The Boeing 787-9 will make its international debut this month with a visit to its launch customer in Auckland, New Zealand.
“Boeing is proud to bring the 787-9 to Auckland to show Air New Zealand what the team has achieved,” says Mark Jenks, vice-president of 787 development, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “With more than 150 flights since testing began in September, the test fleet continues to perform very well, and we look forward to delivering the first 787-9 in mid-2014 as promised.”
After visiting Auckland, the aircraft, bearing registration ZB002, will then continue to Alice Springs, Australia, where it will undergo one week of tests in hot conditions.
Alice Springs, located in the middle of the Australian land mass, was selected because of its facilities and climate.
ZB002, which is equipped with a mix of passenger seating and test equipment, will eventually be reconfigured and delivered to Air New Zealand as a fully operational airliner.
Boeing adds that 26 carriers have ordered 402 787-9s, roughly 39% of all 787 orders.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
