Air New Zealand releases world-first 'sleep pods'

Air has unveiled its eight new Dreamliners due to take to the skies in 2024, and customers are already excited about the ‘Skynest’ that allows economy flyers to lay flat on their journey.

In just two years time the major airline will offer a new Business Premier Luxe suite, a new Business Premier seat and the world’s first Skynest in response to overwhelming customer feedback on the importance of sleep and web page need for more comfort and space.  

The new Business Premier Luxe seat are designed for customers looking for more space and privacy, and Skynest will be the world’s first sleep pods in the sky for economy travellers.  

The Dreamliners will be fitted out with six beds that economy passengers can book for four-hour slots at a time on long-haul flights. 

Each passenger can only book the bed once, which features a privacy curtain, USB charging and ventilation outlets.

And once one passenger is done the crew will seamlessly change the sheets before the next steps in. 

The cost of the experience has not yet been determined. 

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran points to the airline’s ambition to create the greatest flying experience and says the new cabin, combined with world-leading Kiwi hospitality, is the winning formula. 

‘New Zealand’s location puts us in a unique position to lead on the ultra-long haul travel experience.We have zeroed in on sleep, comfort, and wellness because we know how important it is for our customers to arrive well-rested,’ he said.

‘Whether they are heading straight into a meeting, or to their first holiday hotspot – they want to hit the ground running.It’s a proud moment to finally unveil five years of hard mahi, in what truly is a cabin of possibility.’

For economy customers, the Skynest concept, first announced in 2020, will be a world-first. 

‘We wanted to offer our economy customers a lie-flat option and that’s how Skynest was born,’ he said.

‘It’s going to be a real game changer for the economy travel experience.’  

Meditative onscreen content Zentertainment will also help customers unwind and get ready for rest. 

The airline has also added care stations to Premium Economy and Economy cabins, so customers can stretch their legs, grab a bite to eat and hydrate at their leisure throughout their journey. 

‘Our new cabin experience is set to be world class, and we know our customers will love it.’    

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-long haul aircraft, six Skynest sleep pods.