The way airliner cabins are laid out has not really changed all that much for decades, so it is just reward that Air New Zealand has won an international award for its truly innovative Skynest. The Kiwis picked up the Innovative Cabin Concept segment in the 2023 Crystal Cabin Awards, which were announced on Tuesday at this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg.
This is a real innovation
There are far too many tweaks grandly labeled as innovations but Air New Zealand has defined cabin innovation with the Skynest pods. They will go into action in September 2024 when the first of Air New Zealand’s new Boeing 787-9s arrives and enters service.
Photo: Air New Zealand
The airline’s head of aircraft programmes, Kerry Reeves was fortunately in the neighborhood to collect the award on behalf of Air New Zealand. He said it was an incredibly proud moment and he can’t wait for customers to experience it next year.
“Air New Zealanders come to work every day and challenge each other to think differently and the Skynest is a perfect example of this mindset in action.
“The development of the Skynest has been a labor of love. As it’s a world first there are plenty of hoops we need to jump through and problems we need to solve, but the popularity and excitement around it coming to market is what keeps us going.”
This is not Air New Zealand’s first success in the Crystal Cabin awards. It has previously won the Greener Cabin, Health, Safety and Environment category in 2019 for the also innovative Economy Skycouch. The awards announcement said that to win the Cabin Concepts category an entry must “show an outstanding level of innovation that offers a new level of passenger experience.” It added:
“Air New Zealand provides a never-before-seen option for economy passengers: lie-in bunks for up to four hours of rest and relaxation for the airline’s longest flights. Each pod includes a full-size pillow, sheets and blanket, ear plugs, a separate reading light, personal device USB outlet, ventilation outlet and lighting designed for rest.”
The Cabin of the Future
Air New Zealand also picked up the Onboard Hospitality Cabin Concept of the Year Award, which it won for its Future Aircraft Cabin Experience (FACE) program. This is also centered around the new Dreamliners and offers a new Business Premier Luxe Suite, a new Business Premier seat and the Skynest.
Photo: Air New Zealand
The Luxe Suite will have all the features of the Business Premier seats but with fully closing doors and room for two people to dine. Air New Zealand describes Business Premier as “a private and comfortable nest for a blissful journey and tranquil sleep.”
The new Dreamliners will also have a Sky Pantry attached to the economy and premium economy cabins so passengers can stretch their legs, grab something to eat and hydrate at their leisure throughout the flight. With obvious pride in Air New Zealand Reeves also said:
“On the scale of airlines around the world we are a small player – so innovating, listening to our customers and producing products that push boundaries is how we stand out and compete on a global scale.”
What do you think of the Skynest? Is it something you would try? Let us know in the comments.
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Most of the missing bags found their way back from New York to Auckland via Los Angeles. Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying
Air New Zealand
- IATA/ICAO Code:
- NZ/ANZ
- Airline Type:
- Full Service Carrier
- Hub(s):
- Auckland Airport, Christchurch Airport, Wellington Airport
- Year Founded:
- 1965
- Alliance:
- Star Alliance
- CEO:
- Greg Foran
- Country:
- New Zealand