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Air New Zealand Replacing 777 Aircraft With Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner

May 27, 2019
3 min read
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Air New Zealand Replacing 777 Aircraft With Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner
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Air New Zealand announced that the airline has placed an order for 8 of Boeing's largest 787 Dreamliners, the 787-10. The airline currently operates the slightly smaller Boeing 787-9 as well as the Boeing 777-200ER and 777-300ER. The Boeing 777-200ER will ultimately be replaced by the 8 Boeing 787-10s ordered by Air New Zealand. (For a glimpse at what it's like to ride aboard the extended-length Dreamliner, check out our business class review on United.)

Air New Zealand cites the Boeing 787-10's improved fuel efficiency as the driving factor in the airline's decision to purchase the aircraft. According to the airline, the Boeing 787-10 represents a 25% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to the Boeing 777-200 and will reduce carbon emissions by up to 190,000 tonnes annually.

In a press release, Air New Zealand's Chief Executive Christopher Luxon said that “The 787-10 is longer and even more fuel efficient. However, the game changer for us has been that by working closely with Boeing, we've ensured the 787-10 will meet our network needs, including the ability to fly missions similar to our current 777-200 fleet."

Crews work on the engine of an Air New Zealand Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner prior to the aircraft's delivery. (Photo by Stephen Brashear / Getty Images)

Over the past decade, Air New Zealand has retired numerous older aircraft including the airline's fleet of Boeing 737-300s, Boeing 767-300ERs, and Boeing 747-400s. Currently, the average age of Air New Zealand's fleet is 7.3 years with the airline's Boeing 777-200s among the oldest aircraft in the airline's fleet.

Related: The Best Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access!

The Boeing 787-10 is intended to replace the airline's entire fleet of 8 Boeing 777-200s by 2025. Air New Zealand expects the first Boeing 787-10 to be delivered in 2022 with the airline receiving its final Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners in 2027. Compared to the Boeing 787-9 of which the airline operates 13, the Boeing 787-10 can carry 15% more passengers and cargo.

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Air New Zealand plans on deploying the airline's Boeing 787-10s on routes currently served with the Boeing 777-200. Additionally, the Boeing 787-10 will allow the airline to serve new long-haul destinations.

Air New Zealand's current business class product aboard a Boeing 777-300ER

Of note, the airline has made clear that each of its new 787-10s will lean on GE Aviation’s GEnx-1B engines — the same beasts found on United's 787-10 fleet. For those who have followed the woes of Rolls-Royce and its Trent 1000 engine, the news isn't apt to be all that shocking.

The airline has not released a great deal of information pertaining to seating configuration however, Air New Zealand's widebody fleet is quite consistent with all long-haul widebody aircraft featuring business class, premium economy, and economy class. Additionally, Air New Zealand has confirmed that the Boeing 787-10 will feature the airline's new business class and premium economy products currently under development.

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4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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  • Annual Fee

    $325
  • Recommended Credit

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

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  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.