Air New Zealand has introduced its world-first retrofitted 787-9 Dreamliner ZK-NZH.
The world-first retrofitted 787-9 Dreamliner is currently in Auckland for final testing and preparations before making its inaugural passenger flight on Monday, 19 May, from Auckland to Brisbane.
The aircraft will also operate its first long-haul flight, travelling from Auckland to San Francisco.
The airliner’s Business Premier cabin will feature 22 seats arranged in a new layout, each equipped with a sliding privacy screen, extra storage space, a wireless charging pad, and a 24-inch screen. Middle seats include a sliding door for shared seating, and all seats offer seamless recline from upright to fully flat bed mode.
The airline also introduces its new Business Premier Luxe seats – the first four seats in the Business Premier cabin – which feature an ottoman that doubles as a guest seat, a larger bed with ample space at the foot, seating for two to dine together with an extra-large tray table, and a fully closing door for added privacy.
Premium Economy features 33 seats equipped with a fixed outer shell, side wings with integrated reading lights, extra storage compartments, adjustable leg rests and foot supports, and 15.6-inch screens.
213 seats will be offered in the Economy cabin. This includes 13 Economy Skycouch seats, each equipped with a 13.3-inch screen and new storage options, with a seat pitch of 31 inches. Additionally, the cabin will feature Economy Stretch on long-haul flights or Economy Legroom on short-haul flights, providing a seat pitch of 35 inches.
“This aircraft spent 184 days in Singapore being retrofitted, the result of several years of extensive research, innovation, and design by our team to deliver a world-class onboard experience,” Air New Zealand chief executive Greg Foran said.
“This is the first ever full nose-to-tail retrofit of a 787-9 Dreamliner and marks the introduction of our first new onboard product in over 15 years. We’ve completely reimagined the experience of flying with Air New Zealand, incorporating elegant design elements, innovative Kiwi touches, and features informed by feedback from thousands of customers.”
“As the national carrier, it’s an immense privilege to showcase the best of New Zealand, and this is woven into every detail of our cabin design – from the textures you touch to the spaces you relax in, every element is a nod to our home, Aotearoa,” Foran added.
Starting Wednesday, 7 May, seats – including the brand-new Business Premier Luxe seats – are available for purchase.
Additional routes will also be introduced as more of the retrofits are complete. Air New Zealand anticipates completing the retrofit of seven aircraft by the end of 2025, with the remaining seven finished by the end of 2026.