Air New Zealand's Skynest wins Condé Nast Traveller's Bright Ideas award

Air New Zealand's innovative Skynest concept has been honored by Condé Nast Traveller as one of its Bright Ideas for 2026. The airline's rent-a-bed service, designed for Economy and Premium Economy passengers, was selected from 200 submissions and recognized for enhancing long-haul travel comfort.

Jeremy O'Brien, Air New Zealand's Chief Customer Officer, expressed pride in the award. He highlighted that Skynest addresses the challenge of improving long journeys, allowing passengers to lie flat and sleep. The concept, set to debut in December 2026 on the airline's new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, will initially operate on routes between Auckland and New York.

Skynest features six lie-flat pods, offering a novel way to rest during flights. Condé Nast Traveller praised the idea for making long-haul comfort more accessible, describing it as a way to 'democratise passenger comfort.' The airline is eager to bring this experience to customers soon.