Air NZ jet in flight

Air New Zealand’s much-delayed 787-9 Dreamliner has finally taken off, completing its first test flight in the United States. The new aircraft flew from an airfield near Seattle, in Washington state, in preparation for its forthcoming handover to Air NZ, which is expected in July. Air NZ is the launch customer for the Boeing 787-9. Ten of the stretch versions of the original Boeing 787-8 are on order. The planes were first expected to be ready for the airline in late 2010, but the 787 programme has been plagued by delays.