Air New Zealand will operate the world’s first scheduled 787-9 route between Auckland and Perth late next year.
The stretched version the Dreamliner will take to the skies on October 15 and will be operated as part of its alliance with Virgin Australia. Tickets are on sale now.
Air NZ said Dreamliner routes to follow the Perth launch will be Auckland to Tokyo and Shanghai.
The aircraft will have 18 business seats, 21 in premium economy in a 2-3-2 configuration and 263 economy class seats.
Air NZ chief executive Christopher Luxon made the announcement as he opened the carrier’s Customer Innovation and Collaboration Centre in Auckland.
The centre will showcase the interior of the 787-9 and be the creative hub for the airline.
“We are determined to deliver step changes in customer experience and to work with our trade partner to crack business issues and seize opportunities together,” Luxon said. “This centre provides a focal point to bring to life the best of kiwi ingenuity and we will also make it available as a venue for like-minded Kiwi businesses to use.”
