Air New Zealand will introduce the concept of beds on its long-haul flights next September, but in economy class.
As is well known, airline seats that can practically recline to form a bed are a luxury only available to first class and business travelers.
That will change on some Air New Zealand flights in September this year when the airline introduces Skynest, an in-flight sleeper concept for economy class passengers.
The airline first announced the Skynest concept last year, with six sleeping cabins available in a bunk configuration on select aircraft. The airline recently shared more details about bookings, pricing and more.
According to the airline, the six cabins are located between economy and premium economy cabins on some long-haul routes, such as the 17-hour nonstop flight between New York and Auckland, one of the longest in the world.
Passengers can book a seat in the cabin for four hours from USD 254 to USD 380 in addition to the normal airfare. The cabin staff will change the bedding after each use.
“Airlines have done a lot of research on sleep cycles. A typical sleep cycle lasts about 90 minutes, so a four-hour session gives customers a chance to relax, fall asleep and wake up,” explained Air New Zealand in its official communication.
Skynest pod amenities include USB charging ports, reading light, earplugs, full-size sheets, blanket and pillow. There are also seat belts to ensure that the beds comply with safety protocols on board.
Even if you want to share with your partner or children, only one person can use the capsule at a time. Each is limited to one four-hour session per flight to give more passengers a chance to test the concept.
“We are confident that our exhaustive research and design process, spanning five years and 170,000 hours, will revolutionize the economy class passenger’s flying experience,” said Air New Zealand’s head of sales and customer service. Leanne Geraghty.
“With the launch of Skynest, we bring to life our commitment to provide our passengers with a great experience, choice, and continue to innovate and lead the aviation industry,” he added.
Several Boeing 787 Dreamliners owned by Air New Zealand are being refurbished to accommodate the new capsule cabins. While the cabin upgrade will take place at a Boeing facility, the Skynest will be designed and manufactured exclusively in New Zealand.
Passionate about aviation, professional in communications and journalism, commercial pilot pilot and dispatcher; Recently, University Prof. I worked at TACA for seven years as a dispatcher with FAA certification in flight operations. My second career, communications and journalism, allows me to write with absolute passion about the wonderful world of aviation.
“Typical beer advocate. Future teen idol. Unapologetic tv practitioner. Music trailblazer.”