In a major reveal at TRENZ, New Zealand’s largest tourism event, Air New Zealand introduced the first routes to offer their innovative Skynest service. The airline’s passengers experienced the new sleeper pods firsthand at the event.
The Skynest capsules will debut on ultra-long-haul flights operated from the airline’s base in Auckland. The inaugural routes have been confirmed as New York and Chicago, with flight durations exceeding 14 hours on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
Leanne Geraghty, Head of Sales and Customer Service at Air New Zealand, expressed her enthusiasm: «On our long-haul routes to destinations like New York and Chicago, Skynest offers our passengers a unique and innovative way to rest and recharge. By introducing Skynest on these routes, we bring to life our commitment to offer options and the best possible experience for our passengers, continuing to innovate and lead the way in the aviation industry.»
Geraghty further highlighted the global recognition of Skynest, «Skynest has captured the imagination of a worldwide audience and its uniqueness has already been recognised with multiple awards, the latest being a finalist in the Crystal Cabin Awards. We’re thrilled that customers are as excited about this innovation as we are. Our exhaustive 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 passengers.»
Skynest Specifications
Skynest will consist of six individual modules offering rest periods for economy class passengers, at an extra cost between 400 and 600 dollars for a four-hour session. This rest zone will be available on ultra-long-haul flights from September 2024.
Each Skynest pod will include a full-sized pillow, sheets, and blanket, earplugs, a dedicated reading light, a USB port for personal devices, ventilation, and restful lighting. Bedding will be replaced between each session, taking approximately 30 minutes for the changeover.
The Skynest cabins will be located between the Premium Economy and Economy sections, with each pod featuring an independent seatbelt to be used when the sign is on and remain in the pod.
As a session begins, passengers can recline and cabin lights will be dimmed for optimal rest. At the end of the session, cabin lights will gradually brighten and crew members will wake any sleeping passengers.
