Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner visits New Zealand

Boeing pilots have flown the 787-9 Dreamliner to Auckland, home of launch customer Air New Zealand, marking the 787-9's international debut and longest flight since the robust test program began.

 

The second of three 787-9s dedicated to the flight-test program, ZB002, flew direct from Seattle's Boeing Field to Auckland International Airport, departing January 3 at 9:55 a.m. local time and landing 13 hours, 49 minutes later. The airplane is scheduled to continue on to Alice Springs, Australia, for testing in hot weather.

 

The 787-9 will complement and extend the efficient 787 family. With the fuselage stretched by 20ft (6m) over the 787-8, the 787-9 will fly up to 40 more passengers an additional 300nm (555km) with similar environmental performance – 20% less fuel use and 20% fewer emissions than similarly sized aircraft. The 787-9 leverages the visionary design of the 787-8, offering passengers features such as large windows, large stow bins, modern LED lighting, higher humidity, a lower cabin altitude, cleaner air, and a smoother ride.

 

Boeing is on track to deliver the 787-9 to launch customer Air New Zealand in mid-2014. Twenty-six customers from around the world have ordered 402 787-9s, accounting for 39% of all 787 orders.