Introducing a new era of travel: Air New Zealand unveils fully redesigned 787-9 Dreamliner
This world-first retrofitted 787-9 Dreamliner ZK-NZH is in Auckland undergoing final testing before it takes to the skies for the first time on Monday 19 May, flying Auckland to Brisbane. Later that evening, the aircraft will complete its first long haul service from Auckland to San Francisco.
Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran says it's an incredibly special moment to launch the future of flying with Air New Zealand.
"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.
"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."
The airline's second 787-9 is up in Singapore undergoing its retrofit, with a total of seven aircraft expected to be completed by the end of the year. All 14 Boeing 787-9s in Air New Zealand's fleet will be updated to the new cabin layout by the end of 2026.
Customers can expect an elevated experience throughout the aircraft, with new seats in every cabin, an all-new inflight entertainment system, larger inflight entertainment screens, clever stowage options, and additional privacy in the premium cabins.
Aircraft featuring the new cabin experience will fly predominantly between Auckland and Brisbane, San Francisco, Rarotonga, and Vancouver, with more routes to follow as more of the retrofits are complete.
Introducing the new cabin experience
Business Premier
Our new Business Premier seats have a new angle and layout, meaning additional privacy and space.
- Sliding privacy screens, wireless charging, and a 24" inflight entertainment screen
- Middle seats with a sliding divider, perfect for travel companions
- Full lie-flat recline with a clever headrest lift for prime movie-watching or mid-flight novels
Business Premier Luxe
Four all-new seats in the front row of the Business Premier cabin. Business Premier Luxe will be able to be booked as a paid seat select product when purchasing a Business Premier seat.
It has all the features of Business Premier, along with:
- Full closing door, a larger bed, and additional space with room for two to dine
Premium Economy
Our new Premium Economy gives customer more privacy and thoughtful storage to help make the space their own.
- All seats have a fixed outer shell, meaning your recline doesn't impact the person behind you
- Side wings on the seat provide extra privacy
- More storage space keeps your essentials within easy reach
Economy
You don't need to turn left to experience the future of flying with Air New Zealand.
- 50% bigger inflight entertainment screens, clever little snack trays, and the new Economy Stretch option to give your legs a holiday too
- Clever stowage options include a small tray table for snacks or your phone, and an elastic holder for your passport or papers
Digital Innovation & Inflight Entertainment
You'll find digital innovation in every cabin.
- 4K HD screens with Bluetooth audio pairing
- Use your phone like a remote, build a watchlist, track your flight, or multitask with Picture-in-Picture functionality
ENDS
Issued by Air New Zealand Communications
Email: media@airnz.co.nz │ Phone: +64 21 747 320
About Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand's story started in 1940, first taking to the skies between Auckland and Sydney on a flying boat - a Short S30. Known for its warm Kiwi hospitality, today, the airline has operating aircraft ranging from Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and Airbus A320s to ATRs and Q300s, offering customers comfort in the latest most efficient jets and turboprops. It's a modern fuel-efficient fleet with an average age of 9.9 years. Air New Zealand's global network of passenger and cargo services centres around New Zealand. In 2024, the airline flew more than 16 million passengers. Air New Zealand was named 2025 World's Safest Airline by the Australian rating service AirlineRatings.com, highlighting the airline's laser-focus on safety.
Air New Zealand has a well-connected domestic business, connecting customers and cargo to 20 different regions around New Zealand. Internationally, the airline has direct flights to major cities across Australia, the Pacific Islands, Asia and North America, and through its strong relationships with alliance partners, offers customers more choice and convenience to connect further afield to hundreds of destinations. Air New Zealand has a particular focus on sustainability and its Sustainability Framework helps guide the airline's efforts in tackling some of New Zealand's and the world's most complex challenges. Airpoints, Air New Zealand's loyalty programme, is seen as the most valuable loyalty programme in New Zealand with more than 4 million members. It allows members to earn Airpoints Dollars™ and Status Points for VIP benefits in the air and on the ground. Air New Zealand aircraft are proudly identified by its distinct tail livery of the Mangōpare, the Māori symbol of the hammerhead shark which represents strength, tenacity, and resilience.
About Star Alliance
The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance, based on a customer value proposition of global reach, worldwide recognition and seamless service. Since inception, it has offered the largest and most comprehensive airline network, with a focus on improving customer experience across the Alliance journey.
The member airlines are: Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, and United.
Overall, the Star Alliance network currently offers more than 16,000 daily flights to almost 1,200 airports in 186 countries. Further connecting flights are offered by Star Alliance Connecting Partners Juneyao Airlines and THAI Smile Airways.
For more information about Air New Zealand visit www.airnewzealand.com and for more information about Star Alliance visit www.staralliance.com