Air New Zealand's popular Skynest will be available on economy flights from May, ushering in a new era for travel.
Air New Zealand’s world-first Economy Skynest will be available to book on flights from 18 May 2026. Skynest will operate onboard the airline’s new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, which are set to take to the skies from November.
On some of the world’s longest commercial flights to and from New Zealand, Skynest is designed to make a real difference to the journey. Featuring six lie-flat pods in a bunk-style layout between the Economy and Premium Economy cabins, it gives customers the opportunity to stretch out, lie flat and get a few hours’ proper rest in the air.
Air New Zealand Chief Executive, Nikhil Ravishankar, said Skynest is another example of the airline backing innovation that improves the travel experience and strengthens New Zealand’s connection to the world.
“For a country as remote as New Zealand, the journey matters. International tourism is an NZD 18.1 billion industry, but growth depends on travellers’ 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. By giving more people the chance to properly rest on ultra long-haul flights, it helps make travel to and from New Zealand more manageable.”
Developed over several years and tested with more than 200 customers, each Skynest pod provides a quiet, private space with a full-length mattress, bedding, ambient lighting, ventilation and charging ports.
Customers who book an Economy or Premium Economy seat will have the option of adding on a four-hour session. 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.
Air New Zealand is globally recognised for innovation and experimentation and Skynest is the latest expression of the national carrier’s leadership in this space.
“Skycouch gave customers more choice in how they travel, and Skynest builds on that by offering a new option for rest on our longest flights,” said Ravishankar.
“It is about recognising that customers value flexibility, comfort and control, and giving more people the opportunity to travel in a way that works better for them.”
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