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Air New Zealand has revealed the launch date for ticket bookings on its new “Skynest” economy sleeping pods.
Initially available on the airline’s new 787-9 Dreamliner fleet for Auckland-New York services starting in December, six pods per aircraft will be available to Economy and Premium Economy customers in two four-hour sessions per flight, with prices starting at AU$495 and bookings to open on 18 May.
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“New Zealand’s unique location means we understand long haul travel better than anyone. On some of the world’s longest commercial flights to and from New Zealand, Skynest is designed to make a real difference to the journey,” said Air New Zealand CEO Nikhil Ravishankar.
“Featuring six lie-flat pods in a bunk-style layout between the Economy and Premium Economy cabins, it gives customers the opportunity to stretch out, lie flat and get a few hours’ proper rest in the air.”
The news comes as Air New Zealand’s “Skycouch” idea, which launched in 2011 and turns a row of economy seats into a lie-flat bed, has been picked up by United Airlines for its “Relax Row” on long-haul flights starting in 2027.
According to Ravishankar, Skynest is the “latest expression of the airline’s leadership” in innovation and experimentation.
“It is another example of how we are continuing to evolve and improve the Economy cabin experience,” said Ravishankar.
“Skycouch gave customers more choice in how they travel, and Skynest builds on that by offering a new option for rest on our longest flights.
“It’s a simple idea with a powerful impact: swap the headrest for bedrest, and arrive ready to go.”
Skynest was intended to launch in September 2024 on flights from Auckland to Chicago. The bunk bed-style pods, located between the economy and premium economy cabins, will be limited to one session per passenger, though families on the same ticket will be able to book separate sessions for each person pending availability.
The launch date was pushed back due to delays on the delivery of Air New Zealand’s new Dreamliners, though its refurbishment program on the existing fleet has been proceeding, with the first of the refitted 787-9s beginning commercial services in May 2025.
Air New Zealand is expecting delivery of two of its 10 new Dreamliners this year.
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