Aviation

Air New Zealand to put economy travellers to sleep

The Economy Skynest is the result of three years of Air New Zealand research and development, with the input of more than 200 customers at its Hangar 22 innovation centre in Auckland. The airline has today filed patent and trademark applications for the Economy Skynest which provides six full length lie-flat sleep pods.

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 magic back into flying.

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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.

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General Manager of Customer Experience, Nikki Goodman says customer and cabin crew feedback on the Economy Skynest during its final phase of development has been outstanding with significant partners also keenly involved.

“We see a future flying experience where an economy-class customer on long-haul flights would be able to book the Economy Skynest in addition to their Economy seat, get some quality rest and arrive at their destination ready to go. This is a game changer on so many levels,” Ms Goodman says.

Where will the Economy Skynest be placed within the aircraft?

Air New Zealand Economy Skynest specs*: The exact positioning of the Economy Skynest within the aircraft has still to be confirmed, however, it will be in the Economy cabin. How many beds will the Economy Skynest accommodate?

Air New Zealand Economy Skynest specs*: Each Economy Skynest can accommodate six sleeping pods.

Overall length of the sleeping pods

Air New Zealand Economy Skynest specs*: In excess of 200cm. Width at the shoulder area

Air New Zealand Economy Skynest specs*: In excess of 58cm. What’s included with the Economy Skynest?

Air New Zealand Economy Skynest specs*: It is intended that each pod will include a full-size pillow, sheets and blanket, ear plugs along with privacy curtains and lighting designed for sleep. We are exploring other features such as separate reading light, personal device USB outlet and ventilation outlet.

Aviation

Air India Successfully Completes Its First A350 Flight from Delhi-New York

Air India has officially launched its new wide-body flagship, the Airbus A350 aircraft, on the highly anticipated Delhi-New York route, marking the aircraft’s ultra-long-haul debut.

This milestone signifies the induction of the first new aircraft type by an Indian carrier in over a decade. With this development, Air India is set to deploy the A350 on its non-stop flights to North America, with plans to introduce the aircraft on the Delhi-Newark route starting January 2, 2025.

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Additionally, the airline announced the upcoming launch of inflight Wi-Fi service on international flights operated by the A350, enhancing the passenger experience.

On November 1, 2024, the air india Airbus A350-900 took off from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi at 02:49 local time and successfully landed at New York’s JFK Airport approximately 15 hours later, at 07:47 local time.

This journey follows Air India’s first-ever A350-900 flight, which took off from Bengaluru Kempegowda Airport (BLR) to Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport (BOM) on January 22, 2024.

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In a statement released on November 1, 2024, an Air India spokesperson expressed enthusiasm, stating, “Our A350 is NYC-bound for the first time ever! Now enjoy the all-New Air India experience when you fly between Delhi and New York JFK.”

air india new routes currently operates long-haul flights to major destinations including Washington, D.C., Chicago, and San Francisco with its Boeing wide-body fleet.

Passenger feedback regarding the A350 air india retrofit and the new customer experience has been overwhelmingly positive since its introduction on the Delhi-London Heathrow route in September. Managing Director and CEO Campbell Wilson noted, “We are excited to now bring it to New York.”