Air New Zealand new cabin

Air New Zealand has unveiled its new Boeing Dreamliner cabins. The aircraft are due to be delivered in 2024 and will feature Safran Seats’ new Business Premier Luxe seats designed for more space and privacy, as well as Skynest, which Air New Zealand says are the world’s first sleep pods in the sky for Economy travellers.

The airline says the importance of a good night’s sleep is clear following feedback from extensive customer research by the carrier over five years, and there’s a need for more space and comfort, so the new experience is designed around creating a “home away from home” that leaves customers refreshed and raring to go at their destination.

Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran said: “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. 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 shuteye 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.”

According to the airline’s Chief Customer and Sales Officer, Leanne Geraghty, the cabin’s interior design is inspired by the uniqueness of Aotearoa, from the forest-inspired carpet to the seats that draw inspiration from the Tui bird, New Zealand’s native bird.

The carrier has also added a Sky Pantry to the Premium Economy and Economy cabins. Passengers can stretch their legs, grab a bite to eat and hydrate at their leisure throughout their journey.

Within the Business Premier cabin, passengers are presented with two choices – both developed by Safran Seats in collaboration with Air New Zealand.

The Business Premier Seat offers a comfortable and private nest for a blissful journey and tranquil sleep. If travelling with a companion, the middle row allows passengers to open their nest and share their experience.

The Business Premier Luxe seat is made for “the best sleep in the sky”, according to its makers. For passengers looking for space and privacy, the suite offers a luxury experience with all the features of Business Premier but with a fully closing door and space for two people to dine.

Vincent Mascré, CEO of Safran Seats, said: “We are pleased to provide Air New Zealand with a product that meets their needs to offer choice and a product dedicated to ultra-long haul flight. These seats are the fruit of incredible work between our companies and it will allow a better journey for all their passengers. The creation of this seat displays the remarkable capabilities between Air New Zealand and the experienced Safran Seats teams based in United Kingdom.”

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