Boeing (Chicago and Seattle) has released this statement:
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner has been certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for commercial service. Boeing is now in the final stages of preparing for the first 787-9 delivery to launch customer Air New Zealand.
Boeing started its flight-test program with the 787-9’s first flight in September, 2013.
To earn certification for the 787-9, Boeing undertook a comprehensive test program with five airplanes and more than 1,500 hours of flight testing, plus ground and laboratory testing. Following the rigorous and thorough certification process, the FAA and EASA each granted Boeing an Amended Type Certificate for the 787-9, certifying that the design complies with aviation regulations and is safe and reliable.
The FAA also has granted Boeing an Amended Production Certificate, validating that the Boeing production system can produce 787-9s that conform to the design. EASA accepts FAA oversight of Boeing production certificates, just as the FAA accepts EASA oversight of European manufacturers’ production certificates.
The new 787-9 Dreamliner will complement and extend the super-efficient 787 family. With the fuselage stretched by 20 feet (6 meters) over the 787-8, the 787-9 will fly more passengers and more cargo farther with the same exceptional environmental performance โ 20 percent less fuel use and 20 percent fewer emissions than similarly sized airplanes. 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.
Twenty-six customers around the world have ordered 413 787-9s, accounting for 40 percent of all 787 orders.
Copyright Photo: Joe G. Walker/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 787-9 N789EX (msn 41988) lands at Boeing Field after a test flight.
Air New Zealand (Auckland) has announced it has placed an order for 10 Airbus A320neo aircraft (above), one A320ceo and three A321neo aircraft (above, image via Airbus). The signing ceremony took place at the IATA annual meeting today in Doha, Qatar.
In other news, on May 29ย Air New Zealandโs first Boeing 787-9 (ZK-NZE) (above) took to the air for the first time, successfully completing its first production test flight in the skies above Seattle, Washington.
Copyright Photo: Daniel Gorun/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 787-9 ZK-NZE (msn 34334) taxies at Paine Field near Everett, WA.
The aircraft, which is in Air New Zealandโs signature black livery, is currently in the final phases of the delivery process before being formally handed over to the airline as the new owner.
Air New Zealand is the launch customer for the Boeing 787-9 and has 10 of these stretch versions of the 787 on order.
Copyright Photo: Air New Zealand/Boeing. ZK-NZE departs from PAE on its first flight.
This first test flight is known as a B1 flight where the two pilots put the aircraft through its paces thoroughly exercising its systems to verify performance while at the same time the functionality of every aspect of the cabin is tested in-flight.
The distinctive black aircraft departed from Paine Field airport north of Seattle at 1:45 pm (1345) local time. It reached an altitude of 11,800 meters (39,000 feet) and an airspeed of 360 knots which is standard for a B1 flight and returned to Paine Field three hours and ten minutes later.
Boeing (Chicago and Seattle) and Scoot (Singapore) have announced a five-year pilot training agreement to support the airline’s fleet transition to 787-9 Dreamliners.
Under the agreement, Boeing Flight Services, a business unit of Boeing Commercial Aviation Services, will provide 787 flight training to Scoot pilots at Boeing’s Singapore training campus. In 2014 alone, an anticipated 32 Scoot pilots will undergo training.
The 2013 Boeing Pilot & Technician Outlook, a respected industry forecast of personnel demand, projects a requirement for 498,000 new commercial airline pilots and 556,000 new maintenance technicians to fly and maintain the new airplanes entering the world fleet over the next 20 years. In Southeast Asia, 51,500 pilots and 64,700 technicians are needed to fill the gap.
Scoot will acquire 20 Boeing 787-9s beginning in November 2014. A second 787 is due ar the end of February 2015. The airplanes were originally ordered by parent company Singapore Airlines. Scoot currently operates Boeing 777-200s on medium and long haul low-cost flights between Singapore and Sydney, Gold Coast, Bangkok, Taipei, Tokyo, Tianjin, Shenyang, Nanjing, Qingdao, Seoul, Perth and Hong Kong.
Scoot is expected to introduce the new type in December on its routes.
Copyright Photo: Nik French/AirlinersGallery.com. Eventually Scoot will become an all 787 operator (following Norwegian Long Haul) and the pictured Boeing 777-200 ERs will be phased out. Former Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-212 ER 9V-OTA (msn 28507) arrives at Tokyo (Narita).
Scoot:ย
In the meantime, Scoot is running a contest (now extended) to name the first Boeing 787 (below).
Norwegian continues to expand its international operations and has agreed to also lease two 787-9 Dreamliners. Norwegian will put two of the planes in service in 2016 and one in 2017. Today, Norwegian has five long-haul type Dreamliner 787-8 in its fleet and another three on order. In addition, Norwegian has already placed an order for six 787-9s. With this new contract, Norwegian in 2018 will have a long-haul fleet of 17 long-haul 787s.
Facts about Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner:
Holds up to 20 percent more passengers than 787-8
Six meters (20 feet) longer than the 787-8
Significantly greater cargo capacity than the 787-8
Eight percent less fuel per seat than today’s version, which also gives the corresponding reduction in environmental emissions
In other news, Norwegian announced a quarterly loss before taxes of -813 million NOK ($137.6 million). Quarterly earnings were affected by additional costs for hiring of crews and a weak Norwegian crown.
During the first quarter, the revenue increased to 3.55 billion Norwegian kroner, an increase of 22 percent compared to the same quarter last year.
9 million passengers flew with Norwegian representing growth of 24 percent. The traffic growth (RPK) was at 50 percent, which is also linked to each Norwegian passengers now fly much longer than they did a year ago.
The figures also show strong output growth with an increase of 48 percent (ASK). The load factor was 77 percent in the first quarter, up one percentage point compared to the same quarter the year before. Adjusted with extra costs and a weak currency decreased costs (CASK) by nine percent in the first quarter.
Extra costs associated with long-haul operations accounted for 78 million NOK. These costs included the leasing of aircraft, additional fuel and the cost of hotels, food and drink to passengers affected by technical and operational problems with long-distance business.
During the first quarter, Norwegian phased in five new Boeing 737-800s and a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. ย With the Dreamliner (EI-LNE) that was delivered last week, Norwegian now has a total of five long-haul aircraft in service and 12 on order.
Copyright Photo: Duncan Kirk/AirlinersGallery.com. The first, the pictured 787-8 EI-LNA (msn 35304) displays the likeness of Sonja Henie on the tail.
Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi), the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has unveiled the new product and service offering on its Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, including The Residence by Etihadโข, the worldโs most luxurious living space in the air, available only on the airlineโs A380 aircraft.
The Residence Lounge
The Residence (above top and above) will be the breath-taking and completely new forward upper-deck cabin on the A380. Accommodating single or double occupancy, it features a living room, separate double bedroom and ensuite shower room. Guests in The Residence will also have a personal Butler.
The Residence Bed
With the launch of these new fleets, the Abu Dhabi-based airline will also redefine and rename its cabin classes.
First Apartment
The A380 will feature the revolutionary First Apartments (above), which are fully private suites with a separate reclining lounge seat and full-length bed, as well as a chilled mini-bar, personal vanity unit and wardrobe.
Etihad Airways has allocated the upper deck of the A380 to its premium cabins.
First Suite on the 787
On the Boeing 787, Etihad Airways has designed an enhanced First Suite, adding many new features including a chilled mini-bar.
The Business Studio (above) and Economy Smart Seat (below) will feature on both the A380 and the 787.
Etihad Airways is introducing the latest Panasonic eX3 entertainment system across both fleets, providing more than 750 hours of on-demand entertainment, improved gaming and high definition screens across all cabins.
The system has video touchscreen handsets, offering an additional screen for guests to maximize their entertainment, so they can play games or view the moving map while watching a movie.
Noise cancelling headsets are provided across all cabins, with built-in magnetic audio jacks to ensure the best sound quality.
The Airbus A380 aircraft will have full mobile and Wi-Fi service while the Boeing 787 (below) will be equipped with Wi-Fi. Etihad Airways is planning to introduce the Airbus A380-800 on December 27, 2014 on theย Abu Dhabi-London (Heathrow) route.
Etihad is also planning to introduce the Boeing 787-9 on December 1, 2014 between Abu Dhabi and Dusseldorf according to Airline Route. This will be followed by Abu Dhabi-Mumbai service on January 1, 2015 and Abu Dhabi-Washington (Dulles) flights also on January 1, 2015. The Etihad 787-9 features 8 First Suite (1-2-1), 28 Business Studio (Staggered 1-2-1) and 199 Economy Smart Seats (3-3-3).
Unveiled at a global media launch in Abu Dhabi today (May 4), the new cabins and service offering follow the airlineโs pledge to transform air travel and make every guest journey a remarkable one.
James Hogan, Etihad Airwaysโ President and Chief Executive Officer, said: โThese new living spaces will raise inflight product and service standards to their highest level yet in commercial aviation and alter air travellersโ expectations of inflight comfort and luxury forever.
โEtihad Airwaysโ Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 will deliver the most advanced airline cabins in the industry, while meeting all weight, range and cost targets at our desired seat count. This will allow us to offer products unparalleled in quality and style, yet at competitive prices across all three cabins.โ
In 2008, recognizing that no single design agency could deliver its vision for the new cabins, Etihad Airways established the Etihad Design Consortium (EDC) which brought together three leading design companies, Acumen, Factorydesign and Honour Branding to develop innovative cabin and seat designs for the new fleets.
The EDC collaborated with Promise Communispace, a leading co-creation agency, to launch comprehensive consumer research and workshops in Abu Dhabi, Sydney, London and New York, with the goal of understanding what makes a โperfect flightโ and asking consumers to help design the perfect airline.
Eighty percent of the new product offering is a direct result of the feedback and information garnered from these workshops.
Etihad Airwaysโ design vision was to bring the individuality and exclusivity of a luxury boutique hotel experience to the sky in a way that embraced Arabian Modernism, an aesthetic that combines the traditions of the region with contemporary design.
The Residence by Etihadโข
The Residence, which is certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for single or double occupancy, offers levels of luxury and total privacy normally found only on private jets.
Each Etihad Airways A380 will offer a boutique version of The Residence with different color palettes, table marquetry and custom carpets.
Guests in The Residence will have the services of a personal Butler throughout their flight. These fully trained service professionals will receive specialist training at the Savoy Butler Academy in London.
Guests in The Residence will also have a dedicated VIP Travel Concierge team who will ensure every detail of their travel experience, including ground transport, cuisine, and amenities, are tailored to their requirements.
First Apartments
Etihad Airways will redefine First Class and set a remarkable new industry standard with the launch of the First Apartment on the A380.
Nine First Apartments will be installed on the upper deck in a 1-1 configuration creating the only single aisle First Class cabin in the industry.
Each First Apartment, which has a 64 inch high sliding door, includes a reclining armchair and a full-length ottoman, both upholstered by Poltrona Frau. The ottoman transforms into a separate 80 inch long fully flatbed.
The First Apartment, which also includes unique features such as a chilled mini-bar, a personal vanity unit and a swiveling TV monitor for viewing from either the seat or the bed, has a 74 per cent larger footprint than the airlineโs current award-winning First Class Suites.
A fully equipped shower room is available on the A380 for exclusive use by First Class guests.
First Suites
On the Boeing 787, Etihad Airways has designed an enhanced First Suite with many new features. The eight First Suites in a 1-2-1 configuration along a unique curved aisle, another first in commercial aviation.
Each completely private First Suite has a large seat and ottoman, both upholstered by Poltrona Frau, which converts into an 80.5 inch long full-flat bed.
On the center seats, the armrests retract and the suites can be joined to create a โdoubleโ bed. Other features include a chilled mini-bar and a 24 inch TV monitor.
Business Studios
On both the A380 and the 787, Etihad Airways will launch its new Business Studios which provide 20 per cent more personal space than the airlineโs current business class seat.
Configured 1-2-1 in a forward and aft โdovetailโ, the Business Studios all have aisle access and the seat converts into a fully flat bed of up to 80.5 inches long.
With its privacy, ample storage and surface space, the Business Studio has been designed with the diverse needs of the premium business or leisure traveller firmly in mind.
The Lobby
On the Airbus A380, First and Business Class guests will be able to relax in The Lobby which is a serviced lounge and bar area located between the First and Business cabins.
Providing a semi-circular leather sofa, a marquetry table and a large TV screen, The Lobby is designed for relaxing and socialising.
The TV has a USB connection so it can be used for sharing content or it can also be set to the airlineโs Live TV channels for sporting and other events.
Economy Smart Seat
New Economy Smart Seat will offer a unique ergonomic fixed-wing headrest, giving guests a place to rest their head for added comfort and relaxation.
The seat also has a lumbar support feature, allowing guests to adjust their seat comfort, and an 11 inch personal monitor screen, with all the IFE peripherals conveniently set into the seatback in front.
The latest Panasonic eX3 personal entertainment system, of which Etihad Airways is a launch customer, is installed across all cabins
Cabin Entrances
A key design objective for Etihad Airways was to transform the boarding experience making it more akin to stepping into the lobby of a boutique hotel.
In all entry-ways in both aircraft and in all cabins, the galley equipment is concealed behind custom Arabic fretwork screens and blinds, while the trolleys are covered by elegant wood-finish doors, setting a stylish and welcoming environment for all guests.
Importantly for the airlineโs Muslim guests, Etihad Airways has developed prayer areas which can be curtained off for privacy and are equipped with a real-time electronic Qibla-finder showing the exact direction of Mecca based on the aircraftโs geographical position.
In the premium class boarding areas, Etihad Airways will collaborate with cultural institutions in the UAE to exhibit artwork and artefacts in display cabinets installed throughout. Items from the Etihad Airways Boutique Duty Free catalogue will also be displayed.
With the launch of these new aircraft, Etihad Airways will update its dining equipment, amenities and soft furnishings across its entire fleet.
Air New Zealand (Auckland) is now planning to introduce the new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on the Auckland-Tokyo (Narita) route on November 14, 2014 according to Airline Route. The new type will also be introduced on the Auckland-Shanghai (Pudong) route starting on November 30.
The initial inaugural route ofย Boeing 787-9 service remains the Auckland-Perth route effective on October 15. All schedules are subject to change pending certificate and delivery of the new type.
In other news,ย Air New Zealand welcomed the decision, which is the first of two regulatory approvals required, from the Competition Commission of Singapore concerning the proposed alliance between Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines (Singapore). The alliance is also subject to the approval of the New Zealand Minister of Transport.
The Competition Commission of Singapore has found that any competition concerns associated with the proposed alliance are outweighed by the net economic benefits to Singapore.
Copyright Photo: Bernie Leighton/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 787-9 ZK-NZE (msn 34334) is pictured at Paine Field near Everett, Washington fresh out of the paint shop (see video below).
Air New Zealand:ย
Video: The painting of the first ANZ Boeing 787-9:
United Airlines‘ (Chicago) first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner rolled out of final assembly Tuesday evening (April 8) at Boeing’s Everett, Washington, facility. The rollout marks the first major milestone in the aircraft’s production ahead of its expected delivery this summer. The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is the second and newest member of the fuel-efficient 787 family. With the fuselage stretched 20 feet longer than the 787-8, United’s 787-9 will fly more than 30 additional passengers and up to 300 nautical miles farther with the same exceptional environmental performance, including up to 20 percent less fuel burn per seat and up to 20 percent fewer emissions than similarly sized aircraft. The airline is the North American launch customer for the aircraft.
Earlier this year, United announced that it will fly the 787-9 on nonstop service between its hub at Los Angeles International Airport and Melbourne, Australia, beginning in October. The airline will fly the route six times weekly with the aircraft. United will be the first North American carrier to take delivery of the 787-9, and this will be the airline’s first international deployment of the aircraft type.
Over the next several months, the aircraft will move to the next phase of completion, which includes final cabin configuration and painting. United’s 787-9 will be configured with 252 seats โ 48 in United BusinessFirst and 204 in United Economy, including 88 Economy Plus seats with added legroom and increased personal space. United’s first 787-9 will also be one of five aircraft used by Boeing in a flight test program to certify the aircraft.
Boeing (Chicago and Seattle) yesterday (April 5) rolled out of the paint hangar the first 787-9 Dreamliner (ZK-NZE, msn 34334) to be delivered to launch customer Air New Zealand (Auckland), revealing the carrier’s new-look livery. The airplane, painted in a distinctive black color scheme, features the iconic official New Zealand Fern Mark.
This 787-9 is the first airplane to feature the distinctive black version of Air New Zealand’s new-look livery design, with the white version having been gradually rolled out across the airline’s domestic fleet in recent months. While the majority of Air New Zealand’s fleet will eventually feature the white version, a limited number will feature the signature black version.
Air New Zealand plans to have the airplane begin service on its Auckland-Perth route later this year. Air New Zealand has 10 787-9s on order.
The 787-9 will complement and extend the 787 family. With the fuselage stretched by 20 feet (6 m) over the 787-8, the 787-9 will fly up to 40 more passengers an additional 300 nautical miles (555 km) with the same exceptional environmental performance โ 20 percent less fuel use and 20 percent fewer emissions than similarly sized airplanes.
Twenty-six customers from around the world have ordered 405 787-9s, accounting for approximately 39 percent of all 787 orders.
Air New Zealand issued this statement:
The aircraft, which will soon become the first 787-9 in commercial operation, rolled out of Boeingโs paint hangar on Saturday evening April 5 ย and will join the Air New Zealand fleet mid year.
The 787-9 is the first Air New Zealand aircraft to feature the distinctive black version of the airlineโs new-look livery. The white version of the livery has been gradually rolled out across the airlineโs A320 domestic fleet in recent months.
The paint job took five days to complete and was done by 12 painters using around 350 liters of paint.
Air New Zealandโs new livery features the New Zealand Fern Mark, the use of which is authorised by Tourism New Zealand and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. While the majority of the airlineโs fleet will eventually feature the white version of the design a limited number will feature this signature black version.
This aircraft is the first of ten 787-9 Dreamliners to join Air New Zealandโs fleet. Air New Zealand is the global launch customer for the 787-9 which is 20 percent more fuel efficient than the aircraft itโs replacing. The 787-9 will operate the Auckland โ Perth route from October 15, 2014 and to both Tokyo and Shanghai from November.
United Airlines (Chicago) today announced that it will introduce nonstop flights between its hub atย Los Angelesย International Airport and Melbourne, Australia, effective on October 26, 2014ย (westbound), subject to government approval. The airline will fly the route six times weekly with new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.ย United is the North American launch customer for the 787-9, and this will be its first international deployment of the aircraft type.
Flight Schedule
Flight UA 98 will departย Los Angelesย atย 10:30 p.m. (2230) daily except Tuesday and Thursday and arrive inย Melbourneย atย 9:15 a.m. (0915) two days later (all times local).ย On Thursday, flight UA 98 will depart Los Angelesย atย 9:30 p.m. (2130) and arrive inย Melbourneย atย 8:15 a.m. (0815) two days later (all times local). The flights toย Melbourneย will not operate on Tuesdays.
On the return, flight UA 99 will departย Melbourneย atย 11:15 a.m. (1115) daily except Thursday and Saturday and arrive atย Los Angelesย International Airport atย 6:50 a.m. (0650) the same day. On Saturday, flight UA 99 will departย Melbourneย atย 3:15 p.m. (1515) and arrive inย Los Angelesย atย 10:50 a.m.(1050) the same day. The flights toย Los Angelesย will not operate on Thursday.
Flying times will be approximately 15 hours, 45 minutes westbound, and 14 hours, 35 minutes eastbound.
Sydney Schedule Changes
With the launch of nonstopย Los Angeles-Melbourneย service, United will end service between Melbourneย and Sydney.ย The airline will seek to retime its daily departures fromย San Franciscoย andย Los Angelesย toย Sydneyย in order to allow a greater range of connections beyond the hubs and to provide more convenient arrival times for customers on connecting flights fromย Sydneyย toย New Yorkย and other East Coast destinations.
Onboard Products and Services
The Boeing 787-9 aircraft operating the newย Los Angeles-Melbourneย service will offer a total of 252 seats โ 48 in United BusinessFirst and 204 in United Economy, including 63 Economy Plus seats with added legroom and increased personal space.
United BusinessFirst offers a superior business-class service. The BusinessFirst flat-bed seat reclines 180 degrees and features an on-demand entertainment system with touch-screen monitors. BusinessFirst amenities include power outlets, USB ports and multi-course meals with complimentary premium wines and spirits.
Economy Plus seats offer up to five inches of extra legroom, and both Economy Plus and United Economy seats feature adjustable headrests, power outlets and personal seat-back monitors delivering a multi-channel inflight entertainment system on demand.
Boeing 787 Dreamliner
The 787 Dreamliner is revolutionizing the flying experience for United customers and crews while delivering unprecedented operating efficiency, comfort and lower emissions. Customers experience greater comfort with improved lighting, bigger windows, larger overhead bins, lower cabin altitude and enhanced ventilation systems, among other passenger-friendly features. The aircraft’s use of lightweight composites, together with its modern engines and improved aerodynamic design, allow it to fly farther, faster and more efficiently than similar-sized conventional aircraft.
United is the 787 North American launch customer and now has nine Dreamliners in its fleet. The airline has a further 56 Dreamliners on order and expects to take delivery of five more from Boeing, including its first two 787-9s, by the end of 2014.
United inย Australia
United started service toย Australiaย in 1979 and today operates more flights to more destinations inย Australiaย than any other U.S. carrier, with daily flights from itsย San Francisco andย Los Angelesย hubs toย Sydneyย andย Melbourneย and twice-weekly service to Cairns from Guam.ย The airline will begin introducing Boeing 777-200 aircraft to replace Boeing 747-400s on its trans-Pacific services toย Australiaย at the end ofย March 2014.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. United currently operates the original 787-8. 787-8 N27908 (man 36400) departs from Los Angeles International Airport.
Boeing (Chicago) has flown the 787-9 Dreamliner toย 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 fromย Seattle’sย Boeing Field toย Aucklandย International Airport, departingย January 3ย atย 9:55 a.m.ย local time and landing (shown here) some 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 super-efficient 787 family. With the fuselage stretched by 20 feet (6 meters) over the 787-8, the 787-9 will fly up to 40 more passengers an additional 300 nautical miles (555 km) with the same exceptional environmental performance โ 20 percent less fuel use and 20 percent 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 percent of all 787 orders.
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