Air New Zealand expands 787 fleet

Boeing announced today that Air New Zealand has finalised an order worth $700m for four additional 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

Today’s disclosure follows on from the airline's announcement in December 2006 that it would be placing an additional order, bringing the number of 787 Dreamliners in its fleet to eight. Deliveries of the four airplanes will take place from 2011 through 2013.

Air New Zealand was the second airline to order the 787, placing its initial order for two airplanes in 2004. The following year, Air New Zealand ordered two additional Dreamliners. The first of the airline's 787s will be delivered in 2010.

‘These new aircraft are important to Air New Zealand's growth plans over the next decade,’ said Rob Fyfe, CEO of Air New Zealand. ‘Their long-haul capabilities will reach to a variety of destinations in Africa, India, the Americas and Asia, bringing some exciting prospects that we can pursue.’