Air NZ
(ASX:AIZ) will target Asian routes with the Boeing 787-9 as it looks to tap a boom in the number of tourists taking holidays in the region, according to media reports.
Air NZ chief executive Christopher Luxon told media the aircraft, which has been described as a stretch version of the Dreamliner, is better suited to the leisure traveller from Asian markets.
He says the airline will end up with a widebody fleet of 25 aircraft.
Air NZ, the largest shareholder of Virgin Australia Holdings Limited
(ASX:VAH), is Boeing's launch customer for the 787-9.
Reports say the airline is due to receive its first plane in July after the manufacturer completes a testing program that includes hot weather tests in Alice Springs this week.
Air New Zealand delivered a net profit of $153.3 million in fiscal 2013.
