Air New Zealand confirms Boeing 787-9 routes

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Air New Zealand has today confirmed the destinations its new fleet of ten Boeing 787-9 aircraft will fly to. The primary long-haul destinations for the new aircraft will be Shanghai and Tokyo, it will also service mid-haul destinations including Honolulu – Auckland, Perth and Papeete.

Air New Zealand is the launch customer for the 787-9, the first of which is due to roll off the production line at Boeing in Seattle next month. Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon says the 787-9 is a game changer for the airline.

“This modern, flexible, fuel efficient aircraft will not only replace our current fleet of Boeing 767s, it also represents a significant growth opportunity for our business and opens up the prospect of expanding our Pacific Rim footprint.”

“Given our 787-9’s will be multiple purpose aircraft – operating both long and mid-haul sectors – we’ve put a lot of research effort into coming up with four distinct seating selections that meet the customer expectations across the markets it will serve.”

· The Business Premier cabin will feature Air New Zealand’s signature chalk colored, luxurious leather armchair which converts to an 180 degree lay flat bed complete with memory foam mattress, duvet and two full size pillows.

· In the Premium Economy cabin the airline has worked with US seat designer Zodiac on a customized seat best described as Business-lite. This comfortable, ink-coloured luxury leather seat will have a 41″ pitch, a generous 5″ wide armrest and a leg rest and extendable foot support which will allow passengers to really stretch out and relax.

· The Economy cabin will feature 16 rows of Air New Zealand’s unique and highly popular Kiwi-designed Skycouch seats. This is a row of three seats that converts into a sofa-like flat surface for both rest and relaxation.

· The standard Economy seat in the 787-9 will be also be supplied by US manufacturer Zodiac and customized to Air New Zealand’s specifications including a slim line seat back to enhance the feeling of space, sculpted upholstering and a more flexible headrest.

Mr Luxon says the addition of the 787-9 to the Air New Zealand fleet means the airline will be able to offer a consistent product experience across its long-haul fleet, and will see the Skycouch available on routes into Asia for the first time.