Browsing Tag: Boeing 787-9

Boeing and Etihad went all out revealing their new livery, called "Facets of Abu Dhabi" on the 789

Etihad, along with Boeing, went all out revealing their new livery, called “Facets of Abu Dhabi” on the 787-9

On a clear Saturday evening, Etihad Airways revealed their new livery on their first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner at Paine Field.  Although the new livery had been previously seen on the airline’s first Airbus A380 just a few days earlier, it didn’t stop Etihad from celebrating and being excited about not only their new design, but also this new aircraft type.

The tail is a dramtic departure for Etihad

The tail design is a dramtic departure for Etihad

Originally, the roll out of the 787-9 was planned from Boeing’s paint hangar at about 6:45pm local time. However, it was pushed back a bit to let it get darker to increase the dramatic effect of the special lighting.

The delay was okay, since there was a tent set up in almost a living room configuration, with appetizers and drinks being served to waiting airline employees, executives, Boeing representatives, and media.

There was no question that most everyone there was excited to see the plane, and the energy was high.

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner -- flight test airplane ZB001 -- completes its validation flight Friday, July 11, ahead of the 2014 Farnborough International Airshow, outside London. Photo: Boeing

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner – flight test airplane ZB001 – completes its validation flight July 11th, ahead of the 2014 Farnborough International Airshow outside London – Photo: Boeing

You are probably aware that the Farnborough Airshow is going on this week. It is a time where airline manufacturers compete for orders, but also a chance to show off a little aviation porn with flying during the airshow. Typically you get to see these large aircraft flown agressively, not like you see them in the “real world.”

We just wanted to share some of the photos of the first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (ZB001) taking flight over Farnborough – enjoy!

ZB001 takes off from Farnborough - Photo: Boeing

ZB001 takes off from Farnborough – Photo: Boeing

Air New Zealand's new white fern livery seen on the 787-9 Dreamliner. Image from Air New Zealand.

Air New Zealand’s new white fern livery seen on the 787-9 Dreamliner. Image from Air New Zealand.

What is better than one new awesome livery? Two of course. Yesterday, Air New Zealand revealed not just one new livery, but two. The livery is much more than just a fancy new design; It is also the start of a $20million marketing partnership between the airline and Tourism New Zealand.

“We are delighted to reveal our new aircraft livery which would not have been possible without the support of Tourism New Zealand and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise,” Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon stated in a press release. “The new-look livery is distinctive and iconic and we believe will inspire a sense of pride in New Zealanders.”

The new livery features the official New Zealand Fern Mark and is a bit reminiscent of the highly popular All Blacks livery design previously seen on the 777. This change also celebrates black becoming the airline’s new brand color.

In the coming year, Air New Zealand will introduce the new design first on the 787-9 Dreamliner and then to the rest of the fleet.  According to the airline the, “majority of the fleet will sport the white livery, with the black version reserved for a few select planes.” My bet is the first 787-9 will have the black livery.

In recent history, the airline has seemed a little lost in where they wanted their livery to go. With the introduction of the 777-300ER, the “Pacific Wave,” was removed and then more recently, it was announced the airline would go with a black tail. It might have taken them a while to arrive to this new livery, but holy smokes — what a looker, times two.