Air New Zealand’s first retrofitted Boeing B787-9 Dreamliner officially touched down in Auckland on 17 April 2025 after a 184-day full interior revamp with all 14 in the fleet to receive the new cabin updates by the end of 2026.
The Air New Zealand B787-9 underwent its glow-up in Singapore, where it was retrofitted with all-new cabin interiors, including the new Business Premier Luxe seat, and redesigned Business Premier, Premium Economy and Economy cabins.
ZK-NZH is the first in the airline’s B787-9 fleet to undergo this world-first, full nose-to-tail retrofit, however its mid-May 2025 schedule is still TBC so avgeeks will have to check back to board this new-look aircraft.
The cabin layout will be reconfigured to have 272 seats: four Business Premier Luxe seats, 22 Business Premier seats, 33 Premium Economy seats, and 213 Economy seats, including 13 Economy Skycouch.
Alongside the new cabins, which include a new entertainment system and touchscreens, the revamp features new carpet throughout the aircraft, new curtains behind cabins and galleys and new wallpaper, hands-free waste disposal and bathroom amenity holders in toilets.
In addition, the Economy cabin receives the Sky Pantry – a self-service area with free snacks and drinks on long-haul international flights.
Air New Zealand CCO Jeremy O’Brien said the aircraft’s arrival is an exciting moment in the airline’s 85-year history.
“Seeing the first of our 14 Dreamliners to undergo this transformation arrive home is a huge moment. We’re so proud to deliver this new experience for those who fly with us around the world,” he said.
“Now the aircraft is back on home soil, it will undergo final preparations, including testing of its new inflight entertainment system and a full crew ground trial to rehearse onboard service before welcoming customers on board for the first time in mid-May.”
A second 787-9 is currently being retrofitted in Singapore with a total of seven aircraft expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
For more info, head to airnewzealand.com.au
