Air New Zealand kicks off a major enhancement of its Boeing 787-9 fleet with a nose-to-tail makeover. Recently, the airline transported its first aircraft, registered as ZK-NZH, to Singapore. This retrofit not only marks a significant step for Air New Zealand, but also makes it the first airline globally to undertake such an extensive upgrade.
In Singapore, ST Engineering, the airline’s maintenance partner, will strip the current cabin interior. They will subsequently replace it with a fresh design that includes new seats in Economy and Premium Economy. Additionally, the airline will introduce the luxurious Business Premier Luxe product in the redesigned Business Premier cabin. Overall, this renovation aims to significantly improve the passenger experience and ensure Air New Zealand stands out in the competitive aviation market.
Air New Zealand boasts a rich history of innovation in the aviation industry. As a pioneer in various technologies and services, the airline continually strives to enhance its offerings. Thus, this retrofit program highlights its commitment to not only providing an excellent flying experience but also keeping its fleet modern and comfortable.
The retrofit process involves removing all current interior components, such as seats, inflight entertainment systems, carpets, and lavatory wallpaper. Afterward, new products will replace these elements, creating a fresh and inviting environment for passengers.
Over the next two years, Air New Zealand plans to upgrade all 14 of its 787-9 aircraft. Each aircraft will undergo careful renovation, allowing the airline to maintain operational capacity. By retrofitting the jets one at a time, Air New Zealand can minimize disruptions for travelers.
Once ST Engineering completes the first retrofit, the other aircraft will follow, flying to Singapore sequentially. This method guarantees that Air New Zealand continues to deliver outstanding service throughout the upgrade process.
Furthermore, the comprehensive retrofit will include new inflight entertainment systems and a reconfigured Layout of Passenger Accommodation (LOPA). Each aircraft will feature 272 seats across various cabin classes, including the new Business Premier Luxe seats and Economy Skycouch options. These improvements position Air New Zealand to provide a superior travel experience, thereby setting the standard in the airline industry.
Overall, Air New Zealand’s ambitious retrofit program reflects its dedication to innovation and passenger satisfaction. This transformation not only modernizes the fleet but also reinforces its status as a leader in the airline industry.
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