ANZ and ANA quarrel about first 787-9 operation

Which airline is to become the first Boeing 787-9 operator? ANA All Nippon Airlines or Air New Zealand? Air New Zealand was the first airline to receive a Boeing 787-9, the stretched version of the Dreamliner. However, ANA All Nippon Airways said it will be the first operator of the type, as it was with the 787-8.

Air New Zealand received its first 787-9 on July 9 and All Nippon is about to receive its first aircraft on July 27. ANZ published that it would start scheduled commercial flights between Auckland and Perth from October 15. "That means that we are the first operator of the new aircraft," concluded All Nippon. "Because we will operate a special commemorative flight on August 4, with Japanese and American elementary school children living in Japan." The aircraft will depart from Tokyo Haneda Airport and fly over Mount Fuji. On the new aircraft the Tomodachi-logo will be displayed to support the initiative to strengthen Japanese-US ties.

"But that is not a revenue or commercial flight," protests Air New Zealand. And that ANZ will start scheduled commercial flights between Auckland and Perth on October 15 doesn't mean that the aircraft will stand idle on the tarmac of Auckland Airport until October. Air New Zealand will start flying the 787-9 from August 9 between Auckland and Sydney on a surprise basis for its passengers on flights normally operated by other types of aircraft.

ANA will initially deploy the 787-9 on domestic routes from early October, but doesn't mention the day these flights will begin. What's sure is that the ANA 787-9s will have a high-density interior counting 395 seats. International ANA flights will start in April 2015.

Also visit: