Air New Zealand reveals bold new crew uniform and revamped 787-9 Dreamliner cabin | File Photo
Mumbai: Air New Zealand unveiled a bold new uniform for its crew and the first of its fully redesigned 787-9 Dreamliners, marking a momentous new chapter in its 85-year journey.
On Tuesday, Air New Zealand revealed its brand-new uniform, which it claimed is a bold and meaningful expression of the airline’s pride in Aotearoa and its unique cultural heritage. The uniform is designed by acclaimed New Zealand-born fashion designer Emilia Wickstead, with bespoke hand-painted prints from tā moko artist Te Rangitu Netana.
Air New Zealand reveals bold new crew uniform and revamped 787-9 Dreamliner cabin | File Photo
“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. We are all about being bold, celebrating what makes us unique, and celebrating our team members. This new uniform encapsulates everything we stand for which is a combination of innovation, rich cultural heritage, and a sense of pride and belonging,” said a spokesperson of the airline.
According to Air New Zealand, every piece of the uniform, from the flowing kōwhai-printed fine print dress to the versatile collective thread shirt, tells a story. Netana’s Māori-inspired patterns reflect the land, sea, and spirit of New Zealand, while pieces like the Ie Faitaga, a traditional Pasifika garment, underscore the airline’s commitment to cultural representation and inclusion.
Air New Zealand reveals bold new crew uniform and revamped 787-9 Dreamliner cabin | File Photo
The new uniform will be worn by 6,000 Air New Zealanders globally and will undergo in-flight as well as ground trials beginning May 2025, with full rollout across the airline in 2026.
Wickstead said, “Designing the Air New Zealand uniform has been an incredibly personal project for me. At the heart of it was a deep respect for the heritage and the unique identity of New Zealand’s people and land. I wanted to create a uniform that empowers individuals and inspires pride in all who wear it and see it. For me, good design should always evoke a sense of pride and occasion, and I believe this uniform will do just that.”
Air New Zealand also revealed its first retrofitted 787-9 Dreamliner ZK-NZH, setting a new benchmark in onboard experience and aircraft design. The airline announced that customers will be able to book seats starting from May 7, ahead of the aircraft’s debut flights from Auckland to Brisbane on May 19, followed by its first long-haul to San Francisco.
Air New Zealand reveals bold new crew uniform and revamped 787-9 Dreamliner cabin | File Photo
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. The airline also claimed that all 14 of Air New Zealand’s 787-9s will feature the new cabin layout by 2026.
Greg Foran, chief executive of Air New Zealand, said, “Our new Dreamliner experience reflects everything our customers told us they wanted including more comfort, better sleep, and intuitive tech. It’s a physical representation of who we are as a country and as a brand.”
The key highlights of the retrofitted Dreamliner include Business Premier and Business Premier Luxe with full lie-flat beds, 24-inch screens, sliding doors, and space for two to dine.
The premium economy section will have privacy-focused shell seats with extra storage and comfort, while the economy section will feature 50% larger entertainment screens, innovative storage, and the new economy stretch option.
Putting a foot ahead for digital innovation, this aircraft will feature 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.
