Air New Zealand announces ‘Skynest’ plane concept with bunk beds

Bunk beds on airplanes? In economy?

Air New Zealand this week announced its innovative “Skynest” concept, which features six full-length sleeping pods.

According to the airline, economy bunk beds will be among several new offerings on long-hail flights included on its new Boeing 787 Dreamliners expected to take to the air in 2024.

“It’s time to swap the headrest for some bed rest,” the airline posted on Twitter Tuesday. “Say hello to the world’s first sleep pods in the sky, Skynest. Stretch out in one of six pods for part of your journey and catch some shut-eye. A game-changer for economy travelers.”

In what the airline says will be a world first, each pod will be located between economy and premium economy cabins and include a pillow, a privacy curtain, ear plugs, a reading light, a USB port and  a ventilation outlet.

The pods will be in two rows and include three beds. According to the airline, they come with a mattress and sheets – changed by cabin crew after each booking – and will be stacked on top of one another.

Five economy seats will be removed to make space to install six of the pods, the airline reported.