Air New Zealand is introducing a new way for long-haul economy passengers to get proper rest in the air. Called Skynest, the product is designed for some of the airline’s longest flights to and from New Zealand, giving Economy and Premium Economy travelers the option to book a lie-flat sleep pod for part of the journey.
Skynest will be installed on Boeing 787-9 aircraft and placed between the Economy and Premium Economy cabins. The setup includes six individual lie-flat pods arranged in a bunk-style layout. Air New Zealand says each pod will offer a quiet and private space with a full-length mattress, bedding, ambient lighting, ventilation, charging ports, and a privacy curtain.
Air New Zealand Chief Executive, Nikhil Ravishankar, says Skynest is another example of the airline backing innovation that improves the travel experience 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 help make that easier. It reflects the practical innovation New Zealand is known for, and shows how thoughtful design can improve the travel experience. By giving more people the chance to properly rest on ultra long-haul flights, it helps make travel to and from New Zealand more manageable.”
A new rest option for Economy and Premium Economy
The airline says customers flying in Economy or Premium Economy will be able to add a four-hour Skynest session to their booking. These sessions were planned around natural sleep cycles, giving passengers time to settle in, sleep, and wake up gradually. At launch, two sessions will be offered on each flight.
Air New Zealand says the idea was developed over several years and tested with more than 200 customers before reaching this stage. Each session will include fresh bedding, with pillows, sheets, and blankets changed between bookings. Passengers will also get a “Nestcessities” kit with an eye mask, ear plugs, socks, and Aotea skincare products.
The pods will also have personal storage, USB-A and USB-C charging, a reading light, a ventilation outlet, a crew call button, and an in-pod seatbelt. The goal is simple: give more passengers a real chance to rest on flights where sitting upright for the whole trip can be difficult.
Bookings start in May with service from November
Skynest will be available to book from May 18, 2026, with service starting in November 2026. Air New Zealand says pricing will start from NZD 495 per session.
The airline sees Skynest as the next step after Skycouch, which gave passengers another way to improve comfort in Economy. Ravishankar says the new product continues that thinking.
“Skycouch gave customers more choice in how they travel, and Skynest builds on that by offering a new option for rest on our longest flights,” says Ravishankar.
“It is about recognising that customers value flexibility, comfort and control, and giving more people the opportunity to travel in a way that works better for them.”
For Air New Zealand, Skynest is aimed at a clear need. For passengers, it offers something that has rarely been available in Economy on long-haul flights: the chance to lie flat and sleep properly.
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