Originally Posted by
mad_atta
I'd rather they went for an A350 but this was a fairly predictable decision. What will they replace the 773s with in due course, though? Might Airbus have a more realistic look in then?
Interestingly Air NZ did not tie this order with a 77W replacement or any options for the 777X.
The 777-9 is too big for Air NZ, and the problem with the 777-8 is that it's still a long way off. It was originally scheduled for EIS around late 2022 but there has been talk lately this could be pushed back further, and even some rumours that it could be scrapped entirely with most demand being for the -9 variant. The 777X was had not been a serious replacement option for the 200ER due to the fact it may not exist when Air NZ needed to start receiving their new aircraft.
It could be entirely feasible that Air NZ could ultimately scrap the 777 and have a fully 787-9 and 787-10 fleet, but that would mean a cut in cargo capacity which is still important.
The airline industry is on the cusp of a significant amount of turmoil with fuel prices and the global economy slowing, not to mention all the uncertainty caused by the US. You've already seen the ME3 seriously struggling and cutting back orders, and right now taking the safe option is better than trying to be big.