Air New Zealand has revealed details of its new cabin upgrades across its Boeing 777-300 fleet, with new forward facing Business Premier seats featuring privacy doors.
The upgrade program also features new economy interiors, to give what NZ says is a fresh, more consistent experience across its international fleet. The retrofitted planes will enter service from May next year.
Business Premier interiors on 777s are now more than 20 years old and the layout meant passengers faced
each other with limited privacy. NZ chief customer and digital officer Jeremy O’Brien says the updated
Business Premier cabin will deliver a modern experience and brings similar functionality to the new Safran seats being rolled out across its 787-9 fleet.
The new Collins Elevation seats going into the 777s are angled away from the aisle in what O’Brien says
is a reverse herringbone layout. The seats are well-tested by other airlines, including British Airways and will extend the life of NZ’s seven-strong 777-300 fleet.
In Business Premier the number of seats is unchanged at 44 and other features include : 4 3 ” pitch seats that convert to a lie-flat bed, sliding privacy dividers in centre seats, 18” IFE screens with Bluetooth audio connectivity, USB A and USB C connection.
. . . Further back
Two premium economy seats will be removed (for 52 seats total) and two economy seats will be added for 246 seats total, including 16 Skycouch Air NZ Releases 777 Upgrade Details rows. In economy the new ZIM seats have a 31-32” pitch while its stretch seats have a 35” pitch. The 13” IFE screens have Bluetooth audio connectivity and USB C connection. Premium economy remains unchanged, as the cabins have undergone a refresh program, with new seat covers and cabin curtains, along with upgraded IFE.
“Our current Business Premier and economy cabins have served us exceptionally well since we welcomed the first 777-300ER into our fleet in late 2010, however the time is right to raise the bar once again,’’ says O’Brien. The retrofit will be done in Singapore.
. . . Trade Comment
“Our trade partners know the onboard experience plays an important role in helping customers choose
who to fly with,” says NZ’s Brydie Hill. “These cabin upgrades will deliver a more consistent experience
across our international fleet, giving agents even greater confidence in the product they’re selling and making it easier to match customers with the right travel experience. We can’t wait for our trade partners and their customers to experience the refreshed 777-300ER from 2027.”
Agents are advised that further information, including availability for sale and GDS updates, will be shared closer to the first aircraft entering service.
Pictured: 1. Inside NZ’s 777 retrofit. 2. A render of the Business Premier cabin in the 777 retrofit 3. The
new NZ 777 retrofit economy seat. 4. Another view of the Business Premier cabin 777 retrofit.
