HIGH HOPES: Air New Zealand's new chief says the airline's focus on passenger comfort makes him optimistic about growing revenue on international routes to Asia and North America despite the gloomy global economic outlook.

WELCOME ABOARD: Christopher Luxon takes over as CEO in December, when current CEO Rob Fyfe retires. Luxon joined the airline in May 2011 and has been managing its international arm.

GROWING FLEET: Key to the company's growth are plans to add 10 Boeing 787-9 planes on Asian routes. The airline is due to take delivery of its first 787 in mid-2014.