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Air New Zealand will begin selling sessions for its Economy “Skynest” sleeping pods on May 18, with the first commercial service scheduled from November 2026 on its Auckland–New York Boeing 787‑9 Dreamliners.
The Skynest comprises six full‑length, lie‑flat bunks arranged in two stacked rows between premium economy and economy; sessions are sold in four‑hour blocks priced from about NZ$495 (roughly US$495/€248). Initially there will be two four‑hour sessions per flight and passengers may book one slot each; bedding is changed between users and pods include a mattress, blanket, pillow, privacy curtain, ambient lighting, ventilation, USB‑A/C charging, a crew call button and an amenities kit.
The pods replace several economy seats (reducing seat counts on fitted 787‑9s) and were developed and user‑tested over several years after an initial patent and concept announcement in 2020.
Air New Zealand says the offering targets ultra‑long haul comfort on its 16–17 hour services and follows wider industry moves such as lie‑flat “couch” products from other carriers.
🔗 Based On
The Sydney Morning HeraldAir NZ reveals launch date, pricing for economy class bunk beds
New York Times TraveAir New Zealand to Introduce ‘Skynest’ Sleep Pods on Some Long-Haul Flights





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