Following their initial announcement in May, Air New Zealand has finalised their Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner order.
The contract will see Air New Zealand purchase eight 787-10 Dreamliners and have the rights for 20 options, in a deal worth an estimated $2.7 Billion. The deliveries will take place from 2022 to 2027.
“This is a hugely important decision for our airline. 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.”
Air New Zealand CEO Christopher Luxon.
Unlike their 787-9 Dreamliner fleet, Air New Zealand has selected General Electric GEnx engines over the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000s to power their fleet of 787-10’s.
The initial expression of interest in May had the airline note that the decision to choose GE engines was not related to the ongoing problems with the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000s. Rather, Air New Zealand maintained the GEnx was a better fit for their operational plans.
“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.”
Currently, the Air New Zealand widebody fleet includes 13 Boeing 787-9’s and 16 Boeing 777’s (-200ER and -300ER) which will be progressively replaced by the 787’s.
For those interested in additional details, here is the original order post:
I flew to NZ 12 days ago.
I flew back to Vancouver a couple days ago.
It was a direct flight both ways.
All I can say is air travel to NZ has only become
better than ever.
The staff are first class, the service was first class.
I am 75, and flew to NZ first in 1965.
Flying international really is better than flying
locally down there in the past.
Thank you for good flights, in spite of my sore bum.
Pierre