To entice passengers onto its more than 17-hour ultra-long-haul flights, Air New Zealand will soon allow economy travelers to lie down and take a nap in communal, bunk bed-style sleeping pods on its planes. When the airline's new cabins are put in place by 2024, it will be a "global first" because premium and ordinary economy passengers will still be offered traditional seats that do not recline into beds.
Airline Set To Install World’s First Bunk Beds For Economy Passengers
By
Haider Ali in
Cool
On 29th June 2022
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On ultra-long-haul flights, Air New Zealand is introducing sleeping pods in the shape of bunk beds for economy passengers to utilize.
The airline plans to introduce the shared sleeping areas by 2024 in what is being hailed as a world-first to draw passengers onto their 17-hour international trips.
The idea is known as "Skynest," an Air New Zealand said that while its economy passengers will still be provided standard, non-reclining seats, they will have the option to reserve four-hour periods in the sleeping pods for an additional charge.
Credit: Air New Zealand
According to The Guardian, cabin workers will change the mattresses and sheets in each pod after every booking, and the beds will be placed bunk bed-style on top of one another.
A privacy curtain, ventilation outlets, and USB charging will all be included in each pod.
Eight Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners that the airline is scheduled to receive in 2024 will have six Skynest pods fitted in them, which will require the removal of five economy seats.
Credit: Air New Zealand
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A spokesperson for the airline told The Guardian that a sleeping pod booking fee and system have not yet been established.
Only economy passengers will have access to Skynest, and each passenger may only reserve one four-hour session each flight.
Credit: Air New Zealand
Additionally, the Air New Zealand representative informed the paper that each sleeping pod will only accommodate one traveler at a time, so don't plan on joining the mile-high club any time soon.
Skynest, according to Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran, is a "game-changer" that will undoubtedly revolutionize the way people travel in the economy.
Foran shared: “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."
Credit: Air New Zealand
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He continued: “Whether they are heading straight into a meeting, or to their first-holiday hotspot – they want to hit the ground running.”
Leanne Geraghty, the airline’s chief customer, and sales officer added: “Research shows us the first night away from home is the hardest to get a good night’s sleep so everything we do on board is to help create a sense of calm – from the lighting and sleep ritual including sleepy teas and balms, to the healthier food choices and breathable fabrics.”