Air New Zealand plans to change the way economy flyers travel. The national carrier airline is in the process of developing six full-length sleeping pods for its economy class cabins, which will enable long-haul flyers to lie down and rest.
The new development is called the ‘Economy Skynest’, and has been in the works for about three years at the airline’s innovation centre, Hangar 22.
‘A clear pain point for economy travellers on long-haul flights is the inability to stretch out. The development of the Economy Skynest is a direct response to that challenge,’ says Air New Zealand Chief Marketing and Customer Officer, Mike Tod.
Image: Air New Zealand Communications
While it’s not known where the Economy Skynest will be located within the craft, we do know that the six 200cm x 58cm bunk-bed-style sleeping area will be able to accommodate a full-size pillow, sheets and a blanket, with specially designed lighting settings for sleep and USB ports, a reading light, ventilation outlets and a curtain for privacy.
On social media, Air New Zealand has even coined the term ‘nestiquette’, a portmanteau of ‘Skynest’ and ‘etiquette’. According to the airline, good ‘nestiquette’ means that only one person can occupy a pod at a time, and that shoes must be removed when making use of the sleeping facilities.
At this stage, it’s unknown how the pricing would work for this ‘premium’ economy feature, but the lie-flat sleeping pod prototypes are sure to impress frequent economy travellers.
‘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,’ says Customer Experience GM, Nikki Goodman.
Also read:
Standing airplane ‘seats’: the new ultra-economy class?
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