Air New Zealand has committed to buying eight Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner aircraft, a deal which it says has a value of $US2.7 billion ($NZ4.12b).
But the airline says it has negotiated a “significant discount”, as is usual, and has agreed to not disclose the actual purchase price.
The aircraft, powered by GE Aviation’s GEnx-1B engines, will join the Air New Zealand fleet in 2022. The airline says they will have the potential to save 190,000 tonnes of carbon per year.
Air New Zealand currently operates a fleet of 13 787-9 Dreamliners.
“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,” chief executive Christopher Luxon said.
“This is a hugely important decision for our airline. With the 787-10 offering almost 15 percent more space for customers and cargo than the 787-9, this investment creates the platform for our future strategic direction and opens up new opportunities to grow.”
These new long-haul aircraft will replace Air New Zealand’s eight 777-200 aircraft, which will be phased out by 2025.
The first new aircraft is expected to join the fleet in late 2022 with the remainder delivered at intervals through to 2027.
