Air New Zealand Unveils New Uniform and Redesigned Dreamliner

Air New Zealand has celebrated a significant milestone in its 85-year history with the launch of a striking new uniform collection alongside the first of its fully redesigned 787-9 Dreamliners. These developments underscore the airline’s ongoing dedication to honouring Aotearoa’s rich heritage while pioneering innovation for travellers worldwide.

A Tribute to Aotearoa

They unveiled their vibrant new uniform, designed by renowned New Zealand-born fashion designer Emilia Wickstead, with bespoke hand-painted patterns by tā moko artist Te Rangitu Netana. This uniform marks a fresh chapter in airline identity.

“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. As an airline, we are all about being bold, celebrating what makes us unique, and celebrating our team members. This new uniform encapsulates everything we stand for – a combination of innovation, rich cultural heritage, and a sense of pride and belonging.”

From the delicate kōwhai-printed ‘Fine Print – Dress’ to the adaptable ‘Collective Thread – Shirt,’ each piece tells a story. Netana’s Māori-inspired motifs evoke New Zealand’s land, sea, and spirit, while traditional Pasifika garments like the Ie Faitaga highlight inclusivity and cultural representation.

Wickstead expressed that the Air New Zealand uniform was a passion project and one that she has always dreamed of working on. "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. It was essential to me that this uniform tells a meaningful story about Aotearoa. 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.

Introducing the New Dreamliner Experience

Air New Zealand also revealed its first fully retrofitted 787-9 Dreamliner — ZK-NZH — setting a new standard in onboard comfort and aircraft design. Bookings open from Wednesday, May 7, with debut flights from Auckland to Brisbane on Monday, May 19, followed by the long-haul service to San Francisco.

This comprehensive update is the first of its kind globally. By 2026, all 14 of the airline’s 787-9s will showcase this new cabin layout.

The revamped cabins feature full lie-flat beds, 24-inch screens, sliding doors and space for two in Business Luxe, private shell seats with extra storage in Premium Economy, and larger screens with the new ‘Economy Stretch’ option in Economy. Enhanced digital features include 4K screens, Bluetooth connectivity, mobile control, and picture-in-picture functionality, all designed to provide a seamless, comfortable, and innovative flying experience.