News
Air New Zealand announces Economy Skynest commercial debut
April 16th 2026
Air New Zealand (Air NZ) said that from May 18, 2026, passengers will be able to book a spot in the airline’s bunk-bed-style sleeping pods, called Economy Skynest, for flights from November 2026 operated by Boeing 787-9 aircraft. Read More » The product, which Air NZ described as “the world’s first”, comprises six full-length, lie-flat sleeping pods located between economy and premium economy classes, with fresh bedding, a privacy curtain, ambient lighting, and a kit containing eye masks, skincare, earplugs, and socks. Passengers 15 years old and older holding a ticket for the flight will have the option to add a four-hour session for NZ$495 ($292). The sessions have been designed around natural sleep cycles to allow time to settle, sleep, and wake gradually. Initially, two sessions will be offered on each flight. On its website, the carrier prepared an extensive guide for passengers willing to book the amenity, including “Nestiquette” with rules such as “Climb ladders with grace rather than gymnastics”, or “go easy on perfumes and potions” because “not everyone dreams in vanilla-sandalwood-cloud-musk”. The carrier assures, it is tolerant of snoring passengers: “As for snoring? Totally normal. Statistically, someone’s going to do it. It might be you. That’s okay. Earplugs are provided for everyone, just in case.” “For a country as remote as New Zealand, the journey matters. Tourism is a $46 billion NZD industry, but growth depends on travelers’ willingness to spend long hours in the air to get here. Skynest is designed to help make that easier. It reflects the practical innovation New Zealand is known for, and shows how thoughtful design can improve the travel experience,” Air New Zealand CEO, Nikhil Ravishankar, said.
