Air New Zealand Books Retrofitted 787-9 Dreamliner

Air New Zealand has unveiled its newly retrofitted Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and opened bookings for the upgraded jet on May 7, 2025. Registered ZK-NZH, the aircraft is now undergoing final testing in Auckland ahead of its maiden flight on May 19, when it will depart Auckland Airport for Brisbane. Following that Trans-Tasman proving run, the modernized Dreamliner will make its long-haul debut on the Auckland–San Francisco route, offering passengers an entirely refreshed cabin experience.

The extensive retrofit took 194 days at a Singapore facility and represents the airline’s first full “nose-to-tail” overhaul of a 787-9 in over 15 years. Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran praised the project as the culmination of several years of research and design by the carrier’s in-house team. He said the new interior had been crafted to deliver a “world-class” travel experience, combining comfort, privacy and technological enhancements that reflect both customer feedback and evolving industry trends.

Inside the retrofitted Dreamliner, the Business Premier cabin now features a reconfigured layout with sliding privacy screens, wireless charging pads and 24-inch inflight entertainment screens. Middle seats include movable dividers for greater seclusion, and each full lie-flat suite offers an innovative headrest lift for superior comfort. At the front of the business cabin, Air New Zealand has introduced four “Business Premier Luxe” suites, each with a closing door, expanded dining area and a larger bed—available as a paid seat-select upgrade for travelers seeking the highest level of privacy.

Premium Economy has also been redesigned with fixed outer shells that ensure recline does not affect the passenger behind, integrated side wings for added personal space and additional storage compartments. Economy class benefits include 50 percent larger entertainment screens, clever stowage trays for personal items, and an “Economy Stretch” option to secure extra legroom. These enhancements apply across all cabins on the refreshed 787-9, and a second Dreamliner is already in Singapore for its own retrofit, with seven aircraft set to complete the transformation by the end of 2025 and the full fleet of 14 upgraded by late 2026.

Air New Zealand plans to deploy its retrofitted Dreamliners on high-demand routes. Passengers traveling between Auckland and Brisbane, San Francisco, Vancouver and Rarotonga will be among the first to experience the new cabins. As the retrofit programme progresses, additional destinations will be announced, expanding the reach of the airline’s signature service and modern interior across its international network.

Industry analysts note that Air New Zealand’s investment in cabin upgrades aligns with a broader trend among global carriers to revitalize widebody fleets rather than invest solely in new aircraft. By extending the service life and enhancing the passenger experience on its Dreamliners, the airline aims to strengthen customer loyalty and improve revenue per seat on its long-haul services.

Travel advisors recommend that passengers booking on the upgraded 787-9 check their flight equipment details during the booking process, as the enhanced cabin is expected to draw high demand. With sales now live, loyal Airpoints members and new customers alike can secure seats on flights that promise the latest in inflight comfort, connectivity and privacy features.

As Air New Zealand prepares for the rollout of its retrofitted fleet, the successful execution of this complex programme underscores the carrier’s commitment to innovation and passenger satisfaction. The combination of refreshed interiors, cutting-edge technology and strategic route deployment positions the airline to compete effectively on key international corridors in 2025 and beyond.

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