Air New Zealand to Launch Bunk Beds in Economy Class by 2026

Introducing the Skynest Bunk Beds

Air New Zealand is gearing up to unveil a groundbreaking innovation in economy class with the launch of the Skynest bunk beds. This will mark the first time passengers can experience bunk beds on an aircraft, a concept that has never been seen in the airline industry before. Although the idea was initially announced in 2022, its implementation faced significant delays. Recently, the airline shared exciting details about the launch date, pricing, and the experience passengers can expect.

Details About the Bunk Beds

The Skynest will consist of six sleeping pods measuring 80 inches long and 23 inches wide, designed in a “V” shape to create three tiers of beds. Each bed will be fully equipped with bedding, pillows, blankets, and privacy curtains. A convenience kit named “Nestcessities” will include a sleep mask, socks, earplugs, a dental hygiene kit, and skincare products from Aotea. Each bed will also feature a USB charging port, reading light, and ventilation slots.

Location of the Bunk Beds

The Skynest will be installed on Air New Zealand's Boeing 787-9 aircraft, positioned between the economy and premium economy cabins. This means they will occupy the space equivalent to two middle seats in economy class, rather than the usual six economy seats, thereby enhancing passenger privacy.

Launch Date and Booking Information

Air New Zealand plans to open bookings for the Skynest on May 18, 2026, with passenger service commencing in November 2026. The product is expected to be available on flights between Auckland (AKL) and New York (JFK). The airline also intends to retrofit its existing 787s to accommodate Skynest in the future, though specific timelines are yet to be announced.

How to Book the Bunk Beds

These bunk beds will not be available for use during takeoff and landing, so passengers cannot reserve them for the entire flight. Instead, they can book the bunks in sessions of up to four hours. After each session, lights will automatically turn on to remind passengers of their time. On Air New Zealand's longest flights, each bed can be utilized up to three times, although initially, only two bookings will be sold per bed.

Pricing and Market Expectations

The starting price for each session will be $495, approximately 12 million VND. This translates to about $125 per hour for the sleeping experience. It will be an interesting experiment to see if the airline can attract economy and premium economy passengers willing to pay for this unique experience.

Other Air New Zealand Products

Not limited to the Skynest, Air New Zealand previously introduced the Skycouch concept, allowing an economy row to convert into a couch. However, the limitation of the Skycouch is its size, measuring only 49 inches, which may not accommodate taller passengers. Other airlines are also developing similar products to enhance passenger comfort.

Conclusion

Air New Zealand is on the brink of launching an unprecedented product in economy class with the Skynest bunk beds. Set to debut in November 2026, with bookings starting in May 2026, this innovation opens a new door for passenger flight experiences. Are you ready to pay for a sleeping experience in the sky?

Article adapted and edited from: One Mile at a Time