Monday, June 16, 2025
Air New Zealand is set to revolutionize air travel between Australia and New Zealand with the introduction of its retrofitted B787 Dreamliners. Following the debut of these enhanced jets on the Auckland-Brisbane route in May, the airline will soon roll out the new Dreamliners on flights from Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. This upgrade promises to provide passengers with an elevated travel experience, featuring more premium seating and cutting-edge technology.
As part of its 2025 northern summer and winter schedules, Air New Zealand will introduce seven retrofitted Dreamliners by the end of 2025, progressively integrating these aircraft into its operations until March 2026.
More Premium Seats and Enhanced Comfort
The new B787 Dreamliners are packed with exciting upgrades, especially for passengers seeking more luxury and comfort. Air New Zealand Chief Commercial Officer Jeremy O’Brien shared that these retrofitted planes will feature an impressive 27% increase in premium seating. The aircraft will now offer four Business Premier Luxe seats, 22 Business Premier seats, and 33 Premium Economy seats—ensuring that those who want to enjoy a more comfortable and spacious flying experience will have ample options.
This move aligns with Air New Zealand’s broader strategy to cater to the growing demand for premium travel, particularly from long-haul passengers. As more premium seats are added to the fleet, travelers can expect a refreshed experience across the airline’s most popular routes, including the Trans-Tasman services.
A Focus on High-Demand Routes
The newly retrofitted B787 Dreamliners will serve some of Air New Zealand’s most in-demand routes. This includes flights between Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and New Zealand, as well as services to popular Pacific Island destinations such as Rarotonga and Apia. The airline will utilize a combination of narrowbody Airbus jets and widebody Boeing jets to offer the best options for short and long-haul flights.
O’Brien explained that on high-demand morning routes, the new 787s will operate to and from destinations like Sydney and Melbourne, enhancing the service for business travelers who value speed and comfort. As more of the fleet is retrofitted, these Dreamliners will become a regular feature on both the Trans-Tasman and Pacific Island routes.
New Features: High-Definition Screens and More
In addition to the increased premium seating, the retrofitted B787 Dreamliners come with a standout feature: larger, high-definition personal screens. In the Business Premier cabin, passengers will enjoy 24-inch screens—over twice the size of the previous ones—while Premium Economy seats will feature 15.5-inch screens, and Economy class will benefit from 13.3-inch screens. This upgrade enhances the in-flight entertainment experience, making long-haul flights feel more like a cinema experience.
O’Brien noted that the larger screens, along with other in-flight technology improvements, have received enthusiastic feedback from passengers. As travelers look for more immersive and comfortable ways to pass the time on flights, these new features are sure to become a favorite.
Air New Zealand Targets North America and Asia
Looking beyond the immediate impact on Australian and Pacific routes, Air New Zealand is also preparing for expanded international reach. The airline recently announced a boost in capacity to North America, with more than 34,000 additional seats and 20,500 premium seats added to the northern winter schedule. Similarly, there will be 4,300 more premium seats for flights to Asia, responding to strong demand for more comfortable and convenient travel.
This expansion reflects the airline’s commitment to growing its premium leisure market, especially among travelers heading to North America and Asia. The increased availability of premium cabins on long-haul flights is expected to attract both business and leisure travelers seeking a more refined in-flight experience.
The Future of Air New Zealand’s Long-Haul Network
As Air New Zealand continues to retrofit more of its B787 Dreamliners, passengers can expect even more comfort and luxury on their flights. The airline’s focus on premium cabins is a strategic move to cater to the needs of modern travelers, who are increasingly seeking more personalized, comfortable, and immersive travel experiences. With these improvements, Air New Zealand is poised to be a top choice for travelers seeking the best in air travel.
The retrofitted B787 Dreamliners will be a game-changer on high-demand routes, offering spacious seating, larger entertainment screens, and a new level of comfort. For passengers traveling between Australia, New Zealand, and beyond, these new aircraft will set the standard for premium air travel.
Conclusion: The New Standard for Air Travel
Air New Zealand’s introduction of its retrofitted B787 Dreamliners to key Australian airports is set to enhance the travel experience for passengers. With more premium seating, larger screens, and improved in-flight services, these aircraft are tailored to meet the needs of modern travelers, especially those seeking comfort and convenience on long-haul flights.
As the airline continues to expand its fleet and offer more premium options, travelers can look forward to a refreshed and elevated flying experience across some of Air New Zealand’s most popular routes. For those traveling to North America, Asia, or the Pacific Islands, these new Dreamliners are set to make every journey a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.
