Air New Zealand has introduced its new Dreamliner fleet, offering an improved in-flight service across all levels of flying.
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 said 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 in-flight entertainment system, larger in-flight 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.
Business Premier will include Sliding privacy screens, wireless charging, and a 24" inflight entertainment screen, middle seats with a sliding divider, and full lie-flat recline with a clever headrest lift for prime movie-watching or mid-flight novels. Whereas the Economy will include a 50 percent larger inflight entertainment screen, clever little snack trays and the new economy stretch option.
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