Air NZ doubles order for Boeing 787s to four

A Boeing B777-200ER.

Air New Zealand said today it had placed firm orders for another two Boeing 787-8 "Dreamliner" aircraft costing US$117 million ($168m) each, in addition to the two it already has on order.

The announcement comes as the airline prepares for the delivery of the first of eight new B777-200ER aircraft this Friday.

New chief executive Rob Fyfe said the Government-controlled airline had been guaranteed firm delivery slots for the two additional aircraft.

"This is a most desirable 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," he said.

The Dreamliner 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.

They have a range of 14,800km-15,700km range.

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.

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

- NZPA