Air New Zealand is taking to the skies with a whole new vibe. The airline has just unveiled its very first fully retrofitted Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in Auckland, and it’s packed with next-level upgrades designed to make flying smoother, smarter, and more stylish than ever.
Starting Wednesday, May 7, travelers can grab seats on the revamped aircraft—including the brand-new Business Premier Luxe suites. The Dreamliner, with registration ZK-NZH, is scheduled to fly its first official service from Auckland to Brisbane and back on Monday, May 19, before heading out on its first long-haul journey to San Francisco that same evening.
This launch is being celebrated as a milestone in Air New Zealand’s 85-year history, with CEO Greg Foran calling it a “special moment” for the airline.
“This aircraft spent 184 days in Singapore undergoing a complete transformation,” Foran said. “It’s the result of years of design, innovation, and customer feedback. From the materials you touch to the layout of each cabin, it’s all been reimagined with a distinct Kiwi feel.”
It’s the first-ever full nose-to-tail retrofit of a 787-9 Dreamliner—and it brings in Air New Zealand’s first new onboard products in more than 15 years.
What’s New Onboard?
The upgrade touches every part of the plane, with redesigned seats in every cabin, an all-new inflight entertainment system with bigger 4K screens, Bluetooth audio pairing, smart storage solutions, and more privacy—especially up front.
Here’s a breakdown of what passengers can expect:
Business Premier
- Enhanced privacy thanks to sliding screens
- Spacious layout and full lie-flat recline
- Wireless charging and 24″ 4K entertainment screens
- Perfect-for-two middle seats with adjustable dividers
Business Premier Luxe
- The ultimate upgrade: four exclusive front-row suites
- Full privacy door, larger bed, and extra room (yes, enough to dine for two!)
- Bookable as an add-on to Business Premier seats
Premium Economy
- Fixed shell design so recline doesn’t disturb others
- Winged headrests for extra privacy
- Smart storage areas to keep essentials handy
Economy
- Bigger entertainment screens (up 50% larger!)
- New “Economy Stretch” option for more legroom
- Mini snack trays and phone holders to keep things convenient
High-Tech Touches
Across all cabins, passengers can enjoy an upgraded digital experience:
- Build your watchlist, track your flight, or multitask with Picture-in-Picture
- Pair your phone to use it as a remote
- Bluetooth headphones? No problem.
What’s Next?
The next retrofitted 787-9 is already in the works in Singapore, with seven aircraft expected to be complete by the end of 2025. By 2026, all 14 of Air New Zealand’s Dreamliners will be flying with the new cabin design.
Initially, the upgraded planes will fly routes between Auckland and Brisbane, San Francisco, Rarotonga, and Vancouver—with more destinations coming as the fleet transformation continues.
So if you’re dreaming of a fresher, comfier, more connected flying experience, Air New Zealand’s new-look Dreamliner might just be your ticket.
