Introducing A New Era Of Travel: Air New Zealand Unveils Fully Redesigned 787-9 Dreamliner
Press Release – Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand unveils its first retrofitted 787-9 Dreamliner in Auckland, New Zealand
Seats are available for purchase from Wednesday 7 May, including the all-new Business Premier Luxe seats
The first retrofitted aircraft will take to the skies for the first time on Monday 19 May, flying from Auckland to Brisbane return
In what is a proud moment in Air New Zealand's 85-year history, from Wednesday 7 May, customers will be able to book seats on the airline's highly anticipated all-new cabin experience.
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 says 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 inflight entertainment system, larger inflight 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.
Introducing the new cabin experience
Business Premier
Our new Business Premier seats have a new angle and layout, meaning additional privacy and space.
· Sliding privacy screens, wireless charging, and a 24″ inflight entertainment screen
· Middle seats with a sliding divider, perfect for travel companions
· Full lie-flat recline with a clever headrest lift for prime movie-watching or mid-flight novels
Business Premier Luxe
Four all-new seats in the front row of the Business Premier cabin. Business Premier Luxe will be able to be booked as a paid seat select product when purchasing a Business Premier seat.
It has all the features of Business Premier, along with:
· Full closing door, a larger bed, and additional space with room for two to dine
Premium Economy
Our new Premium Economy gives customer more privacy and thoughtful storage to help make the space their own.
· All seats have a fixed outer shell, meaning your recline doesn't impact the person behind you
· Side wings on the seat provide extra privacy
· More storage space keeps your essentials within easy reach
Economy
You don't need to turn left to experience the future of flying with Air New Zealand.
· 50% bigger inflight entertainment screens, clever little snack trays, and the new Economy Stretch option to give your legs a holiday too
· Clever stowage options include a small tray table for snacks or your phone, and an elastic holder for your essentials
Digital Innovation & Inflight Entertainment
You'll find digital innovation in every cabin.
· 4K HD screens with Bluetooth audio pairing
· Use your phone like a remote, build a watchlist, track your flight, or multitask with Picture-in-Picture functionality
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NZ Autocar
2 hours ago
- NZ Autocar
Terron 9 Elite arrives and LDV is taking preorders
The LDV Terron 9 has dotted down in New Zealand in Elite specification and pricing kicks off at $59,990 plus on roads. Powering LDV's new full-sized ute is a 2.5L turbodiesel engine producing 164kW power and 520Nm torque. It has a maximum braked towing capacity of 3500kg. The 4WD workhorse comes with multiple terrain modes, and off-road expert information, including altitude, compass, wading sensor and approach angle. It also has an 1100kg payload, and a spray-on tray liner with four fixed tie-down points as standard. Inside are cloth seat covers, a six-way powered driver's seat, and a four-way manual adjustable passenger seat. Other features include a keyless entry and start, a surround camera, DRLs and LED headlights, dual 12.3-inch screens, and wireless phone hook up. Safety items include auto headlights and auto high beam assist, lane keeping, traffic sign recognition and blind spot monitoring. Kym Mellow, GM of Inchcape New Zealand which handles LDV product, introduced the model and announced pricing at Hamilton's Fieldays event. 'This Terron 9 ute is the ultimate reinforcement of LDV's brand DNA, in that it aims to be dependable, durable and value packed. It also offers up to 1100kg of payload and exceptional off-road capability thanks to its double-wishbone suspension up front and sturdy leaf spring suspension in the rear. Terron 9 comes backed by LDV's seven-year warranty, seven-year roadside assistance, and seven years of WOF, giving peace of mind for fleet companies, corporate customers and Kiwi families alike,' he added. The LDV Terron 9 Elite is now available for preorder here.
Scoop
4 hours ago
- Scoop
Wool Carpet Decision A ‘Parachute' For Farmers
Press Release – Federated Farmers 'Our wool industry is in major freefall, and this move from Kinga Ora is the parachute we desperately need,' Federated Farmers meat and wool chair Toby Williams says. Kāinga Ora's decision to use wool carpet in its social housing is a massive win for wool growers but won't be enough to save the industry on its own, Federated Farmers says. 'Our wool industry is in major freefall, and this move from Kāinga Ora is the parachute we desperately need,' Federated Farmers meat and wool chair Toby Williams says. 'This will slow our drop a bit but, in reality, what we really need now is an updraft to lift wool back up into being the number-one fibre globally. 'It's certainly a massive step in the right direction, though, and we're very pleased with the announcement yesterday.' Williams says Kāinga Ora is New Zealand's largest landlord, so its contract has the capability to soak up large volumes of wool, which in turn will help drive up prices. As well as transitioning to using wool carpet in its new social housing, Kāinga Ora will also use wool carpet in existing homes if the whole house needs recarpeting, such as when renovating older properties. The decision comes after a recent Request for Proposal (RFP) inviting both wool and nylon carpet providers to tender for the supply of carpet and underlay in its properties. 'Last year Federated Farmers slammed Kāinga Ora for initially deciding to categorically rule out using woollen carpets in its social housing,' Williams says. 'Our homegrown wool is an incredible product and it beggared belief that Kāinga Ora weren't even giving wool the chance to compete against nylon products. 'That was a total slap in the face for struggling Kiwi sheep farmers and rural communities, and we made it very clear it was a ridiculous, short-sighted decision. 'It's great they saw sense and allowed wool to have a crack – and even better that a wool provider has won the contract. 'It just goes to show that when wool is given a fair chance, it comes out on top as a natural, sustainable and renewable alternative to cheap and nasty plastic alternatives.' Williams says the decision is the result of a massive collaborative effort across the entire wool industry. 'Federated Farmers and other groups have been working really hard for years to get the Government engaged with, and listening to, wool growers. 'We recently launched our SOS: Save Our Sheep campaign to hammer home the message that we need urgent action if we're to keep our sheep and wool industry from collapsing entirely. 'Farmers are sick of woolly ideas – they want solid actions like this. 'It just shows that strong leadership from the Government can be a factor in restoring confidence to our embattled wool industry.' Williams says the housing agency's decision is also a big step forward for environmental sustainability. 'Using cheap, nasty plastic carpets might save a few bucks, but at what cost to the environment? 'If Kāinga Ora had picked a fossil fuel-derived synthetic carpet over a sustainable New Zealand-grown woollen product, just because it's cheaper, it would have been a disaster.' Williams says he's also really pleased that high-quality, sustainable Kiwi wool will be in the homes of some of New Zealand's most vulnerable tenants. Kāinga Ora will transition to using wool carpet in its new homes from 1 July 2025, when the supply arrangements come into effect.
Scoop
4 hours ago
- Scoop
New Zealand Hits Digital Economy Milestone
Press Release – New Zealand Government The NZBN is a simple idea with a big impact. It gives each business a unique identifier that makes it easier to work with government, other businesses and suppliers saving time, cutting duplication and reducing admin. Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing A key milestone in the push for a more connected digital economy has been reached, with over one million businesses now registered with a New Zealand Business Number (NZBN), Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Chris Penk says. 'The NZBN is a simple idea with a big impact. It gives each business a unique identifier that makes it easier to work with government, other businesses and suppliers – saving time, cutting duplication and reducing admin. 'The NZBN creates a single, trusted source of business data that government agencies can access in real time. Other businesses and individuals can also look up an NZBN to confirm the legitimacy of the company they're dealing with. 'The milestone includes nearly 200,000 sole traders and unincorporated businesses, which aren't legally required to register but are choosing to. That shows they see real, practical value in it – especially smaller operators who may not have large digital systems and need tools that help them get on with the job. 'Today's achievement reflects a broader trend: businesses are increasingly embracing digital solutions that streamline operations and lift productivity. 'Since its launch in 2016, the NZBN has become a cornerstone of New Zealand's digital infrastructure, supporting everything from invoicing and procurement to compliance and emergency response. 'As more businesses sign up and keep their information up to date, the NZBN becomes increasingly valuable – enabling smoother digital transactions and smarter use of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. 'With improved data sharing between agencies, government can also deliver faster, more tailored services for businesses. 'This Government is committed to backing businesses and driving economic growth. Modernisation like this is key to helping Kiwi businesses thrive and compete globally. If you haven't registered for a New Zealand Business Number yet, now is the time.' Notes:
