This month, Air New Zealand celebrated a decade of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner soaring through the skies of Aotearoa. On 11 July 2014, ANZ flew the Dreamliner into Auckland for the first time after it had signed on to be the global launch customer for the aircraft.
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In the years since, the aircraft has redefined long-haul travel for millions of passengers. Air New Zealand has carried more than 11 million customers on 59,000 Dreamliner flights, resulting in a remarkable 475,000 flying hours. Looking to the future, Air New Zealand is continuing to invest in the Dreamliner, with its current fleet getting an upgrade, as well as having 8 new Dreamliners on order.
“We will soon become the first airline in the world to fully retrofit a Dreamliner nose to tail. This means we will begin introducing our brand new cabin interiors on our existing aircraft, including our redesigned Business Premier cabin, a brand new hard shell Premium Economy seat, and updated product throughout Economy”, said Air New Zealand Chief Customer and Sales Officer Leanne Geraghty.
“In 2025, we’re expecting the delivery of our first new Dreamliner from Boeing. Our first aircraft will include our new interior products and will have the added bonus of the highly anticipated Skynest. We know our customers are eagerly anticipating the next evolution of our Dreamliners and we can’t wait for them to experience our most innovative aircraft to date.”
Fast facts on Air New Zealand’s 787-9 Dreamliners
– In 2004 Air New Zealand placed its first order for the 787 Dreamliner
– On 1 January 2014 a Boeing 787-9 test aircraft visited Auckland
– Air New Zealand headed to Seattle on 29 May 2014 to operate a test flight above the city
– On 11 July 2014 Air New Zealand became the launch customer of the 787-9 Dreamliner
– Air New Zealand operated its inaugural commercial Dreamliner flight from Auckland to Perth on 12 September 2014
– The 787-9s are up to 20% more fuel efficient with 20% fewer emissions than similarly sized aircraft
– Dreamliners offer an enhanced onboard experience, with large windows, large stow bins, modern LED lighting, higher humidity, a lower cabin altitude, cleaner air, and a smoother ride
– Air New Zealand’s Dreamliners have completed 59,000 flights, resulting in 475,000 flying hours
– More than 11 million passengers have experienced the comfort and innovation of the Dreamliner with Air New Zealand
– Air New Zealand has 8 Dreamliners on order, with the first expected to arrive in 2025