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 in Business Class, there are some great refurbishments to look forward to. If you’re travelling to North America this year, we would highly recommend trying out the new cabin! Check out our Air New Zealand Business Class North America fare to learn more.

The New Cabin

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 which have been carefully reimagined in every detail to enhance the passenger’s comfort, personal space, and overall travel experience.

In the refurbished Business Class Premier Luxe, guests can expect a wide range of premiums. At the airport, enjoy priority check-in and boarding, as well as complimentary lounge access and extra baggage privileges.

Onboard, indulge in fine cuisine and wine with full table service and menus featuring seasonal ingredients and local flavours. 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. You’ll stay busy onboard watching movies on the 24-inch HD 4K entertainment screen. To make it even more personalised, you’ll have the ability to connect your own device to use as an IFE remote, plus, connect your own audio devices via bluetooth to the screen. Pamper yourself onboard with the amenity kit that includes essentials and a considered range of therapeutic skincare by Aotea.

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.

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 be one of the first to fly on the refurbished Air New Zealand Business Class cabin, 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!