Air New Zealand has unveiled its new lie-flat prototype sleep product for economy travellers, The Economy Skynest.
The Economy Skynest will provide six lie-flat sleep pods in excess of 200 cm by 58 cm. Passengers will be provided with a pillow, sheets, a blanket, ear plugs and the addition of privacy curtains and specially designed lighting for sleep. The airline is also exploring the possibility of individual reading lights, USB outlets and ventilation outlets.
Air New Zealand operates some of the world’s longest flights including its upcoming service between Auckland and New York, totalling up to 17 hours and 40 minutes one way. Therefore, the airline said it is “committed to putting more magic back into flying.” Air New Zealand Chief Marketing and Customer Officer, Mike Tod, said the product is in “response to a clear problem regarding passenger comfort on long-haul flights; the inability to stretch out.”
This prototype arrives after three years of research and development at the airline’s Hangar 22 innovation centre in Auckland. More than 200 customers gave their input during the research processes, in addition to cabin crew feedback. Air New Zealand expect to make a final decision on whether to operate the Economy SkyNest’s operations in 2021 after assessing the performance of its Auckland-New York services. The main challenge for the products development is gaining certification with the necessary regulators.
“We see a future flying experience where an economy-class customer on long-haul flights would be able to book the Economy Skynest in addition to their Economy seat, get some quality rest and arrive at their destination ready to go. This is a game changer on so many levels,” stated Nikki Goodman, General Manager of Customer Experience.
Suggesting the Economy Skynest could “bring significant improvements to long-haul flying,” Goodman said the airline expects other airlines “will want to explore licensing the Economy Skynest from us.
Kerry Reeves, Air New Zealand’s Head of Airline Programmes said, “It was a prize worth chasing and one that we think has the potential to be a game changer for economy class travellers on all airlines around the world.”
