ANA sets 07-Aug-2014 as date for first scheduled flights with 787-9

All Nippon Airways (ANA) stated (31-Jul-2014) it would launch scheduled services to three domestic Japanese destinations using 787-9 equipment from 07-Aug-2014, which is two days ahead of Air New Zealand's planned commercial service inauguration with the aircraft type. The 395-seat aircraft will be introduced progressively on routes between Tokyo Haneda and Fukuoka, Osaka (Itami) and Matsuyama as ANA becomes the first airline in the world to operate the scheduled service of 787-9 equipment. In addition to the first 787-9 going into service in Aug-2014, ANA is scheduled to take delivery of a further two aircraft in the fiscal year ending Mar-2015. For the launch of international services, ANA has selected the 215-seat version of the aircraft, which is 46 seats more than the existing 787-8 currently used on international long-haul routes. ANA will focus on utilising the 395-seat version of the 787-9 on major domestic routes to maximise passenger numbers, while also lowering operational costs. On ANA's international network, the plan is to utilise the 787-9 to increase capacity on some long-haul routes to Europe, North America and other key destinations which are at present served by the smaller 787-8 or to replace larger aircraft currently operating the routes. This will help ANA to maximise commercial returns, stabilise operating costs and enhance its ability to win more passengers and bigger cargo demand. [more - original PR]