Stunning: Air New Zealand Shows Off Its 1st Boeing 787 With First Class Suites

Air New Zealand has unveiled its first fully retrofitted Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, ZK-NZH—the world’s first retrofit of its kind for this aircraft type. The aircraft features a redesigned cabin layout, including the airline’s new first-class-like product, Business Premier Luxe. Seats will be available for booking from May 7.
This is the airline’s first new onboard product in over 15 years. The aircraft is currently undergoing final testing in Auckland after completing a 184-day retrofit in Singapore. The upgrade is part of Air New Zealand’s wider cabin renewal program, with seven aircraft to be completed by the end of this year.
Brand New First-Class Like ‘Business Premier Luxe’ Seats
Photo: Air New Zealand
The first retrofitted aircraft is set to enter service on May 19, operating a return flight from Auckland to Brisbane. Later that evening, it will begin long-haul operations with a flight to San Francisco. These routes will be the primary deployments for the revamped aircraft. As the cabin retrofit program progresses, the airline is also planning to deploy these aircraft on routes to Rarotonga and Vancouver.
The updated 787–9 features redesigned seating across all cabins, larger in-flight entertainment screens, wireless charging, and upgraded lighting. It introduces the airline’s newest Business Premier Luxe, four premium seats located at the front of the cabin. All seats feature an 80-inch lie-flat bed, a fully closing door for added privacy, expanded space, 24-inch 4K display, and an ottoman that doubles as a guest seat. These seats will be available as a paid seat selection when booking a Business Premier ticket.
Furthermore, Business Premier Luxe introduces new lie-flat reclines, sliding doors for added privacy, and a 24-inch 4K display. In addition, the middle seats in Business Premier feature sliding dividers to accommodate passengers traveling together. Greg Foran, CEO of Air New Zealand, said:
“This is the first ever full nose-to-tail retrofit of a 787-9 Dreamliner…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.”
Revamped Premium Economy And Economy Cabins
Photo: Air New Zealand
The Premium Economy cabin has been redesigned with a fixed outer shell, which allows passengers to recline without impacting the seat behind. Each seat includes side wings to enhance privacy and additional storage to improve functionality. In Economy, updates include 50% larger in-flight entertainment screens, new snack trays, and the introduction of Economy Stretch, a paid seating option offering increased legroom.
The aircraft features new digital systems across all cabins. Passengers will have access to 4K high-definition screens with Bluetooth audio pairing and the option to use mobile devices as remotes. Additional functions include personalized watchlists, flight tracking, and Picture-in-Picture viewing.
Air New Zealand’s second 787-9 is currently undergoing retrofit at ST Engineering’s maintenance facility in Singapore. The cabin refurbishment program is part of a $2.06 billion brand refresh investment announced in 2023. A total of seven aircraft are scheduled for completion by the end of 2025, with the remaining seven aircraft expected to be upgraded by 2026.
Cabin Class Key Features Business Premier Luxe 80-inch lie-flat beds, 24-inch 4K in-flight entertainment screens Fully closing door, additional space, eating for two to dine Business Premier Privacy screens, lie-flat beds, 24-inch 4K in-flight entertainment screens Sliding dividers for middle seats Premium Economy Fully shell seat, side privacy wings, enhanced storage Economy Larger in-flight entertainment screens, optional Economy Stretch seating
Related The Air New Zealand Aircraft That Feature A Cozy Skycouch In Economy Find the best option for you to fly along Air New Zealand long-haul routes.
Skynest Sleep Pods Coming Soon To Air New Zealand’s 787s
Photo: Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand was the launch customer of the Boeing 787-9 and took delivery of its first aircraft in 2014. The airline currently operates 14 787-9 Dreamliners and has eight more on order, though deliveries have faced delays. The upcoming aircraft are set to feature the airline’s most anticipated innovation yet—Skynest, the world’s first lie-flat sleep pods designed for economy class.
Each Skynest unit includes six bunks arranged in a stacked configuration—three on either side—with a central ladder providing access to the upper beds. The pods are modeled after capsule hotel-style sleeping arrangements and are intended for short rest sessions during long-haul flights.
The beds will feature pillows, sheets, blankets (all refreshed between sessions), earplugs, reading lights, personal USB outlets, and privacy curtains. Each session will be bookable in four-hour blocks, offering economy passengers a new rest option that goes far beyond traditional seating.