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Air New Zealand congratulates Boeing on successful 787-9 test flight

Direct News Source

18-Sep-2013 Air New Zealand's aspiration to further enhance the commercial performance of its international business took a big step forward today with the completion of the inaugural test flight of the Boeing 787-9.

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon says that as the launch customer of the revolutionary new plane there was a terrific level of interest in the historic test flight from Seattle this morning.

"Air New Zealand congratulates Boeing on what it has achieved today. This is a significant milestone in a programme that will enhance the travel experience for friends, families and businesses connecting around the world. We are hugely excited knowing that in less than a year Air New Zealand will be the first airline to take the 787-9 into commercial service," Mr Luxon says.

"The 787-9 will be a game changer for Air New Zealand. Not only is it significantly more fuel efficient than the aircraft it is replacing, the 787-9 also represents a significant growth opportunity for our business as it opens up the prospect of expanding our Pacific Rim footprint. We look forward to welcoming the first of our 10 new 787-9s into our fleet mid next year."