Air New Zealand returns to service last stored 787-9

Air New Zealand returns to service its last stored 787-9, marking a step toward rebuilding capacity while dealing with prior engine-related groundings. The airline has brought back the final Boeing 787-9, registration ZK-NZD, which had been parked at Alice Springs since September 2025. Air New Zealand previously grounded aircraft due to shortages of Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines for its Dreamliner fleet, reaching a peak where five of its 14 787-9s were stored. The airline carried out engine changes at Alice Springs, removing engines for overhaul while keeping aircraft safely in storage. CEO project lead Robert Cox said the approach helped engines reach shops at least six months earlier. Later in 2026, Air New Zealand plans routes between Christchurch and Singapore, Tokyo and Perth, while it says only two Airbus A320neo aircraft remain grounded.