- ByLen Varley
- April 17, 2025
After spending 184 days in Singapore, Air New Zealand’s first retrofitted Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner has touched down in Auckland.
After 18 months of research, 2,500 hours of customer testing, and 184 days in Singapore, Air New Zealand’s first retrofitted Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner landed in Auckland.
This aircraft, ZK-NZH, marks a milestone with its completely revamped cabin interiors, introducing a world class onboard experience.
The retrofit brings fresh designs to Business Premier Luxe, Business Premier, Premium Economy, and Economy cabins, setting a new standard for air travel.
A Complete Cabin Transformation
The retrofit process transformed the aircraft from nose to tail. Imagine renovating a home: old carpets, curtains, and furniture are replaced with modern, stylish upgrades. Similarly, this Dreamliner received a full interior overhaul. The retrofit includes:
- New seats across all cabins, including the luxurious Business Premier Luxe seats.
- Fresh carpets and curtains for a modern look.
- Updated lavatories with new wallpaper, hands-free waste disposal, and amenity holders.
- Advanced inflight entertainment with larger, high definition screens.
- Sky Pantry in Economy, offering convenient self-service snacks.
The aircraft now features a reconfigured layout with 272 seats: four Business Premier Luxe, 22 Business Premier, 33 Premium Economy, and 213 Economy seats, including 13 Economy Skycouch options.
This unified layout replaces the airline’s previous configurations of 302 or 275 seats across its 787-9 fleet.
What Is a Retrofit?
A retrofit is like giving an aircraft a complete interior renovation. It involves stripping out old components—seats, carpets, entertainment systems—and installing modern replacements.
The result is a refreshed, comfortable, and stylish cabin that feels brand new. For passengers, this means more comfort, better entertainment, and a more enjoyable journey.
A Milestone for Air New Zealand
Jeremy O’Brien, Air New Zealand’s Chief Commercial Officer, called the aircraft’s arrival a proud moment in the airline’s 85-year history. “This is a huge step for our team, our customers, and the future of Air New Zealand,” he said. “We’re thrilled to introduce this exceptional experience to travelers worldwide.”
The aircraft is now undergoing final preparations in Auckland. This includes testing the new inflight entertainment system and carrying out crew training to perfect the onboard service. Customers can expect to board this upgraded Dreamliner starting mid-May.
A Fleet-Wide Upgrade
Air New Zealand’s retrofit program now continues across the 787 widebody fleet. A second 787-9 is already in Singapore for its makeover, with seven aircraft slated for completion by the end of 2025.
By the end of 2026, all 14 of the airline’s Boeing 787-9s will sport the new interiors. This ambitious project reflects Air New Zealand’s commitment to enhancing the passenger experience across its fleet.
Conclusion
The retrofitted Dreamliner showcases Air New Zealand’s dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction. The new Business Premier Luxe seats offer unmatched luxury, while redesigned cabins cater to every traveler’s needs.
With improved amenities and a consistent layout across the fleet, passengers can expect a seamless and elevated experience.
Air New Zealand’s first retrofitted Boeing 787-9 looks and feels the part. As the airline rolls out these upgrades, flyers can look forward to a world class journey that blends comfort, style, and innovation.
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Writer/Assistant Editor Len Varley has over 35 years experience in aviation, including flight crew roles of Chief Pilot, Chief Flying Instructor and CASA Approved Testing Officer.Email: [emailprotected]
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