Air New Zealand’s upcoming cabin revamp
Air New Zealand is almost ready to launch it’s new Skynest, offering lie-flat sleeping pods for economy passengers on Boeing 787-9 planes by 2024. Additionally, the airline will introduce new Business Premier seats with enhanced privacy and lie-flat features on the same planes.
A full sized mockup of the Air NZ Skynest
Air New Zealand has recently announced its plan to introduce a revolutionary innovation in air travel, which they call "Skynest." This groundbreaking feature will be installed on the airline's Boeing 787-9 aircraft by the end of 2024 and will allow economy passengers to enjoy a unique and comfortable sleeping experience during ultra-long-haul flights. The Skynest sleeping pods are designed to provide a lie-flat bed for passengers, which is a significant upgrade from the traditional seats that economy passengers typically have. While only the premium cabins offer lie-flat beds, the Skynest pods will be available for regular economy passengers, who can book four-hour sessions at an additional cost.
This innovative feature is designed to offer more comfortable and convenient travel options for passengers, especially during long flights. With Skynest, passengers can rest and recharge during their journey, which can help them arrive at their destination feeling refreshed and ready to go.
Another angle of the mockup of the Skynest | Photo by David Slotnick
The Skynest pods, stacked on top of each other to utilize cabin height, will feature a mattress and sheets. After each booking,. Each sleeping pod will include a privacy curtain, USB charging ports, and ventilation outlets to enhance the overall comfort of passengers. To accommodate the Skynest pods, Air New Zealand will remove five economy seats, making space for six Skynest pods on eight Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners scheduled to be in service from the end of 2024. This innovative approach aims to attract passengers to experience a unique and more restful journey on long-haul flights.
Also to add Air New Zealand will also be introducing new Business Premier seats on its Boeing 787-9 aircraft, featuring a 1-2-1 configuration to enhance privacy compared to the existing product. These seats will be 20.5 inches wide and can transform into a full lie-flat bed, providing a more comfortable and private experience for passengers.
An Air New Zealand Boeing 787-9 in Auckland | Photo by Noah Stohr-Waldren
These new cabin upgrades come amidst an ongoing fleet modernisation. The airline expects to receive two more ATR 72s, two new A321NEOs, and 8 Boeing 787s during this fleet renewal. This is a great initiative as part of its strategic goals toward sustainability and operational efficiency. The airline is committed to updating its aircraft fleet to incorporate the latest technological advancements, focusing on fuel efficiency and reduced environmental impact. By investing in newer, more eco-friendly aircraft, Air New Zealand aims to achieve its goals of becoming more carbon-efficient and aligning with sustainability targets including NZ0.