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, 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.
Luxury without compromise
Skynest is part of the airline’s broader premium in-flight experience that puts rest, well-being, and choice at the center of each traveler’s journey which is evident with the airline’s latest cabin experience which will also be onboard the new Dreamliner.
Business Premier provides a thoughtful space for those seeking the ultimate sanctuary in the sky. The new Business Premier Luxe™ seats offer all the benefits of Business Premier but with a fully closing door offers additional privacy, and a versatile ottoman doubles as a guest seat for companion dining.
The new seats in Premium Economy have a fixed outer shell, meaning customers can recline without impacting the traveler behind them, while Economy travelers will enjoy thoughtful stowage and 13.3” inflight entertainment screens – one of the largest in the industry.
Both Premium Economy and Economy passengers will also enjoy the Sky Pantry™, a self-service area for snacks and hydration available throughout the journey.
About Air New Zealand:
Air New Zealand’s story started in 1940, first taking to the skies between Auckland and Sydney on a flying boat – a Short S30. Known for its warm Kiwi hospitality, today, the airline has operating aircraft ranging from Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and Airbus A320s to ATRs and Q300s, offering customers comfort in the latest most efficient jets and turboprops. It’s a modern fuel-efficient fleet with an average age of 9.9 years. Air New Zealand’s global network of passenger and cargo services centres around New Zealand. In 2024, the airline flew more than 16 million passengers. Air New Zealand was named 2025 World’s Safest Airline by the Australian rating service AirlineRatings.com, highlighting the airline’s laser-focus on safety.
Air New Zealand has a well-connected domestic business, connecting customers and cargo to 20 different regions around New Zealand. Internationally, the airline has direct flights to major cities across Australia, the Pacific Islands, Asia and North America, and through its strong relationships with alliance partners, offers customers more choice and convenience to connect further afield to hundreds of destinations. Air New Zealand has a particular focus on sustainability and its Sustainability Framework helps guide the airline’s efforts in tackling some of New Zealand’s and the world’s most complex challenges. Airpoints, Air New Zealand’s loyalty programme, is seen as the most valuable loyalty programme in New Zealand with more than 4 million members. It allows members to earn Airpoints Dollars™ and Status Points for VIP benefits in the air and on the ground. Air New Zealand aircraft are proudly identified by its distinct tail livery of the Mangōpare, the Māori symbol of the hammerhead shark which represents strength, tenacity, and resilience.
About Star Alliance
Established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance, the Star Alliance network was founded on a customer value proposition of global reach, worldwide recognition, and seamless service. Since its inception, it has offered the largest and most comprehensive airline network, with a strong emphasis on enhancing the customer experience throughout the entire Alliance journey.
The member airlines are: Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, and United.
Overall, the Star Alliance network currently offers 17,837 daily flights to over 1,160 airports in 192 countries. Further connecting flights are offered by Star Alliance Connecting Partner Juneyao Airlines.
All images credited to Air New Zealand
