Lufthansa has taken delivery of its first Boeing 787-9, as the airframer resumes deliveries of the type to European customers after a hiatus of more than a year. The aircraft, registered D-ABPA, is the first of 32 787s that Lufthansa has on order. The German carrier will initially deploy the aircraft on domestic German routes for training, before operating it to Toronto. Lufthansa expects deliveries for the remaining 787s to run from this year to 2027. In May, it ordered seven more 787-9s to help offset the delay in 777-9 deliveries, which it has 20 examples on order. Boeing in early August resumed deliveries of the 787 after a production pause owing to manufacturing quality issues largely involving gaps between fuselage sections being larger than specified. Following the green light from the US Federal Aviation Administration, Boeing delivered a Boeing 787 to American Airlines. The arrival of Lufthansa’s first 787 marks a restart in European deliveries, notes Boeing Commercial Airplanes chief Stan Deal. Other European customers with commitments to the type include British Airways and KLM. Separately, Lufthansa’s cargo unit will beef up its narrowbody freighter fleet, with the imminent arrival of a second Airbus A321 passenger-to-freighter (A321P2F) jet.<br/>
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Air New Zealand customers booked to fly up until the end of September who can no longer travel are able to change their bookings or opt into credit, with the airline further extending its Covid flexibility policy. The airline first re-introduced the policy in July, amid a surge in Covid cases and other winter illnesses. While it was initially only set to be in place until the end of July, it was extended until the end of August, as the widespread disruption continued. An Air New Zealand spokesperson confirmed the policy has now been extended for a third month. The policy applies to all domestic and international flights departing before September 30. For customers who need to make changes to their booking, the change fee is waived, while those who no longer wish to travel for any reason can opt for a credit. The airline earlier this month announced it would be operating a reduced schedule over the next six months, to deal with high rates of staff sickness. The airline said the changes would ensure there could be crew on standby to cover illness, reducing the need for short-notice flight cancellations. Air New Zealand chief executive Greg Foran said the airline had seen the highest rates of crew sickness in over a decade. <br/>
A significant shakeup of Air New Zealand's Airpoints scheme is being worked on which will deliver more perks for frequent flyers. Some of the benefits being considered include free flights for family members or friends of top travellers, free parking and even separate lounges for Elite members. The airline currently has 3.6m Airpoints customers, and it conducted a major review of the scheme during the pandemic. As part of the review, Air New Zealand sent a survey to a "selected group" of travellers, asking for feedback on a list of potential perks. The airline wouldn't release the survey to Stuff, but Executive Traveller has got hold of one, revealing what's being considered. The airline wouldn't release the survey to Stuff, but Executive Traveller has got hold of one, revealing what's being considered. Elite members were asked about the potential of discounted upgrades that are easier to redeem, separate ‘Elite’ lounges, and a 30% Airpoints bonus on flights. Air New Zealand is also mulling a scheme that would offer lifetime Silver, Gold and Elite status. The airline is looking at the possibility of an ‘Elite Plus’ membership, which would sit higher than the airline’s current Elite tier. It would be available to those who gain 2800 to 3500 status points, according to the report. The current Elite membership is reached by gaining 1500 status points.<br/>