With the upcoming test programme for the Boeing 787-9 still in progress, the movement to get the delivery aircraft ready for service takes another step.
The first aircraft for Air New Zealand has completed its first test flight after being revealed over a month ago.
Air New Zealand Boeing 787-9 taking off on its first flight, Image Air New Zealand.
And yes, I still think this aircraft looks rather smart in its all-black livery.
The flight was a three-hour ten minute flight test, taking the plane up to 39,000ft at 360knots, representing the first Boeing 787-9 which will enter commercial service with the airline in October between Auckland and Perth.
The aircraft will be configured with:
- 18 Business Class seats
- 21 Premium Economy seats
- 263 Economy class seats.
- Total: 302 seats
The Boeing 787-9 is a stretch of the original 787-8, adding an additional 7 meters to the plane.