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PREMIUM DREAM: Air New Zealand to send 787 with extra Business seats to Chicago

When Air New Zealand's non-stop Auckland-Chicago service takes off at the end of this month, it'll do so on a special aircraft targeting those who want a little extra in-flight space.

When Air New Zealand’s non-stop Auckland-Chicago service takes off at the end of this month, it’ll do so on a special aircraft targeting those who want a little extra in-flight space.

The carrier revealed at a Choose Chicago event in Sydney last night that it will use a unique Dreamliner 787-9 on the 16-hour route that’s fitted with additional Premium seats.

Business Premier will have 27 seats, which is nine more than that in the regular Air New Zealand Dreamliner, while Premium Economy will have 12 extra seats to bring the class up to 33.

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Image: Air New Zealand/Facebook

The plane will also have regular Economy Class as well as the airline’s popular Economy Skycouch, which allows passengers to create a mini-bed across three seats.

Air New Zealand’s Business Development Representatives, Krystal Nejm and Sharee Burgess said the special aircraft is designed to meet expected demand for corporate travel on the non-stop route while also cater to those who want extra comfort throughout the overnight service.

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Image: Air New Zealand/Facebook

“We’re focusing on that corporate market for Chicago and giving passengers additional comfort.”

Sharee Burgess, Air New Zealand Business Development Representive

Air New Zealand’s non-stop service to Chicago O’Hare launches on 30 November and will operate three times weekly.

Sydneysiders will have streamlined connections to the US city, with the carrier offering an 11.50am flight to Auckland where guests will layover for two hours before boarding an 8pm flight to Chicago.

Services from Auckland to Chicago will take 15 hours to complete, and will increase to 16 hours on the return service.

 

Are you keen to fly to Chicago on Air New Zealand’s special Dreamliner?