Air New Zealand has filed a patent for new sleeping pods that will allow passengers flying in economy class to stretch out during long flights. Known as the “Economy Skynest,” every sleeping pod will contain six, full-length, lie-flat beds. The invention is a result of three years of research, development, and testing based on input from more than 200 customers at a hanger in Auckland.
According to CNN, each sleeping pod will be about 200 centimeters (6.5 feet) long and 58 centimeters (22 inches) wide and come with a pillow, sheets, blanket, earplugs, and privacy curtains. The airline is reportedly also exploring additional features such as reading lights and USB outlets.
“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,” explained Nikki Goodman, Air New Zealand’s General Manager of Customer Experience.
The airline will need to seek regulatory approval for the pods to make the final decision after checking the popularity of the Auckland-New York flight, which is an estimated 17-hour flight. So, the product will not be available until 2021. The airline hasn’t released the pricing for the Economy Skynest.