Air New Zealand Skynest sleep pods would make economy class more elegant

New Zealand, that rich island country in the South Pacific Ocean, has lots of destinations. It’s simply that flying there isn’t among them. Getting to a location that’s a long method from practically all over needs a flight of a number of hours — completely bearable if you remain in a premium class, however not so enjoyable when you remain in stuck in economy.

It’s a difficulty Air New Zealand isn’t forgetting. On Tuesday, the airline company revealed it’s checking out bringing among the very best functions of long-haul company class, a lie-flat seat, to the back of the aircraft, a minimum of in a restricted method. The idea for the Economy Skynest reveals 6 sleeping pods organized in 2 triple bunks. Each pod would have a pillow, sheets, a blanket and personal privacy drapes, with choices for a reading light and a USB outlet.

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“A clear pain point for economy travelers on long-haul flights is the inability to stretch out,” said Mike Tod, the airline’s chief marketing and customer officer. “The development of the Skynest is a direct response to that challenge.” 

With the Skynest still in the idea stage, Air New Zealand hasn’t said exactly how the system would work. Passengers would still have their normal economy seat, but it’s not clear whether you could book a pod for an entire flight or for just a specific block of time when you wanted a rest. Of course, there would be an extra fee, but the airline didn’t release details on that either.

The airline says the idea for the Skynest came as it continues to add even longer routes, like a 17-hour flight between Auckland and Newark, New Jersey, planned for later this year. Once it assesses passenger comfort on that route, which’ll be flown by Boeing 787-9 airplanes, Air New Zealand says it’ll decide whether to install the Skynest on select airliners, subject to regulatory approval.

Of course, airlines have been promising better economy amenities for years, almost of all of which have never come to pass. Air New Zealand, though, has done more than most. It’s Economy Skycouch lets one or two passengers book an entire row of seats that can turn into a small bed for a sleep. You just have to be intimately comfortable with your seatmate.