Air New Zealand
The carrier plans to add eight super-efficient 787-10 airplanes to its growing Dreamliner family. Credit: Air New Zealand Communications.

Air New Zealand has made a commitment to purchase eight Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner aircraft worth $2.7bn at list prices.

The carrier has stated that the Boeing 787-10 complements its 787-9 and 777 fleets as the aircraft has been designed to offer greater efficiency and more seats.

Boeing 787-10 is the largest plane of Boeing’s Dreamliner family. The 224ft airline can serve up to 330 passengers in its standard two-class configuration and nearly 40 more than the 787-9 model.

The aircraft has been designed to achieve up to 25% better fuel efficiency for every seat compared with previous models.

Air New Zealand chief executive officer Christopher Luxon said: “This is a hugely important decision for our airline. 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 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.”

Air New Zealand operates 13 of the Dreamliner variant and was a global launch customer for 787-9. The Dreamliner fleet will grow to 22 with the launch of another 787-9 and the 787-10 aircraft in future. Seven 777-300ERs and eight 777-200ERs are part of Air New Zealand’s widebody fleet.

“The 787-10 is longer and even more fuel efficient.”

Boeing Company senior vice-president of commercial sales and marketing Ihssane Mounir said: “Air New Zealand is one of the world’s leading long-haul carriers that has built an amazing network to connect the South Pacific with Asia and the Americas.

“We are honoured that Air New Zealand has chosen to grow its future with the 787-10, the most efficient widebody airplane flying the skies today.

“With the 777 and now the 787-9 and 787-10, Air New Zealand will have an incredible widebody family to serve its passengers and grow its international network in the years ahead.”