![Air NZ's first 787-9 makes it maiden flight. (Air NZ)](http://thewofa.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/NZ-789.jpg)
Air New Zealand’s first Boeing 787-9 has made its maiden flight from Boeing’s Everett factory near Seattle.
The first test flight – known as B1 and conducted by Boeing test pilots – took off from Everett at 1.45pm local on May 28 and landed three hours and 10 minutes later after reaching an altitude of 39,000 feet and a speed of 360 knots.
The ‘all-black’ aircraft, which will be registered ZK-NZE, will conduct a series of test flights by Boeing and Air New Zealand pilots before being delivered to the airline in July. It is expected to debut on the Auckland to Perth route from October 15. Other planned 787-9 destinations include Shanghai and Tokyo.
Further images of the aircraft can be seen on the archive.com website.
Glen
says:The best looking 787 by far just a pain for Air NZ it has taken so long to get this far
Greg
says:Great stuff Air NZ – now for the 777X 8/9 order!
Dave
says:Flew over my house in Everett on it’s test flight. Sharp looking paint job.
David
says:Will it come to Sydney or we stuck with old colours A320
Reverend
says:Air new Zealand needs to order the boeing 777-X 8,9 to replace their other jets in time. ide like to see the boeing 787-9 also fly in to Sydney or 777-300ER fly from Sydney to Auckland more.