Air fresh Zealand to Deploy First Retrofitted 787 to San Francisco

dailyblitz.de 5 hours ago

AUCKLAND- Air New Zealand (NZ) has unveiled its highly anticipated Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner retrofit, marking the airline’s first major cabin update in nearly 15 years.

Air New Zealand (NZ) CEO Greg Foran presented the extensively redesigned interior today. He highlighted customised enhancements across all cabin classes in the $35 million per aircraft renovation project.

Air New Zealand 787-9 Retrofit

Business Premier Luxe

The most exclusive section of the aircraft features 4 all-new seats positioned in the front row of the cabin. Business Premier Luxe introduces retractable privacy screens, allowing passengers to create a more secluded environment. The 24-inch entertainment screens provide immersive viewing experiences while full lie-flat recliners include an elevated headrest for improved comfort.

“We focused on sleep and we’ll back ourselves to provide the best sleep you’ll get anywhere on a plane,” Foran told the Herald. He emphasised that the redesign addresses multiple factors affecting rest, including improved mattresses, ambient lighting, and cabin acoustics.

Premium Economy

Premium Economy passengers will appreciate the innovative hard-shell seat design that prevents disruption to those seated behind when reclining. This thoughtful engineering solution addresses one of air travel’s most common complaints.

It will provide enhanced storage capacity and wing-style headrests for greater privacy compared to previous designs.

Economy Class

Economy travellers benefit from substantially upgraded entertainment options, with new 13.3-inch screens. These are 50 per cent larger than the existing displays. This enhancement represents the airline’s commitment to improving the experience across all cabin classes rather than focusing exclusively on premium sections.

The airline has strategically eliminated common sources of passenger frustration while introducing several industry-leading features. This includes what it claims is the world’s largest economy-class entertainment screen!

Technology Integration

A unified entertainment system allows passengers throughout the aircraft to use personal devices as remote controls for viewing movies, playing games, or checking flight maps. This seamless technology integration extends beyond entertainment, as Foran announced that nearly the entire international fleet now offers complimentary Wi-Fi.

“We’ll be the first in the world actually to have Starlink operating in a turboprop plane.”

Greg Foran, CEO, Air New Zealand

He described an upcoming trial of SpaceX’s high-speed satellite internet service on both Airbus mid-range jets and ATR turboprop aircraft.

Lavatory Theme

The comprehensive retrofit extends to the aircraft lavatories, which now feature decorative bird-themed wallpaper on special lavatory laminates, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to New Zealand’s natural heritage throughout the passenger experience.

Inaugural Flight Routes

The first retrofitted aircraft, designated ZK-NZH, will begin service in two weeks, on Monday, May 19, with a return journey between Auckland (AKL) and Brisbane (BNE).

The same day, it will continue to San Francisco (SFO), marking the official debut of the redesigned cabins on long-haul routes where passengers will fully experience the enhanced sleeping and entertainment capabilities.

Through this extensive retrofit program, Air New Zealand (NZ) demonstrates its strategic focus on passenger comfort and modern amenities as international travel continues to rebound, positioning itself as a premium carrier in the competitive trans-Pacific market.

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