News
Air New Zealand activates last remaining 787-9 in storage
July 7th 2026
Air New Zealand (Air NZ) is flying with its full complement of 14 787-9 aircraft after the last of the Boeing widebodies was welcomed back from long-term storage at Alice Springs due to the shortage of Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines. Read More » The airline had as many as five 787-9s on the ground during the height of the engine shortage. "The challenge wasn’t just finding somewhere to store the aircraft," Air NZ fleet project lead, Robert Cox, said. "We needed to keep them maintained, protect the condition of the fleet and keep the engine overhaul programme moving so we could get these aircraft back into service for our customers as soon as possible." Air NZ general manager for fleet, Baden Smith, said: "Every aircraft we return to the fleet strengthens our ability to connect people, support trade and grow tourism." The Star Alliance member still has two A320neo family aircraft in storage due to durability issues with the Pratt & Whitney engines used on the Airbus narrowbody.
