Air New Zealand, the national airline of New Zealand, plans to make the first Boeing 787 Dreamliner flight by mid-2014.
The Kiwi - under whose flag it flies Air New Zealand - signed for 10 aircraft Boeing 787-9 Dremliner, this being greater than 787-8. The aircraft will have a capacity of up to 300 seats and will be configured in 3 classes: business, premium economy and economy.
After several years of delay, Kerry Reeves, Air New Zealand's Program Director, says he is confident the first 787-9 Air New Zealand will fly in the middle of 2014. You know how it is said: Better late than never!
The new aircraft will replace the current Boeing 767-300ER models and will be used on average flights between Australia and Japan, as well as new longer international flights.