Air New Zealand Just Unveiled Its New Retrofitted Fleet

As a New Zealander living in New York, I often say that flying home is one of the most emotional parts of the journey. That first breath of clean Antipodean air, the warmth of familiar accents, the landscapes that still take your breath away no matter how many times you’ve seen them. But for those yet to make the trip, Air New Zealand has long offered more than just transportation. It’s a preview of the country’s character: welcoming, thoughtful, and quietly world-class.

On May 19, Air New Zealand launched its newly retrofitted Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. This isn't merely a fleet upgrade, as it’s a bold reimagining of what long-haul travel can look and feel like.

More than five years and 170,000 hours in the making, the project is an example of how an airline can embody the spirit of its homeland at 35,000 feet. It also reflects how the carrier is propelling itself—and by extension, the country—on the global stage in a future-focused way.

“Given our geographical location, the majority of our customers travel overnight to reach New Zealand,” Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran told Travel + Leisure. “With this in mind, we’ve designed our new cabins to prioritize rest and comfort to help ensure an exceptional inflight experience.”

That ethos, he added, has been “guided by the features premium travelers value most”—and it’s reflected in every touchpoint.

From the moment travelers step onboard, they’re immersed in the essence of New Zealand. Every detail—from the calming natural tones of the cabin, echoing the country’s lush native bush and the iridescent plumage of the tui bird, to the tactile finishes—is crafted to evoke the beauty and tranquility of New Zealand.

The inflight experience is equally evocative. Amenity kits feature skincare inspired by traditional Māori herbal practices, and the menus are a culinary showcase of indigenous flavors. Think smoked kahawai mousse with confit potato or beef short rib with black truffle, capped with a passionfruit pavlova—an authentic representation of cuisine found on local dinner tables.

“We believe we’ve created something that customers will love, with an interior design inspired by the uniqueness of Aotearoa New Zealand,” Foran said. “This new cabin blends comfort and privacy, and when paired with Air New Zealand’s world-class Kiwi hospitality, it amounts to a standout offering.”

The retrofitted Dreamliners are as smart as they are stylish. Every cabin features a new inflight entertainment system with larger 4K screens, Bluetooth audio pairing, and the ability to use personal devices as remotes.

Sustainability, a rising concern for travelers and the aviation industry alike, has been a significant consideration throughout the project. “We’re focused on minimizing impact as much as possible, and this includes increasing the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and making our fleet as fuel-efficient as possible,” Foran said.

The new cabins feature lighter, more sustainable materials—such as fabrics replacing leather—and serviceware that’s up to 20 percent lighter, all contributing to reduced emissions. The airline is also exploring ways to repurpose materials removed during the retrofit, underscoring its commitment to a circular economy and a net-zero carbon future by 2050.

The New Business Premier Cabin

At the heart of the retrofit is Air New Zealand’s new Business Premier cabin, a product of extensive research and customer insight. As Foran explained, “It is important to us to develop products that are exactly what our customers want, which is why we have carried out extensive research while developing our new cabin.” The Business Premier seats are designed to bring ease and elegance to even the longest flights: lie-flat beds, enhanced privacy, wireless charging, and 24-inch high-resolution monitors.

For those seeking an extra level of exclusivity, the Business Premier Luxe experience delivers just that. Positioned in the front row and limited to four per aircraft, these seats offer additional space, a privacy door, and, for the first time on Air New Zealand, the option to dine with a companion at altitude.

Economy and Premium Economy Refresh

Air New Zealand hasn’t limited its innovation to the front of the plane. “With the rise of ultra-long-haul travel, we are seeing greater demand for premium cabins; however, we’ve also made sure we cater to a diverse range of customer preferences,” Foran said.

The refreshed economy cabin now offers up to five different seating options, including the popular Skycouch and, from 2026, the world’s first Skynest, a bunk-bed concept for economy passengers.

Premium Economy has also been reimagined, featuring one of the largest seats in the industry at 41 inches, with enhanced privacy, clever storage, and lighting designed for comfort without disturbing neighbors.

The Future of Flying

As the retrofitted Dreamliners prepare for takeoff, Air New Zealand is setting a new benchmark for what it means to fly long-haul. (In my case, 18 hours from JFK-AKL.) As someone who has flown nearly every major international airline, I can say with certainty that Air New Zealand consistently offers one of the most thoughtful and gracious flying experiences in the world—not just in the premium cabins, but across all classes. The airline’s blend of cultural authenticity, technological innovation, and sustainability is not only a tribute to its homeland but a compelling invitation for travelers worldwide to experience the magic of New Zealand, starting from the moment they step onboard.