Lie Down in Economy Class?! Air New Zealand Unveils New Seat Design
Air New Zealand
Lie Down in Economy Class?! Air New Zealand Unveils New Seat Design
Air New Zealand has announced the seating for its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, set to launch in 2024. To prioritize comfortable sleep in the sky, the airline is offering a variety of seating options, including the world's first "Sleep Pod" in Economy Class, the Economy "SkyNest," which allows passengers to lie down and rest.
Text by YANAKA Tomomi
Diverse Seating Options for Comfortable Sleep on Long-Haul Flights
New Zealand, an island nation in the Southern Hemisphere, has many ultra-long-haul routes due to its location. In response to customer demand for comfortable sleep and space during flights, Air New Zealand has unveiled new seating arrangements.
Economy "SkyNest"
The most notable among these is the Sleep Pod in Economy Class, the Economy "SkyNest," which allows passengers to lie down and sleep. Located in the center of the aircraft, the Sleep Pods are arranged in three tiers, offering space for six people to rest with their limbs extended. This is a groundbreaking option for Economy Class.
For those seeking more space and privacy, the new Business Premier Luxe class offers fully enclosed doors and a space where two people can dine facing each other.
Business Premier Luxe
CEO Greg Foran (right) and Chief Customer & Sales Officer Leanne Geraghty (left) relax in Business Premier Luxe.
In addition, there are various other options: "Business Premier," designed with a "nest" concept to create private spaces; "Premium Economy," where passengers can recline fully without worrying about those behind them; and the Economy "Skye Couch," a three-seat, integrated unit that can be used for sitting or stretching out.
Business Premier
Business Premier
Furthermore, Premium Economy and Economy Class will feature an added "Sky Pantry" space, allowing passengers to stretch their legs and enjoy light refreshments and drinks onboard.
To ensure a comfortable sleep, the cabin environment has also been optimized. From lighting and sleep-inducing teas and balms to healthy meals and breathable fabrics, a calming atmosphere is created. The airline has approached this from multiple angles to facilitate good sleep, such as offering "Zentertainment," meditative content designed to relax passengers.
Premium Economy
Premium Economy
Economy "Skye Couch"
Economy "Skye Couch"
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner's interior design draws inspiration from the uniqueness of Aotearoa (New Zealand), aiming to evoke a sense of the country from the moment passengers board. This new form of hospitality allows travelers to get sufficient sleep and rest onboard, enabling them to make the most of their time from the moment they arrive in New Zealand.
