To cope with the decline in the number of air transport passengers, companies and manufacturers are constantly looking for new ways to save space, while improving comfort. This is exactly what Air New Zealand seems to have achieved, which will soon give economy class passengers the possibility of lying down to sleep on real beds during flights.
From 2024, Air New Zealand will equip its new Boeing 787 Dreamliners with modules that will allow passengers to sleep comfortably. Each module will be located between the Premium Economy and Economy cabins, including a pillow, bedding, earplugs, reading light, USB port and ventilation outlet. The modules will be stacked like bunk beds, with two rows containing three beds each.
Sleep limited to 4 hours
But of course, a complete flight, sleeping comfortably in a berth, is too good to be true… Indeed, during the flights, each passenger will only be entitled to a four-hour session in a sleeping module, for a additional cost compared to regular economy class seats. According to the company, a four-hour session is enough to give clients a chance to relax, fall asleep, and wake up. For hygiene reasons, bedding will be changed between each session.
An innovation to cope with the decrease in passengers
The company says it has focused on sleep, comfort and well-being, as it is aware of the importance for its customers to arrive well rested. This type of innovative solution could help a sector very affected by the health crisis in recent years.