Air New Zealand celebrated a major milestone as it welcomed its first upgraded Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner back home after undergoing a 184-day transformation in Singapore to elevate its cabin experience. The airline proudly announced the arrival of its retrofitted aircraft, ZK-NZH, on April 16, 2025, marking the first of its 787-9 fleet to receive a comprehensive nose-to-tail retrofit.

Chief Commercial Officer Jeremy O’Brien expressed his excitement, stating, “Seeing the first of our 14 Dreamliners to undergo this transformation arrive home is a huge moment for our people, our customers, and the future of Air New Zealand.” The refurbishment included all-new cabin interiors, featuring the luxurious Business Premier Luxe seat and revamped Business Premier, Premium Economy, and Economy cabins. O’Brien highlighted that final preparations, such as testing the new inflight entertainment system and conducting a crew ground trial, will be conducted to ensure a seamless onboard service. The revamped aircraft is set to welcome its first passengers in mid-May 2025.

Currently, the second 787-9 is undergoing its upgrade in Singapore, with a total of seven aircraft expected to be completed by the year's end. The ambitious project aims to update all 14 Boeing 787-9s with the new cabin layout by the end of 2026, promising a refreshed and enhanced flying experience for Air New Zealand passengers around the globe.