Air New Zealand is preparing to unveil a fresh new design for its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, featuring entirely new business-class suites.
This week, the Auckland-based airline announced the completion of the first cabin renovation on one of its Dreamliners, which showcases a redesigned business-class space, including four spacious new pods at the front.
This marks the beginning of upgrades for 14 of Air New Zealand’s 787 aircraft, which are set to be completed by the end of next year.
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Comprehensive Upgrade
The improved jet, which recently returned to Auckland after a 184-day refurbishment in Singapore, features a complete overhaul from nose to tail, according to the airline. This includes new seats across all classes, as well as updated carpets, curtains, lavatory wallpaper, and inflight entertainment systems.
Business Class
The centerpiece of the revamped Dreamliner cabin is the new Business Premier Luxe seats located at the front of the aircraft, providing passengers with increased space and an enhanced experience compared to the standard lie-flat business-class seats.
Air New Zealand shared images of the new Luxe seats, which include a companion seat that allows two passengers to enjoy dining together at an oversized tray table.
The renovated 787-9 fleet will feature a total of 26 business-class seats, comprising four of the larger Luxe seats and 22 lie-flat pods.
Premium Economy
The premium economy section of the upgraded 787s will be outfitted with 33 recliner seats featuring winged headrests.
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Economy Class
The economy cabin will accommodate a total of 213 seats, including the airline’s innovative Economy Skycouch option, which provides a more comfortable sleeping arrangement for coach passengers, as noted by Flying Frugal’s Summer Hull a few years back.
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Air New Zealand aims to eventually refurbish all its Dreamliner interiors. By the end of 2025, seven of the jets are expected to be upgraded, with the remaining aircraft scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, according to the airline’s recent announcement.
“The arrival of our first Dreamliner to undergo this transformation is a monumental moment for our team, customers, and the future of Air New Zealand,” said Chief Commercial Officer Jeremy O’Brien in a statement. “We are thrilled to present this enhanced experience to our travelers worldwide.”
Booking Air New Zealand with Points and Miles
If you wish to book a seat on Air New Zealand using points and miles—from Skycouch to business class—it’s advisable to start by checking award availability via its partner networks.
As a member of the Star Alliance, Air New Zealand tickets can be booked through partner loyalty programs such as United Airlines MileagePlus and Air Canada Aeroplan. Last year, Flying Frugal’s Eric Rosen transferred 75,000 Chase points to Air Canada to secure a business-class seat from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Auckland Airport (AKL).
Read more: Eligibility for the Chase Sapphire Preferred’s 100,000-point bonus
While Air New Zealand hasn’t specified the first routes for its refurbished 787, the airline operates this aircraft type on several flights to the U.S.
For example, this month, it plans flights from Auckland to four U.S. cities: Honolulu, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York, based on data from aviation analytics firm Cirium.
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