A new era of long-haul comfort has arrived, as Air New Zealand’s freshly upgraded Dreamliner takes flight with a $35 million retrofit that’s set to transform the flying experience.
A Fresh Chapter in the Skies
Air New Zealand officially launched its first retrofitted Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on its inaugural passenger service from Auckland to Perth, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s $3.5 billion investment into modernising its fleet.
The upgrade comes after years of design planning, aiming to deliver more comfort, more tech, and a refreshed look and feel for travellers flying to and from Aotearoa.
What’s New Inside the Dreamliner?
Passengers stepping aboard the retrofitted Dreamliner will notice the difference immediately — from reimagined seating to the upgraded in-flight experience. Here’s what’s changed:
- Business Premier Luxe: A brand-new suite offering extra privacy and comfort, ideal for those seeking more space on long-haul flights.
- Refreshed Economy and Premium Economy cabins: Updated seat upholstery, more intuitive storage options, and an overall sleeker layout.
- Upgraded In-Flight Entertainment: High-resolution screens, faster response times, and more customisation features for passengers.
- Sustainability Touchpoints: Materials used throughout the aircraft are lighter and more environmentally considerate, aligning with Air NZ’s climate commitments.
The changes aren’t just cosmetic — they’re designed with the long-haul flyer in mind, especially those used to crossing oceans from New Zealand’s far-flung corner of the world.
Inaugural Flight: Auckland to Perth
The first flight to showcase the upgrade departed from Auckland bound for Perth, giving passengers their first taste of the revamped experience.
Feedback was quick to follow, with many highlighting the noticeable step up in comfort and in-flight amenities. Cabin crew also noted the smooth transition and excitement among frequent flyers onboard. As one passenger described it in a Stuff review, the refreshed Business Premier felt “more like a boutique hotel room in the sky.”
Why This Matters for Air New Zealand
The retrofit is part of Air New Zealand’s broader plan to remain competitive in the global aviation market, especially as international travel continues to rebound post-pandemic.
This Dreamliner is the first of several in the fleet scheduled for upgrades, demonstrating the airline’s commitment to long-haul innovation and comfort. It’s also a timely move as other international carriers ramp up their own premium offerings.
For Kiwis and inbound travellers alike, it’s a signal that Air NZ is investing in a future that prioritises passenger experience — not just getting you from A to B, but making the journey part of the enjoyment.
What’s Next?
Air New Zealand plans to retrofit more of its Dreamliners over the coming months, gradually rolling out the new interior across various long-haul routes. Travellers heading to North America, Asia, and Australia are likely to be among the next to experience the change.
As these upgrades roll out, they’ll offer more consistent quality across the fleet — a welcome update for regular flyers and a strong nod to Air NZ’s post-COVID comeback strategy.
Final Thoughts
With its new Dreamliner upgrades, Air New Zealand is showing it hasn’t lost sight of what makes a flight from or to Aotearoa special — comfort, care, and a touch of Kiwi innovation.
For frequent flyers and first-timers alike, this could mean a more enjoyable long-haul journey that better reflects the standards and spirit of modern New Zealand.
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