Air New Zealand to operate Dreamliners on all long-haul routes as Boeing 777s phased out

Air New Zealand is phasing out its fleet of Boeing 777-300 aircraft as it moves to simplify its long-haul fleet in the post pandemic world. The announcement was made as part of the airline's 2021 financial results, which were released today. Air NZ posted a loss before other significant items and taxation of $440 million for the 2021 financial year - its first full 12-month period of operating during the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline sent its eight Boeing 777-200 aircraft to an early retirement last year, but today's announcement confirms the larger and newer 777-300 are destined for the desert also. Air NZ introduced the Boeing 777-300 in 2010 to replace the Boeing 747-400 on long-haul routes. The aircraft was used to fly the flagship London - Los Angeles - Auckland route and was the first aircraft to feature the Economy Skycouch and the Premium Economy Spaceseat.<br/>