Air New Zealand Unveils Skynest Cabins for Economy Travelers
We know that those long-haul flights just don’t work if you don’t have a comfy seat to stretch out and relax. What queen doesn’t want more space on an airplane?! Well, Air New Zealand’s new Dreamliners, due to arrive in 2024, will offer a new Business Premier Luxe suite, a new Business Premier seat, and the world’s first Skynest.
Yes, we admit that the debut of the new seat options seems like a long wait, but from the looks of things – it’ll be worth it!
The new airplanes are designed in response to overwhelming customer feedback on the importance of sleep and the need for more comfort and space. The cabin’s interior design is inspired by the uniqueness of Aotearoa, from the forest-inspired carpet to the seats that draw inspiration from New Zealand‘s native bird, the Tui.
“Whether we are welcoming visitors or flying New Zealanders home, we want our customers to experience Aotearoa from the moment they step onboard – and get the best night’s rest,” said Leanne Geraghty, Chief Customer and Sales Officer, Air New Zealand.
The eight Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners – retrofitted current 787-9 fleet – will have either eight or four Business Premier Luxe seats, 42 or 22 Business Premier, 52 or 33 Premium Economy, 125 or 213 Economy seats, and specifically on the ultra-long-haul aircraft, six Skynest sleep pods.
With the new airplanes, Air New Zealand will give customers more options than any airline in the world, providing the best sleep in the sky regardless of the cabin customers choose to fly in.
We’re excited about the new Business Premier Luxe seat, designed for customers looking for more space and privacy, but it’s the Skynest for the win! Why? Because it will be the world’s first sleep pods in the sky for Economy travelers.
The airline has also added a Sky Pantry to the Premium Economy and Economy cabins, so customers can stretch their legs, grab a bite to eat, and hydrate at their leisure throughout their journey.
“We wanted to offer our Economy customers a lie-flat option and that’s how Skynest was born. It’s going to be a real game-changer for the economy travel experience,” said Greg Foran, Chief Executive Officer, Air New Zealand.
Foran continues, “New Zealand’s location puts us in a unique position to lead on the ultra-long-haul travel experience. We have zeroed in on sleep, comfort, and wellness because we know how important it is for our customers to arrive well-rested. Whether they are heading straight into a meeting, or to their first-holiday hotspot – they want to hit the ground running.”
According to leadership at Air New Zealand, they wanted to create a sense of onboard calm – from the lighting and sleep ritual such as the sleepy teas and balms to healthier food choices and breathable fabrics. And the meditative onscreen content, Zentertainment, will help customers unwind, too!
Air New Zealand’s new Dreamliners have sustainability at the heart of the design process. Using modern fabrics, rather than leather, has saved around one kilogram in weight per Business Premier and Premium Economy seat, reducing overall carbon emissions. In Premium cabins, the airline will also switch to service ware that is 20% lighter, helping to reduce carbon emissions, and in Economy, the new service ware will reduce plastic dishes used inflight by 28 million every year.
