Economy Skynest Counting Sheep In Cattle Class
One airline that flies some of the longest routes in the world has come up with a concept to improve the economy experience…The Economy Skynest!
Where you can count sheep stretched out in the section that is often referred to as ‘Cattle Class’!
Air New Zealand has just unveiled to the media a ground-breaking new lie-flat prototype sleep product for economy class travellers.
Air New Zealand Dreamliner 787-9 used on very long flights. CC Image by Darren Koch.
The Economy Skynest has had three years of research and development, with the input of more than 200 customers at its innovation centre in Auckland. Air New Zealand has even filed patent and trademark applications for the Economy Skynest which provides six full length lie-flat sleep pods.
Air New Zealand Chief Marketing and Customer Officer Mike Tod says it is committed to putting more magic back into flying. The airline operates some of the world’s longest flights, such as one new route from Auckland to New York a service that will take 17 hours 40 minutes one way.
Impression of the set up of the Economy Skynest.
“We have a tremendous amount of development work underway looking at product innovations we can bring across all cabins of the aircraft. A clear pain point for economy travellers on long-haul flights is the inability to stretch out. The development of the Economy Skynest is a direct response to that challenge,” Mr Tod says.
Economy Skynest prototype for Air New Zealand.
Air New Zealand is yet to make a final decision on whether to install the pods next year. That would be only after it has assessed the performance of its inaugural year of Auckland-New York operations.
Nikki Goodman with an Economy Skynest set up.
General Manager of Customer Experience Nikki Goodman said, ““We’re so excited to be sharing this product development with our customers. We see a future flying experience where an economy-class customer on long-haul flights would be able to book the Economy Skynest in addition to their Economy seat, get some quality rest and arrive at their destination ready to go. This is a game changer on so many levels. This is one of the highlights of three years’ intensive work centred on customer wellbeing.”
The Skynest as it would be used on an Air New Zealand flight.
As well as this current new idea for the economy section the airline has also been using their Economy Skycouch™. Which is where three economy class seats are converted into a couch which allows families to stretch out and snooze in more comfort on long-haul.
Lie-flat option for Air New Zealand flights in economy.
In an order for this product idea to be installed it will require the strict aviation regulations and certification approval to take place. However, they say it is a prize worth chasing and one that the airline think has the potential to be a game changer for economy class travellers on all airlines around the world.
Currently there is no indication of costs and or charges for using the pods perhaps by the hour? However, the following details may help you to decide if you would pay to use them and if you would do please let me know what you think?
Where will the Economy Skynest be placed within the aircraft?
The exact positioning of the Economy Skynest within the aircraft has still to be confirmed, however, it will be in the Economy cabin.
How many beds will the Economy Skynest accommodate?
Each Economy Skynest can accommodate six sleeping pods
What’s included with the Economy Skynest?
It is intended that each pod will include a full-size pillow, sheets and blanket, ear plugs along with privacy curtains and lighting designed for sleep. We are exploring other features such as separate reading light, personal device USB outlet and ventilation outlet.
Overall length of the sleeping pods
In excess of 200cm
Width at the shoulder area
In excess of 58cm
What have been some of the longest flights in the world?
