Air New Zealand Replacing 777 Aircraft With Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner
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."
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.
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.
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.
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.