Air New Zealand to be first with Boeing 787-9

Air New Zealand will be the first airline in the world to fly the new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in December 2010. The 787-9 has exceptional fuel efficiency and economics, and will offer the economics of large jet transports to the middle of the market, using 20 percent less fuel than any other airplane of its size. Capable of carrying 290 passengers on routes up to 16,300 kilometres, the 787-9 is a slightly bigger version of the 787-8 and has a list price of US$183 million. The super-efficient 787-9 has an innovative new interior environment with higher humidity, wider seats and aisles, and larger windows.