Air New Zealand to finally launch economy class berths

In 2019, Air New Zealand announced that it was working on sleeping areas for economy class passengers.

Presented in spring 2023, the "Skynest" product is designed as a "sleep zone".This is a space equipped with six bunk beds similar to those found on night trains. Air New Zealand will be the first airline in the world to equip itself with such a product which could finally radically revolutionise ultra-long-haul economy travel.

Air New Zealand was due to install Skynest last September between Auckland and the United States (New York and Chicago). But, as with its airline counterparts, the company has been affected by the delivery delays of its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

As a result, the new product is unlikely to appear on Air New Zealand routes until early 2026. Just like a new business class divided between 42 'Premier Business' seats and 8 luxury 'Premier Suites'.

The Skynest area consists of six bunk beds. Each bunk has its own lamp, USB charger and curtain. Each berth is equipped with a quilt, sheet and blanket. The company will offer to book a four-hour session. It should cost between 250 and 375 euros.

Skynest only for the US market in 2026

At the press launch in 2023, Leanne Geraghty, Air New Zealand Chief Customer and Sales Officerexplained why the United States would be the first to benefit from Skynest.

" North America is the ideal market for Skynest, as it boasts a top-of-the-range segment. for comfort and sleep on long-haul journeys. Our five-year, 170,000-hour research and design process has resulted in a product that we believe will revolutionise the in-flight experience for economy class passengers." .

It could also be offered on the Japan and in the longer term on London. Absent since 2019 on this important route, Air New Zealand is in fact talking about a return to the UK. With a very long-range aircraft, like the one flying for Australia's Qantas between Paris and Perth.

What's more, fleet problems that Air New Zealand is facing is forcing the company to to cancel the launch of its flights on Seoul. The carrier has also confirmed that it has postponed its return to Nouméa in New Caledonia until October 2025.