Boeing’s 787-9 Dreamliner has been certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for commercial service allowing Air New Zealand the launch customer to take delivery.
"Certification is the culmination of years of hard work and a rigorous flight-test program that started with the 787-9's first flight last September," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner.
"With this validation that the airplane is ready for commercial operations, Boeing along with our airline and leasing customers now look forward to introducing the newest member of the Dreamliner family to passengers around the world."
The unveiling of the 787-9
The 787- is 6m longer than the 787-8 and can carry around 40 passengers more and fly 700km further.
To earn certification for the 787-9, Boeing undertook a comprehensive test program with five aircraft and more than 1,500 hours of flight testing, plus ground and laboratory testing.
Following the certification process, the FAA and EASA each granted Boeing an Amended Type Certificate for the 787-9, certifying that the design complies with aviation regulations and is safe and reliable.
Twenty-six customers around the world have ordered 413 787-9s, accounting for 40 percent of all 787 orders.
In all Boeing has delivered 147 787s and total orders for all models including the recently launched even larger -10 sit at 1031.
AirlineRatings will take part in the delivery of the first Air New Zealand 787-9 in July.
Look out for our coverage.
Suggested read: Air New Zealand Business Class review
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