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Air New Zealand to Retrofit Boeing 777 Fleet with New Business Class Seats in 2027
Air New Zealand announced plans to upgrade its Boeing 777-300ERs with a new business class featuring reverse herringbone seats with doors starting March 2027.
The gist
Air New Zealand will update its Boeing 777 fleet with private reverse herringbone business class seats, enhancing comfort and consistency across its long-haul planes.
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Air New Zealand is set to completely refurbish the business class cabins on its Boeing 777-300ER fleet beginning in 2027, marking a significant upgrade over the current seating arrangement. The retrofit will introduce business class seats built on the Collins Aerospace Elevation platform, featuring a reverse herringbone layout with doors for added privacy. This overhaul will apply to all seven Boeing 777-300ER aircraft currently in the airline’s fleet, excluding the ex-Cathay Pacific aircraft that are not part of this program.
The planned new cabin configuration will retain the current total of 44 business class seats but will improve key comfort metrics, providing 43 inches of seat pitch. The design ensures all seats have direct aisle access and include sliding privacy dividers for center seats. Each seat will incorporate an 18-inch personal entertainment screen with Bluetooth audio capabilities, along with USB-A and USB-C charging ports; however, wireless charging will not be available. These changes reflect a focus on passenger comfort and modern in-flight entertainment standards.
This business class update will also slightly reconfigure the economy and premium economy sections. The airline plans to remove two premium economy seats and add two economy seats, resulting in a total of 342 seats on the aircraft, the same as the current arrangement. This minor adjustment creates additional space required to accommodate the larger, more private business class seats without sacrificing overall passenger capacity.
Air New Zealand intends to start the interior retrofitting process with the first Boeing 777-300ER aircraft in March 2027, with a target to have the revamped plane back in commercial service by May of the same year. It is important to note that delays in cabin refurbishments can be common, so these timeline estimates could shift depending on manufacturing and installation complexities.
Jeremy O’Brien, Air New Zealand Chief Customer & Digital Officer, emphasized the importance of this upgrade, noting that the existing Business Premier seats have served the airline well since the 777’s introduction in 2010. He highlighted that the new interiors will help maintain the 777 as a vital asset in the international network while reducing the maintenance burden associated with aging cabin products. O’Brien also stressed the goal of delivering a consistent, world-class onboard experience aligned with the carrier’s reputation for premium service.
While the new business class seats for the 777s are not identical to the recently introduced seats installed on the airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliners, the decision highlights a tailored approach to differing cabin dimensions and operational requirements. Interestingly, the reverse herringbone seats planned for the 777 are considered superior by some aviation enthusiasts compared to the custom, doorless seats on the 787, despite the latter’s newer design. The 777 cabin is wider than the 787’s, allowing for larger seats with doors and more privacy.
This cabin refresh addresses longstanding customer feedback regarding the current 777 business class seats, which critics describe as some of the less competitive offerings in long-haul business class markets. Updating this cabin positions Air New Zealand to remain competitive in the premium transpacific and international travel segments, improving the passenger experience with enhanced privacy, comfort, and technology.
This overhaul aligns with Air New Zealand’s broader strategy to modernize its long-haul fleet progressively. As the airline plans to operate its current 777-300ER aircraft well into the future, investing in a cabin upgrade ensures these aircraft remain appealing and functional in a market where premium cabin amenities significantly influence traveler choice. This also supports fleet lifecycle extension and operational efficiency through reduced cabin maintenance.
The new business class retrofit is a tangible demonstration of Air New Zealand’s commitment to maintaining high service standards across its fleet. By equipping the 777 fleet with modern, comfortable seats and enhanced privacy features, the airline strengthens its position in premium travel markets and provides a consistent experience alongside its newer aircraft.
Frequently asked questions
- What business class seating will Air New Zealand install on its Boeing 777 fleet?
- Air New Zealand plans to install reverse herringbone business class seats with doors based on the Collins Aerospace Elevation platform on its Boeing 777-300ERs.
- When will Air New Zealand start retrofitting the new business class seats on its 777 aircraft?
- Installation of the new business class seats is scheduled to begin in March 2027, with hopes to have the first aircraft returned to service by May 2027.
- How does the new 777 business class product compare to the 787 business class seats?
- The 777 business class seats will differ from the 787’s new business class seats, featuring privacy doors and a reverse herringbone layout, which some view as a superior product despite being different from the 787 configuration.
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