Air New Zealand has revealed more about their highly anticipated new long-haul offering Skynest, a set of bunk beds available to hire for economy passengers.
A four-hour stint in the Skynest will cost around $400-$600, the airline announced on Wednesday, although the price has not been finalised.
Skynest will be first added to the Auckland-New York and Auckland-Chicago routes and is set to debut in September 2024.
The announcement was made at tourism business event TRENZ in Christchurch by Air NZ chief customer and sales officer Leanne Geraghty, who called Skynest a "game-changer".
"North America is the perfect market for Skynest, as it has a premium segment that values comfort and sleep during long-haul travel," said Geraghty.
"Skynest provides a unique and innovative way for our passengers to rest and recharge, making their journey with us even more enjoyable. By launching Skynest on these routes, we are bringing to life our commitment to providing choice, alongside the best possible experience for our passengers, and to continue to innovate and lead the way in the aviation industry."
The Skynest pod will feature six beds and be situated between the premium economy and economy cabins of Air NZ's new Boeing Dreamliners, due to arrive next year.
Each pod will include a full-size pillow, bedding, ear plugs, a reading light, a USB outlet and a ventilation outlet, Air NZ said.
A seatbelt will also be able to be fixed over people lying in the pods.
Passengers can only book one Skynest rest per flight, with families travelling on the same ticket able to book a session for each passenger, if available.
Exactly how customers hire a Skynest pod and what they'll cost is yet to be confirmed.
"We're still working through the exact details of how the booking process will work, and we have yet to determine the price. At this stage we are looking at around $400 to $600 for the four-hour period," said Geraghty.
Also on offer in the newly refurbished cabins will be Air NZ's new 'business premier luxe' class, which it describes as "the ultimate space and privacy".
A step up from the existing business premier class, luxe will feature a closing door and space for two people to eat together, similar to Qatar Airways' Q-suite product.
