Air New Zealand receives new Dreamliner but Skynest pods are delayed

Air New Zealand has taken delivery of its first new Boeing 787 Dreamliner in seven years. The aircraft, registered ZK-NZT, arrived in Auckland on Thursday night from San Antonio, Texas. This specific 787-9 is the world's first certified Dreamliner with increased Maximum Take-off Weight capability, allowing for more passengers, baggage, and cargo on ultra long-haul routes like Auckland to New York.

The airline will delay the installation of its Skynest sleep pods until after the summer travel peak. While the product is ready, overseas regulatory certification has stalled due to resource constraints at a foreign certifying authority. A second certification by a local regulator is currently progressing well.

Chief customer and digital officer Jeremy O’Brien stated the airline made a pragmatic decision to fly the aircraft immediately during the busy summer season rather than leaving it idle. "We've got a fantastic new 787 Dreamliner ready to welcome customers, and with summer being our busiest time of year, we want it in the air doing what it was built to do," O’Brien said.

The new aircraft features a redesigned cabin layout with 219 seats, including eight Business Premier Luxe seats, 34 Business Premier seats, 52 Premium Economy seats, and 125 Economy seats. The Economy section also includes nine Skycouches and 24 Economy Stretch seats. A second new Dreamliner, registered ZK-NZS, is expected to arrive within days.

How it developed

• Fri 30 Oct, 1:47pmThe report provides specific details on Skynest pricing, starting from $495 for a four-hour session, and the physical dimensions of the pods.

Where reports differ

• One report states the Skynest was originally scheduled for November, while others state it was scheduled for December.

Compiled from reports by Stuff, RNZ, Otago Daily Times and 1News.