Air New Zealand unveils world’s first “sleep sessions” for a Ki-wi nap in economy

The carrier’s long-awaited Skynest pods will go on sale next month, giving economy and premium economy passengers on some of its longest flights the option to pay NZ$495 for a four-hour lie-flat sleep session

Air New Zealand’s is to start selling access next month to bunk-bed sleep pods for economy passengers on some of its longest flights.

The airline said bookings for its ‘Economy Skynest’ would open on 18 May 2026, with the first services due to operate from November on its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

Economy and premium economy travellers will be able to pay extra for a four-hour session in one of six lie-flat pods fitted in a bunk-style layout between the two cabins.

Each pod will have a full-length mattress, fresh bedding, ambient lighting, a privacy curtain, a reading light, ventilation, personal stowage, USB-A and USB-C charging points, a crew call button and an in-pod seatbelt.

Passengers will also receive a “Nestcessities” kit including an eye mask, ear plugs, socks and Aotea skincare products.

Air New Zealand said the sessions had been designed around natural sleep cycles, giving passengers time to settle, sleep and wake gradually.

Two sessions will initially be offered on each flight, priced from NZ$495 apiece.

Chief executive Nikhil Ravishankar said: “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.”

The airline said the concept had been developed over several years and tested with more than 200 customers before being brought to market.

Ravishankar added: “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.

“It is about recognising that customers value flexibility, comfort and control, and giving more people the opportunity to travel in a way that works better for them.”

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_{Main image: Air New Zealand’s Skynest sleep pods, which will be sold in four-hour sessions to economy and premium economy passengers on selected long-haul Boeing 787-9 flights | Credit: Air New Zealand.}