As someone who just wants to sleep when flying, I am full of enthusiasm for Air New Zealand's plan to install beds in its economy-class cabins on long-haul flights.
Air New Zealand this week unveiled plans for its Economy Skynest project - basically bunk beds instead of seats.
The Skynest will be a separate sleeping compartment with up to six full-length sleeping pods, which passengers will be able to book in addition to their economy seat.
Each adults-only pod would have a full-size pillow, sheets and blanket, ear plugs and a privacy curtains. Only one person would be allowed per pod.
Air New Zealand chief marketing and customer officer Mike Tod said the airline had spent three years developing the product, with input from over 200 customers.
The airline operates some of the world's longest flights, including the upcoming Auckland to New York service, which will take up to 17 hours and 40 minutes.
"A clear pain point for economy travellers on long-haul flights is the inability to stretch out," Tod said. "The development of the Economy Skynest is a direct response to that challenge."
Air New Zealand will make a final decision on whether to operate the Economy Skynest next year after it has assessed the performance of its inaugural year of Auckland-New York operations, Travel Mole reported.
General manager of customer experience Nikki Goodman said customer and cabin crew feedback on the Economy Skynest during its final phase of development had been "outstanding".
"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."
The beds could apparently be booked for a specific time period, or for a full flight. Prices have still be worked out.
Air New Zealand this week unveiled plans for its Economy Skynest project - basically bunk beds instead of seats.
The Skynest will be a separate sleeping compartment with up to six full-length sleeping pods, which passengers will be able to book in addition to their economy seat.
Each adults-only pod would have a full-size pillow, sheets and blanket, ear plugs and a privacy curtains. Only one person would be allowed per pod.
Air New Zealand chief marketing and customer officer Mike Tod said the airline had spent three years developing the product, with input from over 200 customers.
The airline operates some of the world's longest flights, including the upcoming Auckland to New York service, which will take up to 17 hours and 40 minutes.
"A clear pain point for economy travellers on long-haul flights is the inability to stretch out," Tod said. "The development of the Economy Skynest is a direct response to that challenge."
Air New Zealand will make a final decision on whether to operate the Economy Skynest next year after it has assessed the performance of its inaugural year of Auckland-New York operations, Travel Mole reported.
General manager of customer experience Nikki Goodman said customer and cabin crew feedback on the Economy Skynest during its final phase of development had been "outstanding".
"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."
The beds could apparently be booked for a specific time period, or for a full flight. Prices have still be worked out.
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