Air New Zealand marks a decade of 787-9 operations, but delays Skynest roll out 

Air New Zealand has just celebrated a decade of flying its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet. On July 11, 2014, the national carrier of New Zealand flew its first Dreamliner into Auckland International Airport (AKL) for the first time after it had become Boeing’s global launch customer for the 787-9 variant of the aircraft. 

Over the past 10 years, the carrier has carried more than 11 million customers on 59,000 787 Dreamliner flights, accumulating over 475,000 flying hours. The airline currently operates 14 787-9s which accommodate 302 passengers in a three-class configuration. 

Air New Zealand Chief Customer and Sales Officer Leanne Geraghty said the Dreamliner has been “a transformative aircraft for the airline, marking a step change in the onboard travel experience.” 

“From day one, customers have been captivated by the Dreamliner’s features. The aircraft was designed with the customer comfort experience front of mind. It introduced the largest electronically dimmable windows of any passenger jet, transformed onboard comfort with the cabin pressurized at 6,000 feet, leaving passengers feeling fresher and better rested when flying on the Dreamliner, and featured an onboard turbulence management system for a smoother ride,” Geraghty said.  

“The aircraft introduced new technology that transformed the travel experience for customers and the flying experience for pilots. Customers saw touch screen in-flight entertainment for the first time, marking the beginning of the end for the onboard remote control. For pilots, the state-of-the-art flight deck transformed the flying experience at the front of the aircraft too.” 

Jordan Tan / ShutterstockGeraghty added: “What’s more, the Dreamliner also changed the game when it came to aircraft emissions. Its design means it is 20% more fuel efficient than other aircraft of its size, making it the ideal aircraft to invest in on our journey to decarbonization. 

“The Dreamliner was a crucial aircraft in the expansion of our network. Its design and fuel efficiency mean it’s the perfect aircraft for ultra-long-haul travel. Because of the Dreamliner, we were able to expand our network in 2022 to include our flagship route to New York.” 

Skynest is coming, but not until 2025  

Looking to the future, Air New Zealand has said it will continue to invest in its Dreamliner fleet, with its current fleet of 14 aircraft getting a nose-to-tail n upgrade, while the carrier has a further eight Dreamliners on order from Boeing (six 787-10s and two further 787-9s). The new interiors will feature an entirely new business class product, a new premium economy seat, and an updated product throughout the economy cabin.  

That said, the carrier has been forced to delay the rollout of its much-anticipated ‘Skynest’ product. This new product is aimed at the airline’s ultra-long-haul economy passengers and will feature a set of stacked sleeping berths allowing a fully lie-flat sleeping experience to economy class passengers for the first time.     

The Skynest experience consists of a capsule situated between the premium economy and economy cabins that will feature six sleeping pods in a triple bunk on either side configuration. 

Each pod will include personal ventilation, a reading light, full bedding with a full-size pillow, ear plugs, a USB port, and special lighting designed for rest. The Skynest experience will be bookable for a single four-hour session for a fee expected to be around US$244-US$370.  

Air New ZealandThe product was initially expected to debut on Air New Zealand Boeing 787 flights from Auckland to New York and Chicago in September 2024, but with delays affecting deliveries of new 787 Dreamliners, the rollout of the Skynest has been delayed “until 2025” the carrier has said.  

“We know our customers are eagerly anticipating the next evolution of our Dreamliners and we can’t wait for them to experience our most innovative aircraft to date,” said says Air New Zealand Chief Customer and Sales Officer Leanne Geraghty in a statement.  

“In 2025, we’re expecting the delivery of our first new Dreamliner from Boeing. Our first aircraft will include our new interiors which will have the added bonus of the highly anticipated Skynest,” she added. 

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AirlinesbyJean Carmela Lim2024-07-12

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