Air New Zealand Completes Dreamliner Fleet Return

Air New Zealand Restores Dreamliner Fleet After Engine Disruptions

Air New Zealand has returned all of its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft to service, with no widebody aircraft now remaining in storage. The milestone follows the global Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine shortage, which at one stage left five of the airline’s 14 Dreamliners grounded.

The airline said the return of its full widebody fleet supports plans to increase capacity as it completes its Dreamliner retrofit programme and prepares to receive two new Boeing 787-9 aircraft by the end of 2026.

The additional aircraft will support network growth, including recently announced services between Christchurch and Singapore, Tokyo and Perth, while strengthening Air New Zealand’s international operations.

Baden Smith, General Manager – Fleet at Air New Zealand, said restoring the fleet is an important step towards increasing capacity and improving connectivity for passengers, trade and tourism.

During the engine shortage, Air New Zealand stored grounded Dreamliners in Alice Springs, Australia, where engine replacements were carried out before the engines were sent for overhaul. The approach helped speed up the maintenance process and allowed aircraft to return to service sooner.

Fleet Project Lead Robert Cox said the programme required careful planning to maintain the aircraft while in storage and keep the engine overhaul schedule on track despite limited long-term aircraft storage options in New Zealand.

The airline also reported progress with its narrowbody fleet. Only two Airbus A320neo aircraft remain grounded due to Pratt & Whitney engine-related issues, down from six at the peak of the disruption.

The return of the full Dreamliner fleet marks another step in Air New Zealand’s ongoing fleet recovery and supports its plans for future network expansion.

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