Air New Zealand introduces bunk beds on the airline

Arushi Sakhuja

Many of us dream of stretching and sleeping comfortably during flights – be it long or short haul travel. The struggle to find a comfy space to relax makes sleeping on a flight an elusive task for many. With the recent announcement by Air New Zealand, it seems they’re here to help make the flying experience slightly more bearable. Air New Zealand’s new Dreamliners, due to arrive in 2024, will give customers more choices than any airline in the world, providing the best sleep in the sky regardless of the cabin customers choose to fly in. This includes a new Business Premier Luxe seat, designed for customers looking for more space and privacy, and Skynest, the world’s first sleep pods in the sky for Economy travellers. 

Yes, this little luxury in the skies is aimed at economy travellers and will be debuted next September. Six bunks will be available to economy passengers on long-haul and ultra-long-haul flights, on both Air New Zealand’s existing wide-body planes and new Dreamliners that it recently acquired. The Skynest concept will be the first in the world. “We wanted to offer our Economy customers a lie-flat option and that’s how Skynest was born. It’s going to be a real game changer for the economy travel experience,” Chief Customer and Sales Officer Leanne Geraghty said in a statement.   

Measuring 6 feet 7 inches long and 2 feet wide, they should be ideal for even tall passengers. Air New Zealand’s Skynest pods will be available for four-hour blocks as an add-on to your actual seat on the plane. However, the price for this is yet to be disclosed.  

In addition to the new bunkbeds, the new Air New Zealand Dreamliner planes will have a new Business Premiere Luxe which has seats that will offer a luxury experience that includes all of the features of Business Premier, but with a fully closing door and space for two to dine, as well as new Business Premier seats. The idea of the airline is to provide travellers with the best sleep in the sky no matter what cabin customers are flying.  “New Zealand’s location puts us in a unique position to lead on the ultra-long-haul travel experience. We have zeroed in on sleep, comfort, and wellness because we know how important it is for our customers to arrive well-rested,” Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran, said in a statement.  

The Dreamliner has also added a sky pantry to the premium economy and economy cabins that allow travellers to grab a bite to eat or a drink throughout their journey. 

Sustainability was also an important part of the design process for the Dreamliner interior. Using modern fabrics, rather than animal-based leather has reduced the plane’s overall carbon emissions. In premium cabins, the airline is switching to service ware that is 20 per cent lighter, helping to reduce carbon emissions, and in Economy, the new serviceware will reduce plastic dishes used in flights by 28 million every year. 

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