It seems the battle to operate services with the Boeing 787-9 is in full swing, with both launch carriers racing to start services.
All Nippon Airways are first out of the trap, with a scenic flight on the 4th August. However, the real fun for passengers will begin on the 7th August 2014 when ANA will deploy the 787-9 on domestic routes, and join the battle of the 787-9.
ANA 787 on its delivery flight – Image, The Boeing Company.
The airline will deploy the Boeing 787-9 between Tokyo Haneda and Fukuoka, Osaka Itami and Matsuyama.
Tokyo Haneda <> Fukuoka NH241 DEPART HND 07:25 ARRIVE FUK 09:15 NH248 DEPART FUK 10:05 ARRIVE HND 11:50 Tokyo Haneda <> Osaka Itami (ITM) NH025 DEPART HND 13:00 ARRIVE ITM 14:05 NH030 DEPART ITM 15:00 ARRIVE HND 16:15 Tokyo Haneda <> Matsuyama NH595 DEPART HND 17:15 ARRIVE MYJ 18:40 NH598 DEPART MYJ 19:30 ARRIVE HND 21:00 Booked Equipment: Boeing 787-9 Aircraft. Commences 7th August 2014. Data AirlineRoute
This will beat Air New Zealand, who took the first delivery of the class, who will commence operations with the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner from 9th August 2014, operating between Auckland and Sydney according to Australian Business Traveller.
However… and it’s a big however, there is currently no fixed flight for this plane to operate on, with morning departure targeted from Auckland. This is currently listed as a Boeing 777-200 at the moment on the Air New Zealand site.
Current results of the booking system – from the Air New Zealand web site.
As usual, when booking inaugural services, the aircraft is not guaranteed, and that you should not book the flight excepting a new plane to turn up at the gate. Bear that in mind if you’re booking… otherwise you could be in for a disappointment…
Guess its a battle for that plane to get in the sky with commercial passengers aboard.
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Is the 787-8 and 787-9 very very similar (the 787-9 is just longer?) In that case, I have a feeling Air New Zealand is still training its crew onboard their new 787-9 since they don’t have any 787-8 whereas ANA already has an established 787-8 crew that they can use for their new 787-9s.