Lie-Flat Economy? A Look At Air New Zealand’s Proposed Skynest Cabin

We’ve recently seen the innovative aircraft cabin ideas shortlisted by Crystal Cabin Award. Although we must wait till June to find out who the winners are at the Airline Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany, it shows us what we could expect soon in air travel innovation. Lufthansa’s new “Allegris” first class product, which Simple Flying accessed a few weeks ago, appeared on the list, as did one of the biggest potential shakeups to economy class from Air New Zealand: Skynest.

It’s not the first time the carrier has tried to help passengers get a good night’s sleep on long-haul routes. Air New Zealand already offers a “Skycouch” product, a private row of economy seats with footrests that unfold upwards to create flat surfaces, supplied with bedding and pillows. However, curling up on a set of economy seats isn’t particularly new; passengers who have lucked out with a row to themselves have done the same before. But Skynest seeks to offer something radically different.

New boundaries for long-haul economy

Air New Zealand’s Skynest is a standalone structure featuring six pods with fully flat bunks designed to offer the first genuine bed product for the economy cabin. As the carrier puts it, passengers can…

“..rest, stretch out and boost their physical and mental wellbeing during their journey.”

In an age where ultra-long-haul travel is increasingly common, the industry must look at ways to make the economy…