Air New Zealand is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Boeing 787-9 operations, an aircraft for which it was the launch customer. Since its introduction, the airline has carried over 11 million passengers on 59,000 Dreamliner flights, totaling 475,000 flying hours.
Leanne Geraghty, Air New Zealand's Chief Customer and Sales Officer, highlighted the transformative impact of the Dreamliner on long-haul travel. "From day one, customers have been captivated by the Dreamliner’s features," she said. The aircraft introduced significant advancements such as electronically dimmable windows and a cabin pressurized at 6,000 feet to enhance passenger comfort. Additionally, it featured an onboard turbulence management system for smoother rides.
Geraghty also noted that the Dreamliner marked a shift in technology with touch screen in-flight entertainment and a state-of-the-art flight deck for pilots. The aircraft's design contributes to its fuel efficiency, being 20 percent more efficient than similarly sized planes. This efficiency aligns with Air New Zealand's decarbonization goals.