They’re getting closer to taking off! Air New Zealand has today revealed more details about its world’s first Skynest sleep pods in the sky and how the bunk napping service will work and be costed.
After announcing the game-changing new Skynest pods to the world in June last year, the latest update was made today at TRENZ – New Zealand’s largest international tourism business event in Christchurch, where a real-life Skynest experience was also available for the first time for delegates to try out for themselves.
Ok! Let’s get into it.
So how will the Skynest work? Leanne Geraghty explains
The Skynest is a six-pod configured sleep zone that offers four-hour nap sessions for economy passengers to lie flat when travelling long haul.
Each pod will include a full-size pillow, sheets and blanket, ear plugs, a separate reading light, a personal device USB outlet, a ventilation outlet, and lighting designed for rest.
Each passenger will be limited to one session, with families travelling on the same ticket able to book a session for each passenger, pending availability.
The Skynest will be located between Premium Economy and Economy, and each pod will come with a separate seatbelt to ensure passengers can fasten them and stay in the pod should the seat belt sign come on during turbulence.
The bedding will be changed between sessions, and a 30-minute transition time will be allowed. The lights will gently come on at the end of each session, and the crew will politely wake any passengers who sleep through this.
“We’re still working through the exact details of how the booking process will work, and we have yet to determine the price. At this stage, we are looking at around NZ$400 (AU$376) to NZ$600 (AU$564) for the 4-hour period,” said Air New Zealand Chief Customer and Sales Officer Leanne Geraghty.
The service will be available from September 2024.
Skynest to feature on ultra-long-haul flights
Skynest will launch on Air New Zealand’s ultra-long-haul flights, starting with the popular Auckland – New York and Auckland – Chicago routes.
Ms Geraghty says Skynest will be a real game changer, adding more flexibility to the economy travel experience.
“With our ultra-long haul routes to destinations such as New York and Chicago, Skynest provides a unique and innovative way for our passengers to rest and recharge, making their journey with us even more enjoyable.
“By launching Skynest on these routes, we are bringing to life our commitment to providing choice alongside the best possible experience for our passengers and to continue to innovate and lead the way in the aviation industry.
“Skynest has captured the imagination of a global audience, and its uniqueness has already been acknowledged by multiple awards – the latest being a finalist in the Crystal Cabin Awards. We’re delighted that customers are as excited about this new innovation as we are,” says Ms Geraghty.
For more, head to www.airnewzealand.com.au
