In a defining moment for aviation down under, Air New Zealand has rolled out its first fully retrofitted Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner—an aircraft not merely refreshed but reborn. Revealed in Auckland ahead of its maiden refitted voyage to Brisbane on Monday, May 19, the move ushers in what CEO Greg Foran has confidently dubbed “the future of flying.”

From nose to tail, the ZK-NZH Dreamliner has undergone a complete transformation—a world-first retrofit project that took 184 painstaking days in Singapore and several years of meticulous planning and design refinement. The result? An entirely reimagined in-flight experience, imbued with Kiwi innovation, textured elegance, and thoughtful functionality.

“This is the most significant upgrade in more than 15 years,” said Mr Foran, standing proudly beside the gleaming jet at the airline’s Auckland hangar. “We’ve rebuilt the experience from scratch, drawing on customer feedback, cutting-edge design, and the best of New Zealand. Whether you’re in Business Premier or Economy, the spirit of Aotearoa is stitched into every seat.”

From Auckland to the World—with a Brisbane Stop First

Travellers can start booking seats from Wednesday, 7 May. The first upgraded aircraft will fly Auckland–Brisbane return before taking off later that evening on a long-haul service to San Francisco.

This is just the beginning. The airline plans to retrofit all 14 Boeing 787-9 fleet by 2026. A second Dreamliner is already in Singapore undergoing similar upgrades, and seven aircraft are expected to be completed by the end of this year alone.

Routes set to receive the luxury treatment include Rarotonga, Vancouver, and Brisbane and San Francisco. Further destinations will follow.

Business Premier: Refined Elegance Meets Practical Genius

The refreshed Business Premier cabin brings a layout shift and aesthetic overhaul. Designed for privacy, flexibility, and flair, these seats are styled with subtle Kiwi touches and smart details, including:

• Sliding privacy screens for that sweet solitude in the sky

• Wireless charging docks (because your phone deserves a nap, too)

• Massive 24-inch 4K entertainment screens—yes, that’s bigger than some hotel TVs.

• Full lie-flat beds with a headrest that lifts just so for reading or movie marathons

• Middle-seat dividers that slide for couples or colleagues who like each other

But that’s not all.

Business Premier Luxe: First-Class Features with a Kiwi Twist

Nestled in the front row of the Business Premier cabin, Business Premier Luxe offers an in-flight experience that whispers luxury but delivers it in full voice.

These four bespoke seats come with:

• A fully closing door, ensuring maximum privacy

• A wider bed with space for two to dine—romance at 30,000 feet, anyone?

• An extended personal zone that practically dares you not to relax

Think of it as the penthouse of the sky—designed not for show but for soul-soothing comfort.

Premium Economy: More Than Just the Middle Ground

Gone are the days of feeling like you’re flying in no-man’s land. The new Premium Economy offers:

• Fixed shell seats so your recline doesn’t rob the person behind you of legroom (kindness in the air!)

• Enhanced storage for water bottles, books, or whatever essential keeps you sane.

• Side “privacy wings” that let you cocoon away from aisle chaos.

According to Foran, “We know our Premium Economy passengers are looking for a balance of space and style—this delivers both in spades.”

Economy: Where Clever Design Makes All the Difference

Air New Zealand’s economy class is a masterclass in innovation on a budget.

• 50% larger entertainment screens with stunning 4K visuals

• Elastic stowage straps for devices and snacks (finally!)

• A dedicated tray for mid-movie nibbling

• And an optional Economy Stretch seat to give your legs a well-earned break

Let’s be clear—this isn’t just a coat of paint. It’s a philosophy shift that treats all passengers with dignity and a dash of delight.

Tech-Forward Flying: Smart Features in Every Cabin

The airline’s digital innovation extends to every seatback, with upgraded entertainment systems boasting:

• Bluetooth pairing (bring your headphones, thank you very much)

• Smartphone-as-remote functionality

• Picture-in-picture multitasking

• Flight tracking that makes sense

And yes, you can queue up your next binge-watch before even boarding.

The Spirit of Aotearoa at 38,000 Feet

From the flax-inspired seat textures to the soothing cabin lighting and sustainable material use, the design story is unmistakably New Zealand.

Greg Foran summed it up best: “We wanted our aircraft to reflect the warmth and uniqueness of our country. Every detail was crafted with that in mind—from the privacy of our Business Premier Luxe seats to the joyful function of our Economy tray tables. We’ve built something that we believe will make Kiwis proud and visitors feel genuinely welcomed.”

Final Boarding Call: The Future Is Now

While the aviation world is no stranger to cabin upgrades, few come with the sheer attention to human comfort, national identity, and innovation on display here.

With bookings open from 7 May and the aircraft taking to the skies from 19 May, Air New Zealand invites you to experience a bold new chapter that respects its 85-year legacy while carving a fresh path toward the future.

In a world where flying can often feel like an endurance sport, Air New Zealand’s Dreamliner offers something refreshingly rare: the pleasure of the journey itself.

By Michelle Warner

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