Here at Target Travel, we are more than a little excited!!

Here's the Press Release from Air New Zealand about the first route for their new Dreamliner!

We can't wait!

Air New Zealand is pleased to announce that Auckland-Perth will be the first scheduled route operated by the new Boeing 787-9 when the airline takes delivery of the launch aircraft next year.

Air New Zealand last night opened the Customer Innovation and Collaboration Centre in Auckland. Invited guests will have the opportunity to view the interior of all three cabins of the 787-9.

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is different to any other aircraft as it offers:

30% larger windows, allowing extraordinary views and more natural light within the cabin.
20% less fuel used than similar aircraft, making it an environmentally responsible choice.
Advanced air purification systems delivering cleaner, healthier air along with higher humidity, and an altitude equivalent of 6,000ft compared with average cabin altitude of 8,000ft, meaning customers will arrive less fatigued and more refreshed.
The latest generation of the Panasonic inflight systems known as the eX3 including more new content and fun new genre such as ‘Chick Flicks’ and ‘Man Cave’.

View more by visiting www.airnewzealand.com

The configuration offered on the 787-9 will be:

A total of 302 seats

18 lie-flat Business Premier seats
21 Premium Economy seats
263 Economy seats, including 14 Skycouch rows

The 787-9 will be flying travellers initially to Perth followed by Shanghai and Tokyo by the end of 2014 with further routes available from 2015 onwards.

From today this is available for sale for travel between Auckland and Perth (which is operated as part of the trans-Tasman alliance with Virgin Australia) from 15 October 2014.

Skycouch will be available for sale for the first time on the Tasman, when Auckland – Perth operates from 15 October 2014, offering more choice for your customer. Sales for Skycouch will be available from early next year, more details will follow.

Below outlines the inflight specs for each 787-9 cabin:

Business Premier

The best sleep in the sky Business Premier offers:

Air New Zealand’s signature chalk coloured leather lie-flat bed
Seat space of 22”
Bed space 33” wide at the shoulder and 79” long
An ottoman footrest that doubles as guest seating and combined with the large table offering dual dining.
11” HD capacitive touch screen, premium headphones, in-seat power, USB connection
Individual bed and reading lights
Menu designed by consulting chef Peter Gordon
Extensive selection of award-winning New Zealand wines.
French champagne and nibbles are served before dinner
Premium check-in
Lounge access
Amenity kits
Priority luggage

Premium Economy

Stretch out and relax in Premium Economy and experience:

Customised ink coloured luxury leather seat
Generous 5” armrests
Leg rest with extendable foot support
Seat pitch of 41”, 9” recline and width of 19.3”
11” HD capacitive touch screen, premium headphones, in-seat power, USB connection
Premium check-in
Amenity kits
Priority luggage

Economy Skycouch

Three seats in Economy that easily convert into a flat surface for rest, relaxation and play. All features include the below Economy features plus:

Can be used as a row of three seats or a lie flat surface
Each seat has a leg rest that independently adjusts to two positions: 60 and 90 degrees
Couch space 5’1” long

Economy

Spacious new seating featuring:

Slim-line seat back enhances with the feeling of space
Sculpted upholstering and a more flexible headrest
Seats are 17.2” wide, with a pitch of 31-33”, recline of 5”
9” HD capacitive touch screen
Shared in-seat power
USB connection