Air New Zealand has launched the first of it’s refitted 787-9 Dreamliners

The  ten-year-old aircraft, ZK-NZH, spent the past 184 days in Singapore receiving a cabin glow-up, including the new Safran Business Premier Luxe seat, and redesigned Business Premier, Premium Economy, and Economy cabins. The aircraft is the first in the airline’s 787–9 fleet to undergo this world-first, full nose-to-tail retrofit.

Air New Zealand Chief Commercial Officer Jeremy O’Brien says the aircraft’s arrival is an exciting moment in the airline’s 85-year history.

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“Seeing the first of our 14 Dreamliners to undergo this transformation arrive home is a huge moment for our people, our customers, and the future of Air New Zealand. We’re so proud to deliver this new experience for those who fly with us around the world.

“Now the aircraft is back on home soil, it will undergo final preparations including testing of its new inflight entertainment system, and a full crew ground trial to rehearse onboard service before welcoming customers on board for the first time in mid-May.”

The second 787-9 to be retrofitted with the new interiors is already in Singapore, undergoing work, with a total of seven aircraft expected to be completed by the end of the year. All 14 Boeing 787-9s will be updated to the new cabin layout by the end of 2026.