Air New Zealand Skynest Wins Top Travel Innovation Award
Air New Zealand has been recognized for its innovative approach to long-haul flying with the introduction of Skynest, a world-first lie-flat sleep pod system in the Economy cabin.
Skynest is one of only 25 winners from over 200 submissions globally selected by Condé Nast Traveller's Bright Ideas in Travel list for 2026.
Air New Zealand chief customer officer Jeremy O'Brien said, 'Skynest started with a simple challenge to make some of the world's longest journeys better for as many of our customers as possible.'
Skynest features six lie-flat pods and will debut on Air New Zealand's new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, initially available on services between Auckland and New York from December 2026.
The system allows Economy and Premium Economy travellers to lie down in four-hour sessions with two sessions available per flight. Skynest is priced from $495 per session.