B787-9 Air New Zealand

PICTURE: Air New Zealand 787-9 makes first flight

By: Ellis Taylor

Singapore

Source:

05:17 29 May 2014

The first Boeing 787-9 for launch customer Air New Zealand completed its first flight from Paine Field on 28 May.

Painted in a distinct black livery, the aircraft was taken through its paces, reaching an altitude of 39,000ft and a speed of 360kt during the 3h10m flight over Washington.

Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand has 10 787-9s on order, and will take delivery of its first aircraft in the coming weeks before it enters revenue service in October on the Auckland-Perth route. The first aircraft will be registered as ZK-NZE

Air New Zealand’s 787s are configured with 302 seats, comprised of 18 lie-flat business class seats, 21 in premium economy and 263 in economy class.