Air New Zealand has become the launch customer for the new Boeing 787-9 aircraft, modifying its previous order with Boeing Co for 4 of the original model 787-8, with the newer airframes carrying a list price of 183 million usd each.

Air New Zealand chief executive Rob Fyfe said the first of the new ’Dreamliner’ aircraft will enter service in December 2010.

He said the range and seat capacity of the 787-9 is greater than that of the 787-8 model and this will provide Air New Zealand with new capabilities for its long haul international operations.

The 787-9 will have a range of some 13,000 km with 280 seat capacity compared to the 787-8’s range of 11,900 km and 230-250 seats.