Air New Zealand Unveils New Dreamliner Cabins

(01 July 2022, 12:22 +07)  Air New Zealand has unveiled the cabin designs which will be found onboard the airline's new Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

The eight Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners scheduled to arrive from 2024 and retrofitted current 787-9 fleet will have either eight or four Business Premier Luxe seats, 42 or 22 Business Premier, 52 or 33 Premium Economy, 125 or 213 Economy seats, and specifically on the ultra-longhaul aircraft, six Skynest sleep pods.

Feedback from extensive customer research over five years has highlighted the importance for a good night's sleep and the need for more space and comfort, and it is the results from that research which has helped shape the new cabin designs.

Air New Zealand says Skynest will allow Economy Class passengers to get some sleep

"New Zealand's location puts us in a unique position to lead on the ultra-longhaul travel experience. We have zeroed in on sleep, comfort, and wellness because we know how important it is for our customers to arrive well-rested. Whether they are heading straight into a meeting, or to their first holiday hotspot - they want to hit the ground running," said Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer, Greg Foran. "It's a proud moment to finally unveil five years of hard mahi, in what truly is a cabin of possibility. One that will provide customers with options to get some shut eye wherever they're sitting."

For Economy customers, the Skynest concept, first announced in 2020, is expected to be a world-first, though pricing and details of how the concept will actually work has yet to be outlined. Basically, the Skynest comprises of six pods where Economy Class passengers will be able to lie down and get some sleep.

The Economy Class cabin will also feature Economy Skycouch for those who would like to sit, spread out, lie down and snooze or possibly share the space with another. Economy Stretch will be for those who want to rest and stretch their legs further than the regular Economy seat.

The new Economy Class seat has been designed with more storage, comfort and space and a 50% bigger screen for entertainment. Passengers will be able to connect to Bluetooth audio and pair their device to act as a remote control or second screen.

The new Premium Economy Class seat offers more privacy and protected space where passengers can recline at leisure without interrupting the person behind.

The airline has also added a Sky Pantry to the Premium Economy and Economy Class cabins, so customers can stretch their legs, grab a bite to eat and hydrate at their leisure throughout their journey.

"Research shows us the first night away from home is the hardest to get a good night's sleep so everything we do onboard is to help create a sense of calm – from the lighting and sleep ritual including sleepy teas and balms, to the healthier food choices and breathable fabrics. Meditative onscreen content, Zentertainment, will also help customers unwind and get ready for rest," said Chief Customer and Sales Officer, Leanne Geraghty.

Air New Zealand's new Business Premier Luxe has all the features of Business Premier, but with a fully closing door and space for two to dine.

Sustainability has been at the heart of the design process. Using modern fabrics, rather than leather, has saved around one kilogram in weight per Business Premier and Premium Economy seat, reducing overall carbon emissions.

In Premium cabins, the airline will also switch to serviceware that is 20% lighter, helping to reduce carbon emissions, and in Economy, the new serviceware will reduce plastic dishes used inflight by 28 million every year.

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