Air New Zealand has unveiled its new cabins including a bunk bed for passengers travelling in economy class.
From 2024, the airline will offer a new Business Premier Luxe suite, a new Business Premier seat and the world’s first Skynest.
Air New Zealand’s new Dreamliners, due to arrive in 2024, will give customers more choice than any airline in the world, the company said, providing the “best sleep in the sky regardless of the cabin customers choose to fly in”.
Sleep pods
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.
Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran said: “New Zealand’s location puts us in a unique position to lead on the ultra-longhaul 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. Whether they are heading straight into a meeting, or to their first holiday hotspot – they want to hit the ground running.
“It’s a proud moment to finally unveil five years of hard mahi, in what truly is a cabin of possibility. One that will provide customers with options to get some shut eye wherever they’re sitting.
“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 the cabin’s interior design is inspired by the uniqueness of Aotearoa, the Māori-language name for New Zealand, from the forest inspired carpet to the seats that draw inspiration from New Zealand’s native bird, the Tui.
“Whether we are welcoming visitors or flying New Zealanders home, we want our customers to experience Aotearoa from the moment they step onboard – and get the best night’s rest,” she said.
“Research shows us the first night away from home is the hardest to get a good night’s sleep so everything we do onboard 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. Meditative onscreen content, Zentertainment, will also help customers unwind and get ready for rest.
Sky Pantry
The airline has also added a Sky Pantry to the Premium Economy and Economy cabins, so customers can stretch their legs and grab a bite to eat and drink throughout their journey.
Sustainability has been at the heart of the design process, Air New Zealand said. Using modern fabrics, rather than leather, has saved around one kilogram in weight per Business Premier and Premium Economy seat, reducing overall carbon emissions.
In Premium cabins, the airline will also switch to serviceware that is 20 per cent lighter, helping to reduce carbon emissions, and in Economy, the new serviceware will reduce plastic dishes used inflight by 28 million every year.
