NZ 744 Rollout 12th July

NZ1 · Sun Jul 10, 2005 10:56 am

This is just to advise you all that ZK-SUI will be unveiled to about 100 media and VIP's on Tuesday 12th July at 11.00am in Hangar 2.

So keep your eyes on the news websites and/or TV1/TV3 news for a glimpse of the cabin. First flight is to SYD on Wednesday morning (13th) at this point.

The boss shouldn't mind me telling you this as it is all over the company paper etc.

Cheers
NZ1

ZKOJH · Sun Jul 10, 2005 11:18 am

thanks a lot , can't wait for this

wunala · Sun Jul 10, 2005 11:22 am

Thanks for letting us know. It must be difficult for you to have to second guess what is ok to post and what is not (despite most being in the public domain anyway).

Cheers

NZ1 · Sun Jul 10, 2005 11:30 am

Quoting Wunala (Reply 2):
It must be difficult for you to have to second guess what is ok to post and what is not

Ain't that the truth.

NZ1

budyboy · Sun Jul 10, 2005 11:36 am

Thanks NZ1! I always look for your posts, can't wait to come to New Zealand on Air NZ, and explore your beautiful country.

This Yank appreciates the information you make available. Cheers.

NZ1 · Sun Jul 10, 2005 11:48 am

Quoting Budyboy (Reply 4):
Thanks NZ1! I always look for your posts, can't wait to come to New Zealand on Air NZ, and explore your beautiful country.

This Yank appreciates the information you make available. Cheers.

Thanks for the kind words Budyboy. You are right, we do have a beautiful country, and I am sure you will love every minute of your trip.

NZ1

767er · Sun Jul 10, 2005 1:04 pm

I second that!

The debut of the 74R is certainly a momentous occasion in NZs history - as will the arrival of the 777. I am lucky enough to be flying in both a/c later this year in Biz Class - yup will do a trip report.

Brent

Kiwi dave · Sun Jul 10, 2005 1:48 pm

Does SUI have to undergo any test flights?

aerorobnz · Sun Jul 10, 2005 4:01 pm

I understand we'll be up to LAX on NZ6 on Saturday...having been to MEL during the day. I shall be having a good look at the config when she turns up to gate let me tell you.....lol

TG992 · Sun Jul 10, 2005 4:44 pm

I'll be crewing one of the first flights of the 74R - am counting down the days! Thanks must go to NZ1 and all the other hundreds of engineers who worked on the project to turn this fantastic product from plans to reality!

B744Heavy · Sun Jul 10, 2005 4:45 pm

Quoting Kiwi Dave (Reply 7):
Does SUI have to undergo any test flights

I believe there will be a test proving flight tomorrow Mon 11th Jul

I will also look forward to seeing inside for the first time and will get to see onboard Wednesday Morning.
Cant wait.

B744Heavy

NZ1 · Sun Jul 10, 2005 7:03 pm

Quoting Kiwi Dave (Reply 7):
Does SUI have to undergo any test flights?

Yes she does. There have been 2 flights. 1 for CAA approval, and 1 for systems testing, due to IFE and D check requirements.

NZ1

Kiwi dave · Sun Jul 10, 2005 7:41 pm

I understand why there is a test flight for the D check but why is there one for IFE?

aerokiwi · Sun Jul 10, 2005 7:53 pm

Could it be something to do with the post-Swissair fl.111 crash where the IFE overheated and caused an onboard fire?? I dunno how they would test the wire heating - this is just a guess.

paulcaz · Sun Jul 10, 2005 7:57 pm

Is this a new aircraft?if not where as it come from?

VirginFlyer · Sun Jul 10, 2005 8:06 pm

Paulcaz, it has been in the Air NZ fleet since 1995, on lease from ILFC, having previously flown with Varig. The reason everyone is so interested is because it is the first aircraft to be fitted with the new long haul cabins...

V/F

jorge1812 · Mon Jul 11, 2005 3:10 am

Quoting VirginFlyer (Reply 15):
Paulcaz, it has been in the Air NZ fleet since 1995, on lease from ILFC, having previously flown with Varig. The reason everyone is so interested is because it is the first aircraft to be fitted with the new long haul cabins...

Anet and aviation...is it really only the new cabin? Excuse my dumb question, but what is a 74R? B 747-400ER? NZ don't have the 744ER IIRC.

Georg.

NZ1 · Tue Jul 12, 2005 1:06 pm

Quoting Jorge1812 (Reply 16):
Anet and aviation...is it really only the new cabin? Excuse my dumb question, but what is a 74R? B 747-400ER? NZ don't have the 744ER IIRC.

74R stands for 744 Refitted. Cabin upgrade and cargo hold upgrades only.

NZ1

6thfreedom · Tue Jul 12, 2005 1:27 pm

NZ1...
just noticed your signature....

Quoting NZ1 (Reply 17):
**** Gary Toomey for CEO ****

You're not being serious, are you??

PS> I think NZ will kick arse on the MEL-AKL-LAX flights.

UA elapsed time via SYD is similar to NZ, and many people have grown tired of:
a) paying ridiculous fares to travel on QF , or
b) having to fly MEL-SYD domestic to connect on QF's SYD-LAX services.

well done NZ!

NZ1 · Tue Jul 12, 2005 1:35 pm

Quoting 6thfreedom (Reply 18):
NZ1...
just noticed your signature....

Quoting NZ1 (Reply 17):
**** Gary Toomey for CEO ****

You're not being serious, are you??

Ha ha, of course not. Was waiting to see how long it would be till someone picked up on it. I think he would be the worst choice to replace Ralph Norris.

NZ1

6thfreedom · Tue Jul 12, 2005 1:39 pm

who are the likely candidates for the top job?

is Norm Thompson a likely candidate?

NZ1 · Tue Jul 12, 2005 1:44 pm

Rob Fyfe & Craig Sinclair have a good chance from inside the company. Not sure of anyone outside it yet.

NZ1

zeekiel · Tue Jul 12, 2005 3:45 pm

Just seen a glimpse of the new NZ interior in the flesh on TV just now.

Impressive. Very nice.

Although it said that travel agents would foot some of the bill of the upgrade.

NZ1, your photos that you posted actually told us less about the interior upgrade than the actual pics on TV One.

Can't wait to fly on the Business Premier and Premium Economy service.

Cheers

Zeekiel

Air NZ · Tue Jul 12, 2005 3:47 pm

Well it has been on the news. Good job NZ1 and the rest of the engineers.

Looks pretty nice.

They had some good footage of them sitting at the window seat and I see what people mean that you can't see out the window because of the angle, that is the best thing about it.

Though I am sure it's comfy and a much needed upgrade, If I had the money I would go business anyway, mmmm comfy seats on a plane, what can be better? Other then Sitting in the jump seat.

[Edited 2005-07-12 08:49:42]

zeekiel · Tue Jul 12, 2005 4:32 pm

Quoting Air NZ (Reply 23):
Other then Sitting in the jump seat.

Actually those Boeing jump seats will their nice woollen covers are quite nice and comfy. Except the last time I had the pleasure of travelling on the jump seat of a NZ 767, the belt strap between the crotch was missing.

Cheers

Zeekiel

richcandy · Tue Jul 12, 2005 5:58 pm

Hi

Has anyone got any links to some photos?

Rich

zonky · Tue Jul 12, 2005 6:05 pm

While they have a press release up for today, no pics on the corp site.

They do have the new tv commerical:

http://www.airnz.co.nz/resources/long-haul_tv_comm.mpg

v2fix · Tue Jul 12, 2005 7:26 pm

First of all , a huge congratualtions to NZ1 and the rest of the team for pulling in such a huge project in sensible timescales. I can't wait until we get to see some classy photos of this 'new' bird.

As well as the incrediable engineering feat there are some other facts and figures available on the Air New Zealand web site regarding the refit:

------------------------------------------------
The introduction of a new in-flight service also requires a significant number of new items including:

101,737 items of crockery including 13,735 Salt and Pepper sets
643,048 items of cutlery, including 95,183 metal teaspoons
10,601 serving trays
76,970 items of linen such as pillow sets, linen serviettes, sheets and tray cloths for Business Premier Class, including 2,852 luxurious duvets for the new lie-flat beds.
80,000 napkin ties
-------------------------------------------------

Well, it made me smile.

I wonder if NZ1 can say anything (withoy being shot by UberGrupenFurher Smallmind) about the mood lighting issue ? I undersatnd from previous posts that supply problems made it impossible to install it on the first 2 (?) 74Rs - and they are going to be retrofitted.

I always though that rewiring was was a bit of a large job (C Check ?) as it involved removing seats, bins and skins ? Is this right or has a clever way of doing the upgrade quickly being devised ?

zonky · Tue Jul 12, 2005 7:31 pm

I'm booked in Biz on Sept 24 on NZ5. Understand at this stage, should be a 74R is the 2nd is finished on Schedule (is show as on seat layouts)- Fingers Crossed!

Tod · Wed Jul 13, 2005 12:45 am

Quoting Kiwi Dave (Reply 12):
test flight for the D check but why is there one for IFE?

Usually for EMI testing.

Quoting V2fix (Reply 27):
mood lighting issue ? I undersatnd from previous posts that supply problems made it impossible to install

Is Illuminator the supplier?

Air NZ · Wed Jul 13, 2005 12:21 pm

V2fix

Thanks for that. Those are some amazing facts. Just simple things you never think of!

NZ1 · Wed Jul 13, 2005 12:47 pm

Quoting V2fix (Reply 27):
I wonder if NZ1 can say anything (withoy being shot by UberGrupenFurher Smallmind) about the mood lighting issue ? I undersatnd from previous posts that supply problems made it impossible to install it on the first 2 (?) 74Rs - and they are going to be retrofitted.

I always though that rewiring was was a bit of a large job (C Check ?) as it involved removing seats, bins and skins ? Is this right or has a clever way of doing the upgrade quickly being devised ?

The wiring kits have not arrived in time for the 1st 2 aircraft, so yes they will be retrofitted next April at their C checks.

Also, SUI is now delayed even further, not flying until the 18th. Schedule posted below:

NZ135 AKL BNE 18th July
NZ136 BNE AKL
NZ6 AKL LAX
NZ5 LAX AKL
NZ135 AKL BNE 20th July
NZ136 BNE AKL

Delayed due to conformity checks not completed by NZCAA and FAA.

NZ1

777ER · Wed Jul 13, 2005 12:55 pm

Saw the end of the 1 news story on it but didn't have access to the internet as I was on holiday, but impressive

ZKSUJ · Wed Jul 13, 2005 4:52 pm

Nice, looks great. Good stuff NZ

NZ107 · Wed Jul 13, 2005 5:43 pm

Have any of you f/a's for Air NZ gone to that training for the 74R? What is actually required to learn that makes it different to serving the older 744's (well apart that they are different seats etc..)?

Thanks

NZAA · Wed Jul 13, 2005 6:00 pm

Hey NZ107 welcome to a.net

NZ1 · Wed Jul 13, 2005 6:16 pm

Quoting NZ107 (Reply 34):
Have any of you f/a's for Air NZ gone to that training for the 74R? What is actually required to learn that makes it different to serving the older 744's (well apart that they are different seats etc..)?

Welcome to a.net. I am not an F/A, however, it isn't just the seats that the training is required for. The whole IFE system is totally different to the old one. TG992 will be able to fill you in as he has done the course.

NZ1

TG992 · Wed Jul 13, 2005 8:05 pm

There's a lot to learn with the new refit aircraft. At the same time as it was introduced, the inflight service was radically changed, so just about every F/A duty onboard has changed. (One example: Economy Class gains an entire galley, up to three from two).

Regarding the 74R in particular, there are safety procedures related to the new seat that we needed to learn (ie firefighting - how to quickly access the seat frame in case of a fire). The Business Premier seats also have 6 different types of seatbelt and seatbelt extension associated with the seat, one with an airbag(!), just to give you two examples.

We also needed to learn how to operate and control the new IFE system, manually activate the recline and bed features of the seats in case the automatic controls break down, etc.

NZ1 · Thu Jul 14, 2005 7:41 pm

SUI's schedule has now changed again. It will operate NZ135/6 AKL -BNE - AKL on the 18th, 19th, and 20th before flying NZ6 on the evening of the 20th.

NZ1

aerorobnz · Mon Jul 18, 2005 4:37 pm

I just spent a fair bit of time onboard SUI today, and boy was I impressed. Business is great in the nose and upstairs - I played with all the settings up & fully reclined, Premium Y is definitely going to be extremely popular once word gets out, but the seats I was most impressed with were in fact the basic Economy seats. The thinner seats make the world of difference & the seats are really comfortable and seat pitch as good as ever (if not better). The lack of footrests is by no means a problem and the screens are massive. It certainly sets the standard for the world, incidentally I directly compared it to SQ F/J/Y QF C/Y and LA F/C/Y today. It's the way to travel....

NZ1 · Mon Jul 18, 2005 6:20 pm

Aerorobnz.

Glad you approve of the interior. I too think it looks stunning. The average punter is going to be blown away with the standard of the new economy class thats for sure.

NZ1

TR · Mon Jul 18, 2005 7:38 pm

Are there any pictures released anywhere? Unfortunately I didn´t get to see the 'famous' ones NZ1 posted and had to delete....

TR

NZ1 · Mon Jul 18, 2005 8:02 pm

Quoting TR (Reply 41):
Are there any pictures released anywhere? Unfortunately I didn´t get to see the 'famous' ones NZ1 posted and had to delete....

Haha. That caused quite a stir at work I can tell you that. There were flyers on every noticeboard warning staff about it. Bit of an overkill I thought.

NZ1

B744Heavy · Wed Jul 20, 2005 8:02 pm

NZ1, lucky being so close to the 777LR at startup today, would have loved to have been there also.

Back to SUI, was there a problem on the upper deck during the refit, when the upper deck doors were being closed. They would not close due to the new storage bins being in the way. Apparently the bins had to be moved.
Just a rumor I heard, would love to hear it from the horses mouth so to speak, though.

B744Heavy

aerorobnz · Wed Jul 20, 2005 8:11 pm

SUI is operating a fully laden NZ6 as we speak, albeit with a small delay of around 25 minutes. Am very proud that she's up and running.

NZ1 · Thu Jul 21, 2005 7:03 pm

Quoting B744Heavy (Reply 43):
Back to SUI, was there a problem on the upper deck during the refit, when the upper deck doors were being closed. They would not close due to the new storage bins being in the way. Apparently the bins had to be moved.
Just a rumor I heard, would love to hear it from the horses mouth so to speak, though.

No, the bins weren't removed. The doors were contacting the hostie seats, because the mounts on the track were too far aft. Rectification involved moving these mounts about 1/2 inch forward, and slightly closer to the monuments.

NZ1

TBCITDG · Thu Jul 21, 2005 8:00 pm

OK, This is all nice and all, but how will the new service compete head to head with that of QF?
Last time I flew with QF to AKL, their 3 class aircraft was going all the way to LAX via AKL.
Will this venture pay off for NZ or is too late? The reason I ask, is that all flight was full to AKL and so was the onward sector.

zonky · Thu Jul 21, 2005 8:03 pm

I took this QF flight from LAX-AKL in Jan. It was a 2 Class 747 at that time, and lacked skybeds in C. Service was good/excellent- equal of NZ, but seats while more modern and electrical, had seemingly smaller pitch and reclined less than the NZ cradles.

I understand that they are bringing skybeds on this route currently, but have never sampled them. PErhaps you had an equipement swap on this route? I understood that QF BNE-AKL-LAX was served by 2 class aircraft only?

TBCITDG · Thu Jul 21, 2005 8:45 pm

From what I heard, was that it is served by a 2 class aircraft, some sky bed some not. On this particular trip(not sure if it was due to lack of aircraft) it was served by a 3 class (including first) airplane.
Any one know how many non re configured 2 class there is left?

Tod · Thu Jul 21, 2005 10:14 pm

Quoting NZ1 (Reply 45):
The doors were contacting the hostie seats,

Wouldn't this also mean that the attendant seats were encroaching with the emergency exit assist space? Or are the certification requirements for NZ registered planes different than the FAA requirements on this issue?

Who is online

Popular Searches On Airliners.net