Airline reveals ‘Skynest’ bunk beds for economy class passengers

Economy class passengers will have the opportunity to sleep on actual beds during flights for the first time.

Air New Zealand announced that its Skynest concept, which includes six full-length sleeping pods and is part of its new Boeing 787 Dreamliners, will be available. It will enter service in 2024.

Each pod in the sleep zone will be located between the Premium Economy and Economy cabins and include a full-sized pillow, bedding, ear plugs, a reading light, USB port and a ventilation outlet. The pods look like bunk beds and each row contains three beds.

CNN Travel was contacted by an Air New Zealand representative who said that although the airline is still working out the details of how pods will be booked, he did offer some insight into what it might look like.

“At this stage, each passenger will be limited to a four-hour session in one pod, at an additional cost to their regular Economy class seats,” says the rep. “The airline did a fair bit of research around sleep cycles. Customers can sleep for around 90 minutes on average so a four-hour session allows them to wind down, fall asleep, and wake up.

Each session will see the bedding being changed.

Considering Air New Zealand operates some of the longest flights on the planet, the beds will provide a welcome respite for travellers unable to sleep sitting up.

In September 2022, Air New Zealand is launching non-stop flights between Auckland and New York’s JFK airport. The flight time is? 17 hours – making it them the world’s longest regularly scheduled passenger flights.

“New Zealand’s location puts us in a unique position to lead on the ultra-long-haul travel experience,” saidGreg Foran, CEO of Air New Zealand, in a statement

We have focused on sleep, comfort, and wellness because our customers know how important it can be to get well rested. Whether they are heading straight into a meeting, or to their first holiday hot spot – they want to hit the ground running.”

New offerings include ‘Business Premier Luxe’ suites

The hard part is creating innovative seating designs. They must be approved by the government before they can fly.

CNN Travel first reported on the Skynest concept back in early 2020, when the airline filed patent and trademark applications following three years of research, development and testing based on input from more than 200 customers at a hanger in Auckland.

As noted above, it will still be another two years before the Skynest is available to book.

Air New Zealand will also be delivering eight Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to the airline beginning in 2024.

The planes will feature eight or four Business Premier Luxury seats, 42, 22 Business Premier seats, or 52, 33 Premium Economy seats, and 125, 213 Economy seats.

Aircraft used on the ultra-long-haul routes will include the six Skynest sleep pods.

“Research shows us the first night away from home is the hardest to get a good night’s sleep so everything we do on board is to help create a sense of calm – from the lighting and sleep ritual including sleepy teas and balms, to the healthier food choices and breathable fabrics,” saidLeanne Geraghty, chief customer and sales officer, in the statement.

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

The upgrade is not limited to Economy class passengers. The new cabins will feature “Business Premier Luxe” suites which offer more privacy.

These will be equipped with all the luxuries of the Business Premier Class, but they also have a fully closed door and enough space to accommodate two people.