Air New Zealand orders eight Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner jets

Air New Zealand has signed a contract to buy eight Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner jets worth $2.7bn at list prices.

The order finalisation follows after the carrier announced a commitment in May.

These new aircraft will be integrated into its fleet of 787-9 and 777 aircraft from 2022.

Under the contract, Air New Zealand can opt to acquire up to 20 aircraft. The order comes with substitution rights that allow the carrier to change from the larger 787-10 to smaller 787-9.

There is also an option for ordering a combination the two models.

Air New Zealand chief executive officer Christopher Luxon said: “This is an exciting decision for our business and our customers as we deliver on our commitment to grow our business sustainably.

“With the 787-10 offering around 15% 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.”

The 787-10 jet is 68m-long and has the capacity to accommodate up to 330 passengers. The plane features a standard two-class configuration and helps achieve 25% better fuel efficiency per seat.

Boeing Commercial sales and marketing senior vice-president Ihssane Mounir said: “Air New Zealand has made very strategic investments in advanced wide-body aircraft to build on its status as a leading global carrier connecting the South Pacific with Asia and the Americas.

“We are very honoured that Air New Zealand has selected to add the 787-10 and its unique capabilities to complement its long-haul fleet of 777 and 787-9 aeroplanes.”