Air New Zealand New Aircraft Cabin to Debut This May

The Air New Zealand 787-9 Dreamliner will take to the skies on 19 May 2025. This will mark the first of the fourteen aircrafts departing with its full nose-to-tail refurbishment. The carrier claims this is the first of its kind in the world, with a totally transformed onboard experience for all customers. 

If you’re wanting to fly Air New Zealand Round the World, there are some great refurbishments to look forward to across all cabins. As a Star Alliance member, it has strong partnerships across key international markets, such as the United States, Singapore, Hong Kong and China. If you’re keen to travel in Economy, Premium Economy or Business Class we would highly recommend trying out the new cabins! Check out our Air New Zealand RTW deals here.

Air New Zealand New Cabins

Not only will the refurbishments be fitted out on the 787-9 aircraft, but also feature on the eight new 787s. These are expected to be arriving mid-2026, with two of these new aircrafts being fitted with the innovative and award-winning Skynest Business Class. 

This cabin experience features the new Business Premier Luxe, seat as well as Economy Stretch for the first time on the Dreamliner fleet. The refreshed Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Premier cabins have been carefully reimagined in every detail to enhance customers’ comfort, personal space, and overall travel experience.

Business Class Premier Luxe

In the refurbished Business Class Premier Luxe, guests can expect a wide range of premiums. Enjoy priority check-in and boarding, as well as complimentary lounge access and extra baggage privileges. Onboard, indulge in fine cuisine and wine. Stay connected with free inflight Wi-Fi, a universal AC power plug, USB-A and USB-C port and premium headphones to enjoy the inflight entertainment.

Pamper yourself onboard with a theraputic skincare range in the amenity kit. In Business Premier Luxe, passengers will enjoy extra space, a sliding privacy screen and a guest seat means there’s more ways to make it your own. Settle in with a bolster comfort cushion, luxury throw and expansive open ottoman space. When you’re ready for sleep, smoothly recline into a 2 metre fully flat bed and enjoy unrestricted legroom for ultimate comfort.

Premium Economy

Premium Economy guests will also get access to fast-tracked check. in and boarding as well as baggage privileges. Enjoy a generous, ergonomic seat designed to bring you more control over your comfort. Plus, you’ll have an in-seat universal AC power plug, USB-A port and premium headphones to enjoy hundreds of hours of entertainment. Plus, enjoy premium cuisine and beverages with meals like slow-roasted pork belly and slow-cooked beef short rib on the menu.

Economy Stretch

Stretch is an Economy comfort option that gives you more space to relax for a more comfortable journey. The increased distance between seat rows provides more legroom compared to the standard Economy seats. With a 35″ inch (89cm) seat pitch, indulge in the extra space, recline and easier aisle access from window or middle seats. Passengers travelling Round the World in the new Air New Zealand Economy Stretch cabin will enjoy the standard Economy offerings like great food, a range of entertainment and standard baggage allowance.

The entire current fleet of fourteen 787 aircrafts will be fitted out with the new cabin experience on a rolling schedule between 2025 and 2026. Over this time, customers might face different seats and cabin interiors onboard across the mixed fleet. But no matter which aircraft or cabin they are in, Air New Zealand’s warm service, delicious food, world-class entertainment, and Kiwi hospitality remain the same.

If you are keen to fly on an Air New Zealand Round the World fare, chat to one of our airfare specialists. They’re experts in determining the different cabin types and will ensure to find you a great deal!