Air New Zealand receives first Boeing 787 Dreamliner in seven years

Air New Zealand has taken delivery of its first new Boeing 787 Dreamliner in seven years, the ZK-NZT. This aircraft is the world’s first certified Dreamliner with increased maximum take-off weight (iMTOW) capability, allowing for greater flexibility regarding passengers, baggage, and cargo on long-haul routes such as Auckland to New York.

A second aircraft, ZK-NZS, is expected to arrive within days. The new 787-9 features updated interiors, including eight Business Premier Luxe seats, 34 Business Premier seats, 52 premium economy seats, and 125 economy seats.

While the airline intended to debut its Skynest economy sleeping pod product with these new aircraft, the installation has been delayed until after the summer peak due to pending regulatory certification. Thirteen of the airline's existing 14 Dreamliners have already been refitted with the new interior configurations.