Pacific Islanders will receive their first 787 Dreamliner later this year, when Air New Zealand sends the revolutionary aircraft to Fiji for the first time.
Announced today, the airline said it will use the 787-9 on the Auckland to Nadi route from 27 November to March next year.
It will be the first time the Dreamliner is operated to the Pacific Islands.
According to the airline, the 787 will add 8,000 more seats on the route over the peak summer period.
The Boeing 787-9 will initially operate two new services per week building to five during the peak mid-December to late January period.
In addition to this, there will also be an extra weekly A320 service added to the summer schedule to meet passenger demand.
Air New Zealand Chief Sales and Commercial Officer Cam Wallace said Fiji is a popular destination amongst Kiwis, with steady growth over the last three years.
“We’re thrilled to be able to meet growing demand for Fiji as a destination with more seats and the exceptional Dreamliner experience.”
Cam Wallace, Air New Zealand Chief Sales and Commercial Officer
The Boeing 787-9 services will initially operate on Saturdays and Sundays, extending to Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays during the peak.
The additional A320 service will operate on Sundays.
Late last year, Air New Zealand announced it would increase its 787 fleet with two new aircraft in the next three years.
This would increase the airline’s Dreamliner fleet to 12.