Air NZ 787-9 flights to Shanghai, Tokyo pushed back

Air New Zealand's first 787-9 at Auckland. (Andrew Aley) — Air New Zealand’s first 787-9 at Auckland. (Andrew Aley)

Air New Zealand has pushed back the start dates for Boeing 787-9 flights to Tokyo and Shanghai.

In an update on global distribution systems, the Kiwi flag carrier’s first Dreamliner flight to Tokyo will now commence on December 2, about three weeks later than the previously scheduled debut of November 10. Similarly, the first 787-9 flight to Shanghai was now due on December 14, compared with December 2 previously.

The changes were reported on the Airline Route website.

Air NZ spokesperson Marie Hosking said current dates of initial 787 services to Tokyo and Shanghai were best estimates and would be confirmed once the aircraft delivery dates were locked in.

“At this stage we’re planning to operate the 787 to Narita from early December and Shanghai from mid-December,” Hosking said.

The airline was expected to receive its second 787 in September, with a third to follow in October. Its first 787-9 currently files daily between Perth and Auckland.