Air New Zealand considers bunk beds for economy passengers

Air New Zealand is aiming to become the first airline to give economy passengers the option of a lie-flat bed in flight.

Air New Zealand's new economy beds known as "skynest" are designed to give passengers in the cheap seats the chance to have a decent sleep. Picture: Supplied

Air New Zealand has unveiled new triple-decker bunk beds for its economy cabin which it hopes to use on Auckland-New York flights.

Known as “skynest” the pod of six narrow lie-flat beds are the result of three years of research to improve the experience of passengers in economy class.

Although Air New Zealand will not make a final decision on whether to use the skynest product until next year, chief marketing and customer officer Mike Tod said they were “committed to putting more magic back into flying”.

“We have a tremendous amount of development work underway looking at product innovations we can bring across all cabins of the aircraft,” Mr Tod said.

“A clear pain point for economy travellers on long-haul flights is the inability to stretch out.

“The development of the economy skynest is a direct response to that challenge.”

Each bed measures more than 200cm in length and more than 58cm in width. It is intended each pod will include a full-size pillow, sheets and blankets along with privacy curtains and lighting designed for sleep.

The aim is to give passengers in the cheap seats the chance to have a decent sleep.

Air New Zealand's new economy beds - known as "skynest".

Customer experience manager Nikki Goodman said customer and cabin crew feedback on the product 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,” Ms Goodman said.

“This is a game-changer on so many levels.”

Head of airline programs, Kerry Reeves said “can do” was one of Air New Zealand’s key values, and the economy skynest prototype was a tangible example of that.

“We’re not afraid of being bold and trying new things. The question is never ‘can we do this’ but instead ‘is it right to do this for our customers?’ and, if so, ‘how will we do this?’” Mr Reeves said.

“Our ability to take a good idea, to execute and deliver an innovation that works in our environment, our market and for our people and customers gives us an edge.”

Patent and trademark applications have been filed by Air New Zealand for the skynest.

The kiwi carrier will launch Auckland-New York services in October, with the flights to take an estimated 17 hours and 40 minutes.

The new route was one of the reasons cited by Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce for wanting to push ahead with the Flying Kangaroo’s own non-stop services from Sydney to New York.