Air New Zealand gets set for the 787-9

Certainly there has been compensation but as former CEO Rob Fyfe said it would be more about support packages.

Finally the 787-9 day draws closer for the airline that was second to order the jet in June 2004 after All Nippon Airways.

It seems incredible that it will be almost 10 years later that Air New Zealand will take delivery of its first 787-9. The airline will use its fleet of 10 to both replace 767-300ERs and open new routes.

The key longhaul destinations for the new aircraft will be Shanghai and Tokyo, while it will also service some mid-haul destinations such as Perth, Honolulu and Papeete.

New destinations could well be in India and South America, but Air New Zealand is mum of those developments.

Air New Zealand CEO Christopher Luxon still holds that the “787-9 is a game-changer for the airline” and is lyrical on the impact the 787 will have on the airline’s operations.

“This modern flexible fuel efficient aircraft will not only replace our current fleet of Boeing 767s, it also represents a significant growth opportunity for our business and opens up the prospect of expanding our Pacific Rim footprint,” said Luxon.

In fact if Air New Zealand had to design its perfect dream machine it would be a 787-9.

It gives the airline big aircraft economics with small plane flexibility – perfect for its network and population size.

“Given our 787-9s will be multiple purpose aircraft – operating bothlong and mid-haul sectors – we’ve put a lot of research effort into coming up with four distinct seating selections that meet the customer expectations across the markets it will serve.”

“The 787-9 gives the airline big aircraft economics with small aircraft flexibility.”

The airline will use the 787 to refine its cabin offering.

It will offer a three-class configuration:

• The Business Premier cabin will have the airline’s signature chalk-coloured leather armchair which converts to a lie-flat bed with memory foam mattress, duvet and two full size pillows.

• In the Premium Economy cabin the airline has put aside its award winning Space Seat and worked with US seat designer Zodiac on a customized seat best described as Business-lite. This ink-coloured leather seat will have a 41” pitch, a 5” wide armrest and a leg rest and extendable foot support.

• The economy cabin will feature 16 rows of Air New Zealand’s unique and very popular Kiwi designed Skycouch seats. This is a row of three seats that converts into a sofa like flat surface.

• The standard economy seat in the 787-9 will be also be supplied by US manufacturer Zodiac and customised to Air New Zealand’s specifications including a slim line seat back to enhance the feeling of space, sculpted upholstering and a more flexible headrest.

On the switch from the Space Seat, Luxon told Australian Business Traveller the airline’s new premium economy seat remains a cut above the rest of the industry.

“It’s a really good premium economy, I think others come at this from an economy plus angle” he told ABT.

Luxon also confirmed the new Business Lite seat would appear on next year’s upgrade of its long-range 777-200ER fleet.

The airline says the first of its eight 777-200s will go in for the makeover in the second quarter of 2014, with all eight aircraft to be completed within 12 months.

Luxon added the addition of the 787-9 to the Air New Zealand fleet means the airline will be able to offer a consistent product experience across its longhaul fleet and will see the Skycouch available on routes into Asia for the first time.

While the airline has only purchased 10 787s, it is easy to see the number will at least double once it its bedded down.

The airline’s original order was for a combined 10 777s and 787s with price rights for 42. Thus far the airline has in its fleet or orders for eight 777-200ERs, seven 777-300ERs and 10 787-9s.

At the time of the order, then CEO Ralph Norris said that decision to secure rights to purchase a further 42 aircraft “reflects the airline’s belief in the potential to expand its passenger and cargo business into new long haul destinations and increase traffic from existing core routes.”