Air New Zealand is strengthening its international competitiveness with the addition of four B777-330ERs worth US$970 million at list prices, the Australian reported. The aircraft, due for delivery in 2010 and 2011, are part of a NZ$2.6 billion plan to convert the Kiwi carrier to an all twin-engine, long-haul fl eet by 2012.

The new planes will complement the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, due to start arriving in 2010, to give the airline signifi cant fuel savings on its current aircraft.

The 777-300ERs are about 16 percent more effi cient than the 747 jumbos they will replace and the 787-9 is expected to be at least 20 percent more efficient than the 767. Air NZ, which has eight Boeing 777-200ERs, is the launch customer for the 787-9 and will take eight of the cutting-edge aircraft over the next five years.