Air New Zealand: Auckland-Perth to be world’s first scheduled 787-9 route
Air New Zealand announced (07-Nov-2013) Auckland-Perth will be the first scheduled route ever operated by the new Boeing 787-9 when the airline takes delivery of the launch aircraft in 2014. Air New Zealand CEO Christopher Luxon said: "The 787-9 is going to be a game changer for Air New Zealand and is a key element in delivering on our Go Beyond growth plan. Not only is the 787-9 around 20% more fuel efficient than the aircraft it's replacing, it also sets a new benchmark for passenger comfort". Mr Luxon said the aircraft will be configured with 18 lie-flat Business Premier class seats in a herringbone layout and a separate 21 seat premium economy cabin in a 2-3-2 configuration, each with its own dedicated bathroom facilities. The two economy cabins will accommodate 263 passengers, including 14 Skycouch rows. Mr Luxon said the 787-9 dedicated routes to follow Auckland-Perth will be Auckland-Tokyo and Auckland-Shanghai. [more - original PR]