Air New Zealand and Boeing had a party Tuesday night at the Future of Flight in Everett, WA in advance of the official physical delivery of the first 787-9 Dreamliner, painted with a striking black livery, scheduled on Wednesday morning July 9.

Here are a few snaps from Tuesday evening’s event, which was attended by special guests and perhaps 1000 of the Boeing employees who worked on the airplane.

After speeches and gift-giving, curtains opened to reveal black T-shirt clad Boeing employees and – behind the smoke – the new airplane.

Here’s a closer look at the tail end of the new plane:

And, for country music fans, here’s a photo of the evening’s surprise entertainment: The Band Perry.

More photos tomorrow – when I get to go inside the plane.