Air New Zealand has unveiled the first fully retrofitted Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, the world’s first retrofit over the aircraft type. The Boeing features the best-redesigned cabin, including the airline’s new first class like Business and Premier Luxe. The seat availability will go with booking from May 7th, 2025.
It’s the first new onboard product in 15 years. It is undergoing final testing in Auckland, and an 184-day retrofit in Singapore is being completed. The newest part comes with a wider cabin renewal program with seven aircraft completely by the end of the year.
Brand New First-Class-Like ‘Business Premier Luxe’ Seats
So far, the first retrofitted aircraft is set to enter service on May 19th, and it is operating a return flight from Auckland to Brisbane. The same evening begins long-haul operations with a flight to San Francisco. Within the cabin retrofit program progresses-carrier plans to deploy the aircraft on routes to Rarotonga and Vancouver.
Features 787-9 redesigned seating across all cabins-larger in-flight entertainment screens, wireless charging, and upgraded lighting. Meanwhile, the airline introduced its newest Business Premier Luxe, four premium seats located at the front of the cabin. All updated seats feature an 80-inch lie-flat bed, fully closing door-added privacy, expanded space, 24-inch 4K display, and ottoman-double guest seats. All seats will be available upon selection when booking a Business Premier Ticket.
Greg Foran, CEO of Air New Zealand, said:
“This is the first ever full nose-to-tail retrofit of a 787-9 Dreamliner…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.”
Revamped Premium Economy And Economy Cabins
Redesigning the Premium Economy cabin with a fixed outer shell lets passengers recline without impacting the seat behind. Above all, each seat includes side wings that give privacy and additional storage. Taking about the Economy in-flight experience is entertaining as it is installed with a screen, new snack trays, and an introduction to economy stretch with increased legroom space.
The fleets are also featured with new digital systems across all cabins. With the efficiency of accessing 4K high-definition screens with Bluetooth audio pairing, mobile devices can be used as remotes. Moreover, passengers can have additional features like personalized watchlists, flight tracking, and picture-in-picture viewing.
Skynest Sleep Pods Coming Soon To Air New Zealand’s 787s
Air New Zealand was the launch customer of the Boeing 787-9 & took its delivery for the first aircraft in 2014. So far, 14 787-9 Dreamliners and more are in the queue (around 8). The upcoming aircraft will feature the airline’s most anticipated innovative yet World’s first lie-flat sleep pods for economy class passengers.
Each unit includes six bunks arranged in a stacked configuration-three on either side, with a central ladder that gives accessibility to upper beds. Each pod is designed after capsule hotel-style sleeping arrangements intended for short rest sessions without leaving comfort behind for passengers on long-haul flights.
The beds feature cozy and warming pillows, sheets, blankets, earplugs, reading lights, personal USB outlets, and privacy curtains. Each session will be bookable in four-hour blocks, offering economy passengers a new rest option far beyond traditional seating.
