Air New Zealand has been recognised as having the best economy class in the world at the Annual Airline Excellence Awards thanks to its Skycouch and Skynest beds
Air New Zealand has been crowned the best airline in the world for economy class. The Kiwi aviation firm has snatched the title at the Annual Airline Excellence Awards – the eighth time in the last decade it has scooped the prestigious gong.
This year Air New Zealand received the nod having unveiled the Skycouch and the Skynest beds, the latter of which will be rolled out next year and promise to offer a completely different level of comfort for those travelling long-haul in economy class.
The Skynest bunk beds can be hired for up to four hours at a time, on routes between Australia, New Zealand and Europe. They’re an add-on for economy passengers and will be able to sleep up to six travellers per plane, for from £190. The Skynest will first be rolled out on Auckland to New Zealand flights.
The Skycouch is an older idea that has been running on Air Zealand flights since it was launched in 2011. It lets passengers buy an entire row of three seats and turn it into a bed, with the third seat costing half price. The legs rise up to meet the row in front, turning it into a bed or play area for kids. Several years ago the scheme was updated so the seats could remain a bed even while the seatbelt sign was on.
If you’re heading all the way from the UK to the Southern Hemisphere country, then opting for the Skycouch will cost you. The cheapest Air New Zealand ticket from London Heathrow to Auckland currently costs £1,232 return.
At the other end of the spectrum, the best first class honour at the Annual Airline Excellence Awards was given to Singapore Airlines, thanks to its new Skyroom Suites.
“Our concept was the idea of a passenger who stays at a (luxury) hotel, he should find this type of hotel room on the flight… with different functions for day and night,” French designer responsible for the suites Jacques Pierrejean told Executive Traveller. “In this way, as per a hotel room, you can live onboard free to rest, to sleep, or to work at any time without be disturbed by the general cabin lighting of the aircraft or your neighbours.”
Check out more of Daily Mirror’s latest travel stories by signing up to our free weekly newsletter.
