Air New Zealand Confirms 787-9 Destinations and Seat Selection

Air New Zealand has today confirmed the destinations its new fleet of 10 Boeing 787-9 aircraft will fly to. The primary long-haul destinations for the new aircraft will be Shanghai and Tokyo, it will also service mid-haul destinations including Honolulu - Auckland, Perth and Papeete.

Air New Zealand is the launch customer for the 787-9, the first of which is due to roll off the production line at Boeing in Seattle next month. Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon says the 787-9 is a game changer for the airline.

"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.

"Given our 787-9s will be multiple purpose aircraft - operating both long 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 Business Premier cabin will feature Air New Zealand's signature chalk-colored, luxurious leather armchair which converts to an 180 degree lay flat bed complete with memory foam mattress, duvet and two full size pillows.
• In the Premium Economy cabin the airline has worked with US seat designer Zodiac on a customized seat best described as Business-lite. This comfortable, ink-colored luxury leather seat will have a 41" pitch, a generous 5" wide armrest and a leg rest and extendable foot support which will allow passengers to really stretch out and relax.
• The Economy cabin will feature 16 rows of Air New Zealand's unique and highly popular Kiwi-designed Skycouch seats. This is a row of three seats that converts into a sofa-like flat surface for both rest and relaxation.
• The standard Economy seat in the 787-9 will be also be supplied by US manufacturer Zodiac and customized 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.

Mr. Luxon says 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 long-haul fleet, and will see the Skycouch available on routes into Asia for the first time.