti.
The carrier has confirmed that it has no plans to use the aircraft on US or UK routes at this time.
Air New Zealand is the launch customer for the B787-9, a stretched version of the Dreamliner, with a total of ten on order. The carrier is expecting its first delivery at the beginning of next year, and hopes to enter it into service by mid-2014.
Chief executive officer Christopher Luxon said the aircraft would allow ANZ to replace its current fleet of B767s. “It also represents a significant growth opportunity for our business and opens up the prospect of expanding our Pacific Rim footprint,” Luxon said.
The seating will be in three classes. The Business Premier cabin is fitted with angled lie-flat seats, complete with memory foam mattress, duvets and two full-size pillows.
The premium economy seats are designed by Zodiac and offer a 41-inch pitch with an extendable foot support.
The economy cabin will feature 16 rows of Air New Zealand’s Skycouch seats (see online news December 2010). The rest of the cabin is fitted with slim-line Zodiac seats.
Air New Zealand revealed new black and white liveries earlier this month (see online news June 11), which will appear on its B787 Dreamliner.
Scott Carey
