Overview
- Air New Zealand said the retrofit work will begin in March 2027 and the first refurbished 777 should return to service by May 2027.
- Business Premier on the 777-300ER will adopt Collins Aerospace Elevation reverse-herringbone seats with privacy doors, 44 seats total and a 43‑inch pitch for lie-flat beds.
- Economy will get new ergonomically designed ZIM seats, larger entertainment screens and USB‑C power while Premium Economy is largely unchanged.
- The overall cabin will remain at 342 seats after a minor reallocation that reduces Premium Economy to 52 and increases Economy to 246, with reporting noting 16 Skycouch rows in the revised layout.
- Industry commentary highlights a mismatch with the 787‑9 business product and warns retrofit schedules often slip, but Air New Zealand says the program will align 777 interiors with recent 787 refurbishments and improve passenger privacy and comfort.