Air NZ Launches Skynest: Economy Lie-Flat Sleep Pods
Air New Zealand is set to revolutionize long-haul travel once again with its latest sleep innovation, the Skynest lie-flat sleep pods in economy class. Long known for its creative approach to passenger comfort, the Auckland-based carrier first made waves with the Skycouch in 2011. Now, beginning in early 2026, Air New Zealand will debut the world’s first lie-flat sleep pods in economy on its Boeing 787 Dreamliners. This innovative upgrade is expected to enhance sleep quality on ultra-long-haul flights, especially on the nearly 18-hour routes from the United States.
The new Skynest pods mark a significant advancement in onboard comfort. Each Skynest area features a bunk-style arrangement reminiscent of those used by flight attendants, with six beds in total—three beds on each side of a designated area, accessible via a central ladder. Designed for ease of use, these sleep pods offer passengers a private space complete with a pillow, fresh sheets, and a blanket that is changed between passengers. Additionally, each pod is equipped with earplugs, a separate reading light, and a personal USB outlet, while a curtain provides extra privacy.
Passengers will have the opportunity to book each Skynest bed for a four-hour session during the flight, available at various times after takeoff, mid-flight, or before landing. To ensure a balanced allocation, each traveler is limited to one session per flight. Both Economy and Premium Economy passengers can reserve a Skynest pod, although the option will not be available in Business class. Early indications suggest that prices for a four-hour session will fall in the range of $400 to $600, which will be an additional cost on top of the ticket price.
This latest innovation is part of a broader upgrade program that Air New Zealand is implementing on its Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The retrofitting of these aircraft includes several cabin enhancements designed to improve overall passenger experience. Economy configurations will see a reduction in total seat counts—from 305 to 272 seats in one layout and from 275 to 214 in another—allowing for more spacious interiors and better service delivery. Meanwhile, the Business Premier cabin is undergoing a transformation as well, with the current herringbone-style seating arrangement being replaced by pod-style seats. These new seats will allow passengers to easily convert their seat into a lie-flat bed without the need for assistance, offering an elevated level of privacy and comfort.
Premium Economy cabins will also benefit from upgrades. The new seats will feature larger seatback screens, additional storage solutions, and dedicated areas to charge mobile devices. In addition, a new “economy stretch” option is being introduced with a seat pitch of 35 inches, compared to the standard 31 inches, providing extra legroom for passengers seeking more comfort during long flights. Across the entire cabin, larger seatback screens will be available for all passengers, complete with Bluetooth connectivity for personal device pairing. A newly designed Sky Pantry area will allow economy travelers to stretch their legs and enjoy snacks and drinks at their leisure.
“We want to create the world’s best flying experience,” said Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran during an earlier interview. Chief Customer and Sales Officer Leanne Geraghty added, “Research shows that the first night away from home is the hardest to get a good night’s sleep, so everything we do onboard is to help create a sense of calm—from the lighting and sleep rituals to healthier food choices and meditative onscreen content.”
With the Skynest lie-flat sleep pods, Air New Zealand continues to set the benchmark for passenger comfort on ultra-long-haul flights, offering innovative solutions that make even the longest journeys more restful and enjoyable.
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