The way forward for lengthy haul journey: Air New Zealand’s Economy Skynest™ on sale from May 2026

On among the world’s longest business flights to and from New Zealand, Skynest is designed to make an actual distinction to the journey. Featuring six lie-flat pods in a bunk-style format between the Economy and Premium Economy cabins, it offers prospects the chance to stretch out, lie flat and get a number of hours’ correct relaxation within the air.

Air New Zealand Chief Executive, Nikhil Ravishankar, says Skynest is one other instance of the airline backing innovation that improves the journey expertise and strengthens New Zealand’s connection to the world.

“For a country as remote as New Zealand, the journey matters. Tourism is a $46 billion NZD industry, but growth depends on travellers’ willingness to spend long hours in the air to get here.

“Skynest is designed to assist make that simpler. It displays the sensible innovation New Zealand is thought for, and reveals how considerate design can enhance the journey expertise. By giving extra individuals the prospect to correctly relaxation on extremely long-haul flights, it helps make journey to and from New Zealand extra manageable.”

Developed over several years and tested with more than 200 customers, each Skynest pod provides a quiet, private space with a full-length mattress, bedding, ambient lighting, ventilation and charging ports.

Customers who book an Economy or Premium Economy seat will have the option of adding on a four-hour session. The sessions have been designed around natural sleep cycles to allow time to settle, sleep and wake gradually. Initially, two sessions will be offered on each flight.

Air New Zealand is globally recognised for innovation and experimentation and Skynest is the latest expression of the national carrier’s leadership in this space.

“Skycouch gave prospects extra alternative in how they journey, and Skynest builds on that by providing a brand new possibility for relaxation on our longest flights,” says Ravishankar.

“It is about recognising that prospects worth flexibility, consolation and management, and giving extra individuals the chance to journey in a approach that works higher for them.”

Key facts: Economy Skynest

• World-first lie-flat sleep pods in the sky for Economy and Premium Economy travellers
• Six individual pods arranged in a bunk-style layout
• Located between Economy and Premium Economy cabins on Boeing 787-9 aircraft
• Four-hour sessions
• Two sessions available per flight (initially)
• Priced from $495 NZD per session
• Available to book from 18 May 2026
• Available on services from November 2026

About the Economy Skynest experience

Each Skynest session includes:

• A lie-flat sleeping pod with full-length mattress
• Fresh bedding including pillow, sheets and blanket, changed in between sessions
• Privacy curtain
• Ambient lighting designed for rest and wake
• Personal stowage and charging (USB-A and USB-C)
• Reading light and ventilation outlet
• Crew call button and in-pod seatbelt
• A “Nestcessities” equipment together with eye masks, ear plugs, socks and Aotea skincare

Learn extra about Skynest here.

Find imagery and video content here.