Air New Zealand (NZ, Auckland International) plans to return the first retrofitted B777-300ER to service by May 2027, following modification work which is due to start in March. The airline will retain the aircraft's 342-seat capacity, with only minor changes to the seat configuration, including the removal of two premium economy seats (which will feature 52 new seats), and the addition of two economy class seats (for a total of 246). Business class will retain 44 seats. The upgrades aim to extend the aircraft's operating life and reduce cabin maintenance requirements. Air New Zealand operates ten B777-300ERs and, elsewhere in its widebody fleet, fourteen B787-9s, which are also undergoing cabin retrofits.