People took their cue from the birds when air travel began. Now we can “nest” like them, when Air New Zealand‘s world-first Economy Skynest debuts later this year.
Available to book on flights from May 18, 2026, Skynest will operate onboard the airline’s new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, which are set to take to the skies in November.
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.
Air New Zealand Chief Executive, Nikhil Ravishankar, says Skynest is another example of the airline backing innovation that improves the travel experience and strengthens New Zealand’s connection to the world.
“For a country as remote as New Zealand, the journey matters. Tourism is a $46 billion NZD industry, but growth depends on travellers’ willingness to spend long hours in the air to get here.
“Skynest is designed to help make that easier. It reflects the practical innovation New Zealand is known for, and shows how thoughtful design can improve the travel experience. By giving more people the chance to properly rest on ultra long-haul flights, it helps make travel to and from New Zealand more manageable.”
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.
Customers who book an Economy or Premium Economy seat will have the option of adding on a four-hour session. The sessions have been designed around natural sleep cycles to allow time to settle, sleep and wake gradually. Initially, two sessions will be offered on each flight.
Key facts: Economy Skynest
- World-first lie-flat sleep pods in the sky for Economy and Premium Economy travelers
- Six individual pods arranged in a bunk-style layout
- Located between Economy and Premium Economy cabins on Boeing 787-9 aircraft
- Four-hour sessions
- Two sessions available per flight (initially)
- Priced from $495 NZD (about US$295) per session
- Available to book from May 18, 2026
- Available on services from November 2026
About the Economy Skynest experience
Each Skynest session includes:
- A lie-flat sleeping pod with full-length mattress
- Fresh bedding including pillow, sheets and blanket, changed in between sessions
- Privacy curtain
- Ambient lighting designed for rest and wake
- Personal stowage and charging (USB-A and USB-C)
- Reading light and ventilation outlet
- Crew call button and in-pod seatbelt
- A “Nestcessities” kit including eye mask, ear plugs, socks and Aotea skincare
Learn more about Skynest here.
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