Air New Zealand looking for new widebody order for 2019.
Jeff McDowall Air New Zealand Chief Financial Officer said “The airline is working towards placing an order with Airbus or Boeing for new widebody aircraft by early 2019″
Since the replacement of the airlines Boeing 777-200ER fleet was discussed at the investor day in Auckland on Thursday. As a result the first aircraft would arrive by late 2022. In addition Jeff McDowall said ” We’ve got an opportunity, and a need to actually replace our 777-200 fleet between 2023-2025 ”
Air New Zealand has a variety of widebody aircraft. First of all Air New Zealand has 8 777-200ER configured with 312 seats. In addition they also have 7 Boeing 777-300ER with a configuration of 342 seats. Finally also holding 11 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner ranging from 275 seats to 302.
In conclusion there are no “bad choices” when it comes to replacing the 777-200 aircraft. Ranging from the 787 family and the 777-x family. Most noteworthy is the A350 family. In regards to the A350 McDowall Said ” If we got those, essentially we would be able to put those where the 777-200s fly today”
In addition the airline still has two 787-9’s on order. Therefore already a familiar aircraft for Air New Zealand and would fit seamlessly with the existing fleet.
