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Air New Zealand is set to launch its fully redesigned Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, marking a significant moment for the airline. The retrofitted aircraft, ZK-NZH, is currently in Auckland for final testing. It is scheduled for its first flight on May 19, from Auckland to Brisbane, followed by its inaugural long-haul service to San Francisco that evening.
Greg Foran, Air New Zealand's CEO, expressed the importance of this development. "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," he said. He further noted that this represents the "first ever full nose-to-tail retrofit of a 787-9 Dreamliner." Foran emphasized, "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."
The retrofitted aircraft introduces new features such as enhanced seating in all cabins, a new inflight entertainment system, larger screens, and improved stowage options. It also provides premium cabin passengers with more privacy. The new cabin layout is scheduled to be rolled out to all 14 of Air New Zealand's Boeing 787-9s by the end of 2026.
