Air NZ to operate first 787 with new cabins in February 2025

Air New Zealand expects to operate seven Boeing 787-9s with new cabin interiors by end-2025, as retrofit works on its first aircraft continue apace. Airline chief Greg Foran, speaking to reporters in Singapore, says the airline is hoping to operate its first retrofitted 787 in mid-February next year. Foran was in Singapore visiting the facilities of ST Engineering, who are undertaking retrofit works for 14 Air New Zealand 787s. Thereafter, a second 787 will be inducted in February for a cabin refresh, and the remaining fleet to follow on a rolling basis. Air New Zealand expects the programme to complete by end-2026. The retrofitted 787 will likely operate Auckland-Vancouver flights after its return to service, says Foran, as well as to Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. The first 787-9 (ZK-NZH) was inducted at ST Engineering’s airframe MRO facility in Singapore in October. The aircraft is a 9-year-old example powered by a pair of Rolls-Royce Trent 1000s. The upgraded 787s will seat 272 passengers across four classes: economy, premium economy, business classes, as well as a newly introduced Business Premier Luxe class with a suite-like product. It is a reduction from current configurations which seat between 275 and 302 passengers, with more seats in business and premium economy classes.<br/>