After five years in development, Air New Zealand has unveiled its game-changing new cabins with the goal of providing “the best sleep in the sky” for every passenger.
Air New Zealand has eight new Dreamliners due to arrive in 2024 and a plan for more ultra-long-haul routes beginning with direct Auckland to New York flights from September 2022. It has revealed its world-first lie-flat sleep pods will become a reality in as soon as 18 months and will form part of a wider cabin overhaul, including in business class.
The new cabin range includes Business Premier Luxe, Business Premier, Premium Economy, Economy and Economy Stretch, Economy Skycouch and Skynest, the world’s first sleep pods in the sky for Economy travellers.
The new pods, which will be subject to regulatory approval, are similar to long-distance train compartments with usage limited to a maximum four-hour period and subject to yet-to-be-determined charges.
Sustainability has also been at the heart of the design process. Using modern fabrics rather than leather has saved around one kilogram in weight per Business Premier and Premium Economy seat, reducing overall carbon emissions.
In Premium cabins, the airline will also switch to service ware that is 20 per cent lighter to help further reduce load and carbon emissions. In Economy, the new service ware will reduce plastic dishes used inflight by 28 million annually.
Air New Zealand will also introduce a new Sky Pantry – a selection of edible and drinkable goodies – to its premium economy and economy-class cabins, encouraging customers to stretch their legs, grab a bite to eat and hydrate throughout their journey.