Air New Zealand Introduces Economy Class Sleep Bunks

Finally Air New Zealand is launching the long-awaited bunk beds for economy class passengers on international flights 12+ hours.

Joe Cusmano 3 years ago 2 min read

Air New Zealand Reveals More On Its World-First Bunkbeds

Air New Zealand Skynest – Photo: Courtesy (Air New Zealand)

Air New Zealand has revealed a radical cabin redesign, including sleep pods for passengers flying in economy on ultra-long-haul flights.

Skynest will be the world’s first in-flight economy pods, the airline announced on Wednesday.

“We wanted to give our economic customers a lie-flat option; therefore, Skynest was created.” “It’s going to be a game-changer for the economy travel experience,” said CEO Greg Foran.

The pods will be available on Air New Zealand’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, which are scheduled to arrive in 2024, as well as its refitted 787-9 aircraft when travelling to cities such as New York and Chicago.

Economy customers can access six lie-flat sleep pods, also known as bunks. They will be available for booking in four-hour time blocks for an additional fee that has yet to be announced.

“The geography of New Zealand places us in a unique position to lead on the ultra-long-haul travel experience,” Mr Foran added.

“We’ve focused on sleep, comfort, and wellness because we understand how crucial it is for our clients to arrive refreshed.” They want to strike the ground running, whether they are heading right into a meeting or to their first vacation destination. ”

It’s an honour to finally reveal five years of hard Mahi (work) in what truly is a cabin of potential. One that will give them the choice of getting some shut-eye wherever they are seated.”

Air New Zealand introduced the idea in 2020. It is part of a significant renovation of the airline’s cabins, which also features a “sky pantry” where economy and premium economy passengers may get snacks.

A new business premier luxury room will also be available, allowing two passengers to dine together behind a closed door. There will be new business elite seats as well.

Mr Foran stated that it had been about 20 years since Air New Zealand’s long-haul planes had received such an extensive interior makeover.

He told New Zealand media that he was optimistic that demand would continue to rise as the world recovered from COVID. After being delayed owing to the pandemic, Air New Zealand will resume service to New York in September.

Mr Foran stated that the airline intended to be operating at 100% of pre-COVID levels domestically during the upcoming NZ school holidays and that the Tasman flights were resuming strongly.