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Air New Zealand Doubles Its Order for Boeing 787 Aircraft

Posted on: Thursday, 27 October 2005, 21:00 CDT

Air New Zealand announced today it has placed firm orders for two additional Boeing 787-8 aircraft at a list price of $117 million each (as of July 2004), in addition to the two it has already on order.

Branded the "Dreamliner" by Boeing, the structure of the B787-8 aircraft makes significant use of lightweight, high-tech composite materials to deliver operating efficiencies and customer comfort, including higher humidity levels and a more comfortable, lower cabin altitude.

"This is a great position for us to be in given the unprecedented sales success of the Boeing 787 model and enables us to plan for the airline's long-term needs," said Rob Fyfe, Chief Executive Officer. "Being one of the first airlines to introduce the 787 will enable us to provide a superior, first to market experience for our customers and allows Air New Zealand to consider new routes beyond its current network."

The range of the B787-8 is 8,000 - 8,500 nautical miles with a 230-250 seating capacity. While Boeing has yet to confirm actual configuration details, it is expected that the B787-9 model will offer the same range capability with 20-50 more seats.

The announcement comes as the airline prepares for the delivery of the first of eight new B777-200ER aircraft this week. Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Rob Fyfe says Air New Zealand has been guaranteed firm delivery slots for the two additional aircraft.

As part of its international long-haul fleet strategy, Air New Zealand plans to have all of its eight B777-200ER aircraft in service by early 2007 and introduce the B787-8 aircraft during 2010 / 2011.

About Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand offers more direct flights to the South Pacific than any other airline, including flights from Los Angeles to New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Australia, Fiji, Tahiti, the Cook Islands, Tonga and Samoa. Air New Zealand now offers non-stop service from San Francisco to Auckland and Los Angeles to Christchurch, the gateway to New Zealand's South Island. United Mileage Plus, US Airways Dividend Miles and Air Canada's Aeroplan members earn and redeem mileage on selected flights. The readers of leading travel magazines consistently rate Air New Zealand among the world's best international airlines. Visit Air New Zealand online at www.airnewzealand.com/usa or www.airnewzealand.com/canada or call 1-800-262-1234 in the USA and 1-800-663-5494 in Canada.

Source: Business Wire

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