Tourism Breaking News
Air New Zealand marked a momentous new chapter in its 85-year journey, unveiling both a striking new uniform collection and the first of its fully redesigned 787-9 Dreamliners. These two milestones signal the airline’s continued commitment to celebrating Aotearoa while delivering world-class innovation to customers around the globe.
Uniform Like No Other: A Celebration of Aotearoa
Air New Zealand reveals its brand-new uniform – a bold and meaningful expression of the airline’s pride in Aotearoa and its unique cultural heritage. Designed by acclaimed New Zealand-born fashion designer Emilia Wickstead, with bespoke hand-painted prints from tā moko artist Te Rangitu Netana, the uniform marks a powerful new era of identity for Air New Zealand.
“For us, this is more than just a uniform; it is a celebration of our people, our culture, and our values. Air New Zealand has never been about standing still or blending in. As an airline, we are all about being bold, celebrating what makes us unique, and celebrating our team members. This new uniform encapsulates everything we stand for – a combination of innovation, rich cultural heritage, and a sense of pride and belonging.”
Worn by 6,000 Air New Zealanders globally, the new uniform will undergo in-flight and ground trials beginning May 2025, with full rollout across the airline in 2026.
Introducing the Future of Flying: The All-New 787-9 Dreamliner
Air New Zealand also revealed its first retrofitted 787-9 Dreamliner – ZK-NZH – setting a new benchmark in onboard experience and aircraft design. Customers can book seats starting Wednesday, 7 May, ahead of the aircraft’s debut flights from Auckland to Brisbane on Monday, 19 May, followed by its first long-haul to San Francisco. This retrofit is the first complete nose-to-tail refresh of a 787-9 Dreamliner in the world, the result of 184 days in Singapore and years of design and development. By 2026, all 14 of Air New Zealand’s 787-9s will feature the new cabin layout.
Key highlights include:
- Business Premier & Business Premier Luxe: Full lie-flat beds, 24” screens, sliding doors (Luxe), and space for two to dine (Luxe).
- Premium Economy: Privacy-focused shell seats with extra storage and comfort.
- Economy: 50 per cent larger entertainment screens, innovative storage, and the new ‘Economy Stretch’ option.
- Digital Innovation: 4K screens, Bluetooth pairing, mobile control, and picture-in-picture functionality.
The new cabin design blends Kiwi ingenuity and storytelling with world-leading technology to deliver a distinctly Air New Zealand experience on routes including Brisbane, San Francisco, Vancouver, and Rarotonga.
