As a New Zealander who lives in New York, flying home is often one of the most emotional moments of the trip. It’s the first breath of antipodean clean air, the warm familiar accents and the stunning landscapes. For those yet to travel, Air New Zealand Since its inception, has offered much more than transportation. It gives a taste of the character and warmth of the country.
Air New Zealand unveiled its retrofitted Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners on May 19. This isn’t just a fleet update, but a radical reimagining how long-haul flights can look and feel.
This project took over five years and more than 170,000 man-hours to create. It is a great example of how a carrier can embody their homeland’s spirit at 35,000 ft. It also reflects how the carrier is propelling itself—and by extension, the country—on the global stage in a future-focused way.
Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran stated that “given our geographic location, the majority our our customers travel over night to reach New Zealand.” Travel + Leisure. “We’ve designed the new cabins with comfort and rest in mind to ensure an excellent in-flight experience.”
That ethos, he added, has been “guided by the features premium travelers value most”—and it’s reflected in every touchpoint.
The moment passengers step aboard, they feel 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.
Inflight entertainment is also 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.
Foran stated, “We think we have created something customers will love with an interior inspired by Aotearoa’s uniqueness.” This new cabin combines comfort and privacy. When paired with Air New Zealand’s world-class Kiwi service, it makes for a standout offer.
Air New Zealand
Retrofitted Dreamliners have a stylish and smart design. The new cabins feature a new, upgraded in-flight system, with larger screens and Bluetooth audio pairing.
Sustainability has been an important consideration for the entire project. It is a growing concern among travelers and in the aviation industry. Foran explained that “we’re focused to minimize impact as much possible. This includes increasing the usage of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) as well as making our aircraft as fuel-efficient and possible.”
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 also explores ways to reuse materials removed during the retrofit. It is committed to a circular economic system and a carbon-free future by 2050.
New Business Premier Cabin
Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand’s Business Premier cabin is at the core of the retrofit. It was developed after extensive research and with customer input. Foran said, “It’s important for us to develop products which are exactly what our clients want. That’s why we carried out extensive research when developing our new cabin.” Business Premier seats were designed to make even long flights more comfortable and elegant: they feature lie-flat mattresses, improved privacy, wireless charging and 24-inch high resolution monitors.
This Business Premier Luxe experience is for those looking for an additional level of exclusivity. The Business Premier Luxe seats, which are only available in four seats per aircraft and are located on the front row, offer more space, a privacy curtain, and for the first time, an option to dine altitude with your companion.
Refreshing Economy and Premium Economy
Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand didn’t limit its innovations to the front of a plane. Foran stated that “with the increase in ultra-long-haul flights, we see a greater demand for luxury cabins. However, we have also made sure to cater to a variety of customer preferences.”
The refreshed economy cabin features up to five seating options. This includes the popular Skycouch as well as the Skynest, which will be available in 2026. It is the world’s very first bunk-bed concept designed for economy passengers.
Premium Economy was also reimagined. It features one of the industry’s largest seats at 41 inches. There is enhanced privacy and clever storage. The lighting has been designed to be comfortable without disturbing the neighbors.
Flying in the Future
Air New Zealand, with its retrofitted Dreamliners, is setting a benchmark for what long-haul travel means. In my case, 18 Hours 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. Air New Zealand’s unique blend of cultural authenticity and technological innovation is not just a tribute to the country, but also an invitation to travelers around the world to experience New Zealand from the moment they board.
