Goodbye sleepless flights! Air New Zealand launches bunk beds for economy passengers on 17-hour journeys

Economy

World / Countries / MNCs

Just Earth News | @justearthnews | 15 Apr 2026, 05:27 am Print

Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand launches special attraction for travellers. Photo: Air New Zealand/Instagram

Travelling with Air New Zealand is set to become significantly more comfortable, with the airline introducing its innovative Skycouch — a feature that allows footrests to fold up and convert three Economy seats into a flat surface, giving passengers space to stretch out and relax.

Taking comfort a step further, the airline is also rolling out Skynest, a first-of-its-kind concept featuring six lie-flat pods arranged in a bunk-style layout between the Economy and Premium Economy cabins. This allows travellers to lie flat and enjoy proper rest during long-haul flights.

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Nikhil Ravishankar said Skynest reflects the airline’s commitment to innovation and improving the travel experience, particularly for a country as geographically remote as New Zealand.

“For a country as remote as New Zealand, the journey matters. Tourism is a NZD 46 billion industry, but growth depends on travellers’ willingness to spend long hours in the air to get here,” he noted.

“Skynest is designed to make that journey easier. It showcases the practical innovation New Zealand is known for and demonstrates how thoughtful design can enhance the travel experience. By giving more people the opportunity to rest properly on ultra long-haul flights, it makes travel to and from New Zealand more manageable.”

Developed over several years and tested with more than 200 customers, each Skynest pod offers a quiet, private space equipped with a full-length mattress, bedding, ambient lighting, ventilation, and charging ports.

Passengers booking Economy or Premium Economy seats can opt for a four-hour session in the Skynest pods. These sessions are designed around natural sleep cycles, allowing time to settle, sleep, and wake gradually. Initially, two sessions will be available per flight.

Globally recognised for innovation, Air New Zealand continues to push boundaries in passenger comfort. “Skycouch gave customers more flexibility in how they travel, and Skynest builds on that by introducing a new way to rest on our longest routes,” Ravishankar added.

“It’s about offering flexibility, comfort, and control — and giving more travellers the opportunity to fly in a way that suits them best.”