Air New Zealand’s world-first Skynest long-haul rest area – Image: Air NZ
Air New Zealand’s world-first Economy Skynest™ has been recognised by Condé Nast Traveller as one of its Bright Ideas in Travel for 2026 a list celebrating the most innovative projects shaping the future of travel.
Selected as one of only 25 winners from over 200 submissions globally, Skynest has been recognised for its groundbreaking approach to long-haul flying, giving Economy and Premium Economy customers the opportunity to lie flat and sleep during their journey.
Air New Zealand Chief Customer Officer Jeremy O’Brien says the airline is very proud to be recognised for the world-first concept.
“Skynest started with a simple challenge to make some of the world’s longest journeys better for as many of our customers as possible.
“A good sleep can make a huge difference to how someone feels when they arrive at their destination, so we set about to see what was possible in our Economy cabin to create a new opportunity for customers to lie flat and rest properly.
“Skynest embodies the Kiwi ingenuity at the heart of Air New Zealand where we see a problem and then set to developing a uniquely New Zealand way to solve it. Years of design, testing and innovation have brought an entirely new idea to aviation to life.”
“To see it recognised alongside some of the world’s most innovative travel experiences is incredibly special, and we can’t wait for customers to experience it from December.”
Featuring six lie-flat pods, Skynest will debut on Air New Zealand’s new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and will initially be available on services between Auckland and New York from December 2026.
Condé Nast Traveller described Skynest as helping to “democratise passenger comfort” and make long-haul rest more accessible.
Condé Nast Traveller described Skynest as helping to “democratise passenger comfort” – Image: AirNZ
Key facts: Economy Skynest
· World-first lie-flat sleep pods in the sky for Economy and Premium Economy travellers
· 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 per session
· Available on services from mid-December 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 and individual gasper vents (air outlets)
· Ambient lighting designed for rest and wake
· Personal stowage and charging (USB-A and USB-C)
· Reading light, crew call button and in-pod seatbelt
· A “Nestcessities” kit including eye mask, ear plugs, socks and Aotea skincare
Watch Skynest-Video:
