Air New Zealand has introduced an exclusive First Class offering by leasing a Cathay Pacific Boeing 777, now featuring a premium First Class cabin.
New Zealand’s flagship airline, following the lead of regional competitors such as Qantas, has expanded its fleet with this aircraft to address ongoing demand and capacity constraints.
This Boeing 777 delivers six “open suite” First Class seats, renowned for their privacy and spaciousness, alongside 53 fully flat Business Class seats.
Although the aircraft will fly in Air New Zealand’s distinctive livery and has received tailored branding and interior enhancements, onboard catering and service in the First Class cabin mirror the Business Premier hospitality standards.
The standout feature is the First Class “open suite,” which offers an exceptionally generous footprint and refined finishes—placing it among the most elite in commercial aviation. The Business Class product also features lie-flat beds, both surpassing the comfort of Air New Zealand’s previous configurations.
Tickets for these First Class suites are marketed as Business Premier Preferred, a superior tier above standard Business Premier. The aircraft primarily serves the Auckland-Houston route, with select flights between Melbourne, Sydney, and Auckland. Pricing starts from approximately USD80 for short-haul sectors and up to USD320 for trans-Pacific journeys.
Air New Zealand is set to launch its next-generation Business Class suites in 2025.
Cathay Pacific will also roll out a reimagined Business Class for its flagship Boeing 777 fleet, debuting later this year.
Discover our in-depth review of Cathay Pacific Business Class
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