Air New Zealand will provide a new Business Premier Luxe suite, a new Business Premier seat, and the world’s first Skynest beginning in 2024. It will provide more choices than any other airline in its three classes to get the best sleep.

The airline has responded to the overwhelming passenger input on the significance of sleep and the demand for additional room and comfort. The interior design is inspired by the distinctiveness of Aotearoa, allowing passengers to experience New Zealand immediately upon boarding.

Air New Zealand’s new Dreamliners, which are scheduled to debut in 2024, will provide the best sleep in the sky regardless of which cabin a passenger chooses.

This includes the new Business Premier Luxe seat, built for customers desiring greater space and privacy, and Skynest, the world’s first sleep pods for Economy passengers.

Extensive customer research conducted over a period of five years revealed the importance of a restful night’s sleep and the desire for more space and comfort. As a result, the new experience is centred on creating a home away from home that leaves customers feeling refreshed and ready to go upon arrival.

Greg Foran, the chief executive officer of Air New Zealand, cites the airline’s aspiration to provide the best flying experience and adds that the combination of the new cabin and Kiwi hospitality is the winning formula.

From the front to the rear of the interior, innovation has driven the new design. The 2020-announced Skynest design will be a first-of-its-kind for Economy passengers.

“We wanted to offer our Economy customers a lie-flat option and that’s how Skynest was born. It’s going to be a real game changer for the economy travel experience.”

Chief Customer and Sales Officer Leanne Geraghty explains that the cabin’s interior design is influenced by Aotearoa’s distinctiveness, from the forest-inspired carpet to the Tui-inspired seats.

“Whether we are welcoming visitors or flying New Zealanders home, we want our customers to experience Aotearoa from the moment they step onboard – and get the best night’s rest.

“Research shows us the first night away from home is the hardest to get a good night’s sleep so everything we do onboard 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. Meditative onscreen content, Zentertainment, will also help customers unwind and get ready for rest.

The airline has also added a Sky Pantry to the Premium Economy and Economy cabins, so customers can stretch their legs, grab a bite to eat and hydrate at their leisure throughout their journey. Our new cabin experience is set to be world class, and we know our customers will love it.”

The focus of the design process has been on sustainability. Using modern textiles instead of leather has resulted in a weight reduction of around one kilogramme each Business Premier and Premium Economy seat, hence lowering overall carbon emissions. In Premium cabins, the airline will move to serviceware that is 20 percent lighter, aiding in the reduction of carbon emissions, while in Economy, the new serviceware will cut the number of plastic dishes used in-flight by 28 million per year.