Boeing aims for more fuel efficient deliveries

Air New Zealand has received the first Boeing 777-300ER delivered under a new fuel saving regime.

Boeing says a raft of fuel saving initiatives will eliminate some 3000 tonnes of carbon emissions a year during deliveries of its popular 777 jetliner.

The initiatives include eliminating redundant engine tests, carefully planning delivery routes to cut down on fuel load and using electric carts instead of gas powered vehicles on the runway.

Taken together, Boeing says the plan will save 1,135,000 litres of fuel a year. Air New Zealand was the first airline to receive a 777 delivered using the new initiatives, including a chrome-free paint primer.