Air New Zealand’s two new Boeing 787-9s roll out of factory, get clearance to take off with bigger payload, fly longer routes
Two new Air New Zealand 787s have completed final assembly at Boeing’s South Carolina plant.
Air New Zealand is the 787-9 launch customer and will be among the first operators to use new rules for the aircraft’s takeoff weights.
The new United States Federal Aviation Administration limits add 10,000lbs (4.53 tonnes) to permitted takeoff weight and 300 nautical miles (555km) to range.
Baden Smith, Air NZ general manager of strategy, networks and fleet, said the upgrade gave the airline more ability to carry extra payload on long routes.
“This innovation gives Air New Zealand the ability to carry more customers and cargo on journeys, including the ultra long-haul Auckland to New York route, supporting stronger global connectivity,” Smith said.
“Our teams are working closely with Boeing as the certification process progresses, and we’re looking forward to welcoming this aircraft into our fleet.”
He said the enhanced range and payload permissions would help support trade, tourism and connectivity for New Zealand.
Boeing said the increased maximum takeoff weight (iMTOW) change gave airline customers the option to carry more payload.
“The first jets built with the capability are now progressing through ticketing and delivery activities.”
Boeing’s 787 chief project engineer John Murphy said airlines wanted more flexibility.
“Some wanted the 787-10 to fly longer missions. Others wanted the 787-9 to carry additional payload with range trade-offs. Boeing designed a solution that delivers both.”
The 787-9 was preparing for its final inspections and flight tests.
Boeing said its engineers engaged with US and global regulators to complete all certification requirements before the first aircraft could enter commercial service.
Boeing said the 787 family already provided up to 25% better fuel efficiency than aircraft they typically replaced.
“The increased takeoff weight preserves that efficiency while adding performance.”
Cath O’Brien, Board of Airline Representatives (Barnz) executive director, said any extra fuel consumption from iMTOW would be balanced against benefits extra cargo and paying passengers would bring.
“The airline will look at the distance the aircraft is required to travel, and the route it is required to travel through, the airport alternates it is required to nominate.”
She said when calibrating fuel requirements, airlines also assessed weather, including weather at the destination.
Currently, airlines were also assessing conflict risks in light of the Iran-Israel-US war.
Air New Zealand started a 787-9 retrofit programme in 2018.
The retrofit project cost $490 million, or $35m for each of the existing 14 aircraft in operation.
A further 10 Dreamliners are on order.
The airline expected the first two new 787-9s to be delivered in the middle of this year.
Air NZ chief executive Nikhil Ravishankar said last month that the new General Electric-powered aircraft supported widebody capacity growth of about 20-25% over the next two years.
The Boeing upgrade emerged about 15 years after the Dreamliner first entered service, with more than 1250 deliveries completed worldwide.
The airline was the launch customer for the 787-9 back in 2014.
John Weekes is a business journalist covering aviation and courts. He previously covered consumer affairs, crime, politics and courts.
- Stay ahead with the latest market moves, corporate updates, and economic insights by subscribing to our Business newsletter – your essential weekly round-up of all the business news you need.