Air New Zealand's Order Conversion Makes It A RR Sweep

In addition to making the airline the launch customer for Boeing's 787-9, Air New Zealand's decision last week to convert its order for four 787-8s to the larger -9 gave engine maker Rolls-Royce reason to brag, as well. The decision means Rolls-Royce's Trent 1000 is the launch engine for all three current variants of the 787 Dreamliner.

As a result of this decision, the Trent 1000-powered 787-9 will enter into service in December 2010. Air New Zealand was the first airline to select the Trent 1000 to power the 787 in June 2004.

The first 787-8 to enter into service will now be delivered to Japan's ANA (All Nippon Airways) in mid-2008, two years before the airline is scheduled to launch the shorter range 787-3 in the summer of 2010. All three variants will be powered by the Rolls-Royce powerplant.

"Securing the launch engine position on each variant of the Boeing 787 consolidates our program-leading position on the aircraft," said Mike Terrett, President - Civil Aerospace at Rolls-Royce. "Air New Zealand has been a pace setter throughout the 787 program and this decision demonstrates the airline’s commitment to innovation and offering the best product to customers."

As Aero-News reported, the first Trent 1000 ran for the first time exactly on schedule on February 14, 2006. It will take to the skies on a Rolls-Royce Boeing 747 flying test bed in the first quarter of 2007 and, following certification by the airworthiness authorities, it will power the 787’s first flight in mid-2007.

FMI: www.rollsroyce.com, www.airnewzealand.com