Air NZ’s ‘cabin of possibilities’ prizes sleep above all else

Air New Zealand unveils an overhaul of its Boeing 787-9 cabin featuring a world-first lie-flat bed in economy.

Air New Zealand's business luxe suite will offer more privacy and space in the pointy end of the airline’s Boeing 787-9s. Picture: Supplied

Air New Zealand will become the first airline to offer lie-flat beds in economy class when it rolls out its new and refurbished Boeing 787-9s in 2024.

Along with new business and premium economy products promising the “best sleep in the sky”, the carrier will incorporate a six-bed skynest into economy for passengers’ use throughout long-haul flights.

The beds will be available to reserve for four-hour periods when booking a flight, and Air New Zealand is looking at options for hiring once on board.

At the pointy end of the aircraft, a new business premier luxe suite offered greater privacy and space with a fully closing door and room for two to dine.

There was also the option of business premier without the door, and premium economy with the ability to recline without disturbing the passenger behind.

CEO Greg Foran said the new products where the result of extensive customer research over five years that highlighted the importance of a good night’s sleep for travellers.

“It’s a proud moment to finally unveil five-years of hard mahi, in what truly is a cabin of possibility,” Mr Foran said.

“We have zeroed in on sleep, comfort and wellness because we know how important it is for our customers to arrive well-rested.”

He was particularly proud to offer a lie-flat option for economy customers, in a world first for a commercial passenger airline.

“The ability to rent a lie-flat bed for a period of time I think is going to be pretty compelling for a lot of customers,” said Mr Foran.

“It’s going to be a real game changer for the economy travel experience.”

Each lie-flat bed in the six-bed economy skynest is 203cm long and 58.4cm wide. Picture: Supplied,

In a further aid to shut-eye, Air New Zealand was adding meditative onscreen content known as “Zen-tertainment” and an interior inspired by native flora and fauna.

Chief customer and sales officer Leanne Geraghty said the goal was for passengers to experience Aotearoa from the moment they stepped on-board, and get the best night’s rest.

“Everything we do on-board is to help create a sense of calm, from the lighting and sleep ritual including sleepy teas and balms to the healthier food choices and breathable fabrics,” said Ms Geraghty.

A “sky pantry” was also being added to the premium economy and economy cabins so passengers could stretch their legs, grab something to eat and hydrate at leisure throughout the journey.

The new cabins will be fitted on eight new 787-9s arriving from 2024, and 14 aircraft currently in service with Air New Zealand will be retrofitted.

Either four or eight business premier luxe suites will be available on each 787-9, 22 or 42 business premier seats, 33 or 52 premium economy and 125 or 213 economy seats.

Ultra long-haul aircraft being used on routes such as Auckland-New York, will boast the six Skynest sleep pods.

Already 20 per cent more fuel efficient than similar sized aeroplanes, Air New Zealand will further reduce the 787-9s’ emissions by using modern fabric rather than leather to reduce weight, and switching to lighter serviceware in premium cabins.