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Air NZ's 787-9 Dreamliner touches down in Perth

Air New Zealand’s first 787-9 Dreamliner has landed in Perth this evening on its inaugural flight from Auckland.

Air New Zealand’s first 787-9 Dreamliner has landed in Perth this evening on its inaugural flight from Auckland.

The distinctive sculpted wing shape of the 787-9 Dreamliner made its first landing in Perth on the 12th of September and, according to the airline, it certainly won’t be the last.

With Air New Zealand permanently scheduling flights from Auckland to Perth in October, their distinctive black and white livery are set to become a familiar sight in the skies over Western Australia.

Nine other Dreamliners will join the Air New Zealand fleet by November.

Chief Flight Operations and Safety Officer, Captain David Morgan, was on board for the inaugural flight which, like all of Air New Zealand’s trans-Tasman services, operated in conjunction with alliance partner Virgin Australia.

He says the touchdown on Perth soil was a moment worth celebrating.

“Today’s inaugural service between Auckland and Perth is another milestone for this remarkable aircraft. We’re excited to be bringing a whole new era in comfort for customers travelling this route which has long been a mainstay on Air New Zealand’s network.

Our first 787-9 is already proving hugely popular with our passengers who appreciate Air New Zealand’s distinctive interior fit out as well as the special features of this aircraft including lower cabin altitude, higher humidity, larger windows and smooth ride technology which all contribute to a feeling of spaciousness and well-being.”

The 787-9 also introduces Air New Zealand’s unique Skycouch product to the Perth market for the first time.

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Pictured: Captain David Morgan and crew

The Skycouch is a row of three economy seats where the footrests raise to a horizontal position creating a flexible space to stretch out and relax. The aircraft also has a new state of the art Inflight Entertainment system which is app-based and easy to navigate via convenient touch screens.

Virgin Australia customers will also be able to book on the new Boeing 787-9 services, as part of the Trans-Tasman alliance between the two carriers.

Virgin Australia Chief Commercial Officer Judith Crompton says the new aircraft is a welcome addition to the alliance.

“Virgin Australia is thrilled to be codesharing on the new 787-9 service, as the space and comfort of the aircraft makes it ideal for the longer Auckland-Perth route.

The new aircraft adds to the strength of the alliance offering for customers over the Tasman, which is all about providing the best schedules, competitive pricing and a seamless customer experience.”

Air New Zealand operates an evening daily direct service between Perth and Auckland which has a flight duration of six and a half hours, arriving into Auckland the following morning.

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When will you be booking your inaugural flight on an Air New Zealand 787-9 Dreamliner?