Air New Zealand (NZ, Auckland International) has announced it is targetting to begin replacing its B777-200(ER)s from 2022 onwards. According to the ch-aviation fleets module, the carrier currently operates eight of the type which average 11.9 years of age. Half are owned while half are leased.
Air New Zealand said in its 1HFY2017/18 financial results that it is currently undertaking an aircraft selection study with an RFP expected to be issued thereafter.
In June last year, airline Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Christopher Luxon said the study would focus on the A350 Family from Airbus (AIB, Toulouse Blagnac) as well as the B777X and B787 from Boeing (BOE, Washington National).
At present, Air New Zealand operates eleven B787-9s with a further two due to deliver. Talks are currently ongoing for the lease of what would be a 14th B787-9, the carrier added.
