Air New Zealand (ANZ), a member of Star Alliance, has converted two options it held on Boeing B787-9 Dreamliners into firm orders.
The Auckland-based carrier said it was happy with the performance of the three B787-9s it’s received so far, and plans to use the additional aircraft for network expansion rather than replacement purposes.
The top-up order was made possible due to the carrier’s strong financial results, ANZ CEO Christopher Luxon said during a media event in Sydney. “As the airline’s commercial performance continues to improve, we are focused on reinvesting our profits directly back into the business on products, services and fleet.”
ANZ has recently forged two important new partnerships. From January 6, it will start its own mini-alliance with Star Alliance fellow Singapore Airlines that will see both carriers operate a daily Singapore – Auckland rotation each. ANZ has also signed a statement of intent with Beijing-based Air China to create a strategic alliance next year, subject to regulatory approval.
In other news, ANZ is believed to be close to announcing a new B787-9 destination in the U.S. soon. It already flies to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vancouver. It’s expected that the new route will go to either Chicago or Houston, both hubs of Star Alliance fellow United Airlines, from where passengers have countless onward connections across the U.S., Canada, Latin and South America, as well as Europe.
For more info visit airnz.co.nz
Dominic Sebastian Lalk
