Airline News
ANZ converts B787-9s options to firm orders
December 16th 2014
Air New Zealand (ANZ), a member of Star Alliance, has converted two options it held on Boeing B787-9s into firm orders. The Auckland-based carrier said it was happy with the performance of the three ‘stretched Dreamliners’ it has received, and plans to use the additional aircraft for network expansion rather than replacement purposes. Read More »
The top-up order was made possible due to the carrier’s strong financial results, ANZ CEO, Christopher Luxon, said during a media event in Sydney. “As the airline’s commercial performance continues to improve, we are focused on reinvesting our profits directly back into the business on products, services and fleet.”
ANZ is believed to be announcing a new B787-9 destination in the U.S. this week, either to Chicago, Houston or Las Vegas, with the bets on Chicago. Luxon this week announced the carrier’s first South American destination, a three times a week B777-300ER service from Auckland to Buenos Aires from December, 2015.
Meanwhile, Virgin Australia says it has reaped the benefits of its alliance with ANZ. According to accounts filed in Australia, the airline’s operations in New Zealand boosted its earnings on routes across the Tasman Sea. The ANZ – Virgin and Qantas – Emirates alliances account for almost 98% of passengers between Australia and New Zealand.
