Air New Zealand unveils 'ground-breaking' economy sleep pod

Air New Zealand is looking at what it says is a "ground-breaking" new lie-flat prototype sleep product for economy class travellers.

If it gets approval, the Economy Skynest will provide six full-length lie-flat sleep pods.

The national carrier says the development is the result of three years of research, with the input of more than 200 customers.

Air New Zealand Chief Marketing and Customer Officer Mike Tod says that as the airline 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, it is committed to putting more comfort into flying.

"We have a tremendous amount of development work underway looking at product innovations we can bring across all cabins of the aircraft," said Tod

"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."

Air New Zealand will make a final decision on whether to operate the Economy Skynest next year after it has assessed the performance of its inaugural year of Auckland-New York operations.

The exact positioning of the Economy Skynest within the aircraft, and on which routes and planes it will operate, are still to be confirmed, however, it will be in the economy cabin. The pods, which will be in excess of 200cm in length and over 58cm in width, will include a full-size pillow, sheets and blanket, ear plugs along with privacy curtains and lighting designed for sleep.

Other features such as separate reading light, personal device USB outlet and ventilation outlet, are being looked at.

When asked about the pricing of the product, a spokesperson for the airline said: "We have yet to determine the costs and are still assessing the commercial proposition and viability of this product."

The idea is that customers will book their normal economy seat, and then use a pod during the flight for an allocated session.

The airline confirmed that children would not be allowed to use the new pods: "The Skynest is designed to be used by adults with each pod for one person."