air new zealand to launch onboard sleeping pods for economy travelers in 2024

SLEEP PODS FOR ECONOMY CLASS

Air New Zealand has announced its future cabin experience is due to arrive in 2024. The company will offer a new Business Premier Luxe suite, a new Business Premier seat, and the world’s first Skynest — sleep pods for economy class.

Offering the most choice of any airline in its three cabins, Air New Zealand responds to the overwhelming customer feedback on the importance of sleep and need for more comfort and space.

Skynest

DIFFERENT SLEEPING OPTIONS

Air New Zealand’s new Dreamliners will give customers more choice than any airline in the world, providing the best sleep in the sky regardless of the cabin customers choose to fly in. This includes a new Business Premier Luxe seat, designed for customers looking for more space and privacy, and Skynest, the world’s first sleep pods in the sky for Economy travelers. The airline will also offer the Skycouch, where three Economy seats can be turned into a flat surface by adding a mattress.

The redesign comes after listening to feedback from extensive customer research over five years, which highlighted the importance of a good night’s sleep and the need for more space and comfort. The interior design is inspired by the uniqueness of Aotearoa, so customers will experience New Zealand as soon as they step onboard.

Skynest

‘New Zealand’s location puts us in a unique position to lead on the ultra-longhaul travel experience,’ said Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran. ‘We have zeroed in on sleep, comfort, and wellness because we know how important it is for our customers to arrive well-rested. Whether they are heading straight into a meeting, or to their first holiday hotspot – they want to hit the ground running.

Premium Economy – more privacy, recline at leisure

Perhaps the most interesting part of the redesign is the Skynest for Economy customers. First announced in 2020, the sleeping pods provide six, full-length, lie-flat surfaces that each measure in excess of 200 x 58 centimeters (79 x 23 inches). Each of the pods will include a full-size pillow, sheets and blanket, ear plugs, along with privacy curtains and lighting designed for sleep.

‘We wanted to offer our Economy customers a lie-flat option, and that’s how Skynest was born. It’s going to be a real game changer for the economy travel experience,’ Foran continued.

Premium Economy

The airline has also added a Sky Pantry to the Premium Economy and Economy cabins, so customers can stretch their legs, grab a bite to eat and hydrate at their leisure throughout their journey. Sustainability has been at the heart of the design process. Using modern fabrics, rather than leather, has saved around one kilogram in weight per Business Premier and Premium Economy seat, reducing overall carbon emissions. In Premium cabins, the airline will also switch to serviceware that is 20% lighter, helping to reduce carbon emissions, and in Economy, the new serviceware will reduce plastic dishes used inflight by 28 million every year.

Skycouch

For Business passengers, there is a new Business Premiere Luxe with a fully closing door and space for two to dine. The Business Premiere will be a comfortable and private nest that can be shared (middle rows) if traveling with a partner.

Skycouch