Air New Zealand has confirmed that it will be launching new Dreamliners in 2024, and they will include a world’s first: sleep pods for economy travelers. Dubbed “Skynest,” the concept comprises rows of stacked bunk beds, allowing passengers who opt for cheaper cabins to lie down and get a better rest than what traditional airplane seats might provide. Skynest has been in development for five years, and joining it will be a new Business Premier seat and Business Premier Luxe suite for more privileged passengers, the latter of which provides “the ultimate space and privacy.” Air New Zealand was founded in 1940 and flies more than 17 million passengers every year, with 3,400 flights per week, according to its company profile.
“We wanted to offer our Economy customers a lie-flat option and that’s how Skynest was born,” said Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran. “It’s going to be a real game changer for the economy travel experience.”
Chief Customer and Sales Officer Leanne Geraghty says the cabin’s interior design is inspired by the uniqueness of Aotearoa, from the forest inspired carpet to the seats that draw inspiration from New Zealand’s native bird, the Tui.
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.
The eight Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners arriving from 2024 and retrofitted current 787-9 fleet will have either eight or four Business Premier Luxe seats, 42 or 22 Business Premier, 52 or 33 Premium Economy, 125 or 213 Economy seats, and specifically on the ultra-longhaul aircraft, six Skynest sleep pods.
Source: Air New Zealand