Passengers travelling in Economy will soon have the option to lie flat and rest for a few hours mid-flight, as Air New Zealand introduces bunk-style sleeping pods on its newest aircraft.
Air New Zealand has announced that its world-first Economy Skynest™ will be available for booking from May 18, 2026, marking a significant innovation in long-haul air travel. The product will be introduced on the airline’s new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, scheduled to enter service from November 2026.
Designed for ultra long-haul routes, Skynest features six lie-flat pods arranged in a bunk-style configuration, located between the Economy and Premium Economy cabins. The concept allows passengers to stretch out and rest during long flights, addressing one of the key challenges of travel to and from New Zealand.
Nikhil Ravishankar, Chief Executive Officer, Air New Zealand, 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. Tourism is a $46 billion NZD 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.
Passengers travelling in Economy or Premium Economy will be able to book Skynest as an add-on, with four-hour sleep sessions designed around natural rest cycles. Initially, two sessions will be available per flight, with pricing starting from NZD 495 per session.
The launch builds on the airline’s earlier innovations such as Skycouch, further expanding options for passenger comfort and flexibility. With Skynest, Air New Zealand aims to redefine the long-haul travel experience by making rest more accessible across cabin classes.
