Air New Zealand has revealed intentions to retrofit its complete Boeing 777-300ER fleet with updated business class seats beginning in 2027. These new seats will utilize the Collins Aerospace Elevation platform and will showcase a reverse herringbone arrangement with privacy doors. The cabin will retain 44 business class seats, each providing 43 inches of pitch, direct aisle access, and sliding privacy dividers for center seats. Travelers can enjoy 18-inch seatback screens with Bluetooth audio, along with USB-A and USB-C charging ports.
The retrofitting is scheduled to commence in March 2027, with the first aircraft anticipated to be operational by May 2027. Although the total seat count on the aircraft will stay at 342, the layout will see two premium economy seats removed and two economy seats added to make way for the new business class configuration.
Jeremy O’Brien, Air New Zealand’s Chief Customer & Digital Officer, highlighted the significance of this enhancement, noting that it will improve the consistency of the airline’s international fleet and prolong the service life of the 777-300ERs.
While the new business class seats for the 777s are distinct from those being fitted on the Boeing 787 fleet, the reverse herringbone design is viewed as a competitive upgrade compared to the existing herringbone seats. Despite the variations in business class offerings across different aircraft types, the new 777 seats are regarded as superior, bringing features such as privacy doors that the 787 seats do not offer.
In summary, this retrofit signifies a major advancement for Air New Zealand’s long-haul fleet, promising a more contemporary and comfortable experience for passengers.