A Fresh Take on Flying
Air New Zealand’s Dreamliners Get an Elegant Cabin Redesign
A new era of travel comfort is arriving in the skies, with Air New Zealand revealing the first of its fully retrofitted Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. After six months of transformation work in Singapore, the aircraft—ZK-NZH—landed back in Auckland on 17 April 2025. It’s the first of 14 Dreamliners set to be completely redesigned inside by the end of 2026.
For travellers flying long-haul with Air New Zealand, this signals a new level of onboard experience—one that blends contemporary design, enhanced comfort, and thoughtful service across all cabins.
Elevated Comfort in Business Premier and Luxe
Leading the transformation is the introduction of Business Premier Luxe, a refined space featuring lie-flat beds, enhanced privacy, and room for two to dine together. It’s designed for those who value both style and solitude at altitude. The refreshed Business Premier cabin also offers a more contemporary take on comfort with improved seating and functionality.
The reconfigured layout now includes 4 Business Premier Luxe seats and 22 Business Premier seats.
Business Premier Luxe - Lie Flat Bed
Business Premier Luxe - Space for Two to Dine
New Business Premier Cabin
A Better Way to Travel in Every Cabin
Travellers flying Premium Economy will enjoy redesigned seats, upgraded inflight entertainment, and a more spacious cabin environment. In Economy, the new layout offers 213 seats—13 of which include the Economy Skycouch, ideal for couples or families wanting extra space.
Long-haul flyers in Economy will also appreciate the addition of the Sky Pantry, a self-service area offering snacks and drinks throughout the flight—available whenever you feel like a nibble at cruising altitude.
Premium Economy - New Cabin
Premium Economy
New Economy Seats
Design That Enhances the Journey
This retrofit is more than cosmetic. New features include
An upgraded entertainment system with modern touchscreens
Refreshed carpets, curtains, and cabin finishes
Updated lavatories with hands-free bins and amenity holders
The result is a seamless and more enjoyable experience, whether you’re flying up front or down the back.
What to Expect Next
The newly fitted Dreamliner will undergo final onboard system checks and crew training before it enters service in mid-May 2025. A second aircraft is already in retrofit, and seven aircraft are expected to be completed by the end of this year.
Air New Zealand’s investment in this fleet transformation reflects its focus on elevating the travel experience for all passengers. As Jeremy O’Brien, Chief Customer and Sales Officer, shared, “We’re so proud to deliver this new experience for those who fly with us around the world.”
At Wanderlust Travel Experts, we know the difference that a great flight can make. If you’re considering international travel later this year or next, talk to your travel expert about flying on one of these beautifully updated Dreamliners.