16 Apr 2026
A new era of long haul travel is on the horizon as Air New Zealand's world-first innovation, the Economy Skynest™, will be available to book from May 18, 2026. It will operate onboard the airline's new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft from November.
The game-changing concept gives travelers more choice, providing the opportunity for lie-flat rest in the sky regardless of the cabin they choose to fly. Initial services will operate between New York (JFK) and Auckland (AKL), redefining comfort on one of the world's longest routes.
A new standard for Economy comfort
Air New Zealand Chief Executive, Nikhil Ravishankar says Skynest is another example of the airline backing innovation that improves the travel experience.
“New Zealand's unique location means we understand long haul travel better than anyone. On some of the world's longest commercial flights to and from New Zealand, Skynest is designed to make a real difference to the journey. Featuring six lie-flat pods in a bunk-style layout between the Economy and Premium Economy cabins, it gives customers the opportunity to stretch out, lie flat and get a few hours' proper rest in the air.”
Developed over several years and tested with more than 200 customers, each Skynest pod provides a quiet, private space with a full-length mattress, bedding, ambient lighting, ventilation and charging ports.
For the first time, Economy and Premium Economy customers have the opportunity to book dedicated time to fully lie flat and recharge mid-flight, arriving in New Zealand refreshed and ready for adventure. The sessions have been designed to allow for natural sleep cycles giving time to settle, sleep and wake gradually. Initially, two sessions will be offered on each flight.
Air New Zealand is globally recognized for innovation and experimentation and Skynest is the latest expression of the airline's leadership in this space.
“It is another example of how we are continuing to evolve and improve the Economy cabin experience,” says Ravishankar. “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.
Skynest features six meticulously designed pods, offering a calming, private space to rest and reset, complete with:
- Lie-flat bed: A soft mattress with fresh pillow, sheets, and blanket for every session, and a seatbelt.
- Personal comfort controls: Individual USB outlets, reading light, cooling ventilation and a privacy curtain.
- A sleep-first environment: Soft ambient lighting as well as a complimentary “Nestcessities” amenity kit featuring an eye mask, socks, ear plugs, therapeutic skincare by Aotea and a dental kit.
“It's a simple idea with a powerful impact: swap the headrest for bedrest, and arrive ready to go,” Ravishankar says.
Key facts: Economy Skynest
- World-first in aviation lie-flat sleep pods for Economy and Premium Economy travelers
- Six individual pods arranged in a bunk-style layout
- Located between Economy and Premium Economy cabins on select Boeing 787-9 aircraft
- Four-hour sessions
- Two sessions available per flight (initially)
- Available to book from May 18, 2026
- Available on services between New York and Auckland from November 2026
- In 2023 Air New Zealand won the coveted Crystal Cabin Award for most innovative cabin concept
About the Economy Skynest experience
Each Skynest session includes:
- A lie-flat pod with full-length mattress
- Fresh bedding including pillow, sheets and blanket, changed in between sessions
- Privacy curtain
- Ambient lighting designed for rest and wake
- Personal stowage and charging (USB-A and USB-C)
- Reading light and ventilation outlet
- Crew call button and in-pod seatbelt
- A “Nestcessities” kit including eye mask, ear plugs, socks, therapeutic Aotea skincare and dental care
Learn more about Skynest here https://airnewzealand.com/economy-skynest
