Getting any sleep on a long haul flight is tough as sitting upright for hours isn’t exactly ideal.
With most people not having the budget to fly business class, Air New Zealand has created new sleep pods for economy customers.
The airline has spent three years developing the Economy Skynest, made up of six pods where you can lie flat.
The idea is that passengers would book time in the pods, which measure 200cm long and 58cm wide, away from their seat.
They would pay for their seat as normal and then book the pod if required, with crew adding new bedding for each new session.
Each one will have a full-size pillow, sheets and blanket, ear plugs along with privacy curtains and lighting designed for sleep. They are also exploring other features such as a separate reading light, personal device USB outlet and ventilation outlet.
The airline still hasn’t confirmed a cost for the pods and although they’ve spent a long time on development, they haven’t actually been added to any flights just yet.
Air New Zealand currently operates some of the world’s longest flights, such as the upcoming Auckland-New York service at up to 17 hours 40 minutes one way, so you can see why they had the idea.
The company’s chief marketing and customer officer, Mike Tod said: ‘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.’
The company will make a final decision about adding the Skynest to flights next year after it has assessed the performance of its inaugural year of Auckland-New York service. They would also need to ensure the Skynest is certified with regulators.
General Manager of Customer Experience, Nikki Goodman says customer and cabin crew feedback on the Economy Skynest during its final phase of development has been outstanding with significant partners also keenly involved.
‘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.’
It’s not the first time the airline has brought out an innovation that makes sleeping on a flight easier.
They’re also the ones behind the Skycouch, which transforms a normal row of seats into a place where you can stretch out and lie down.
For around £100 extra, you can upgrade to the seats and turn your row into a bed.
MORE: Sleep next to elephants and watch the night sky in these bubble pods in Thailand
MORE: Virgin launch first adults-only cruise ship targeted at millennials
source https://metro.co.uk/2020/02/26/air-new-zealand-creates-sleep-pods-economy-customers-sleep-long-haul-flights-12305853/
0 Comments