Air New Zealand’s Skynest
Air New Zealand’s Skynest, an innovative concept offering bunk beds in the skies for long-haul passengers, has garnered significant attention and anticipation. Adding to its acclaim, Skynest recently clinched the top spot in the Innovative Cabin Concept category at the Crystal Cabin Awards, held during the 2022 Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Hamburg, Germany.
The Crystal Cabin Awards recognize groundbreaking advancements in airplane cabin interiors, and Skynest emerged victorious in the fiercely competitive cabin concepts category. Lukas Kaestner, president of the Crystal Cabin Award Association, highlighted the significance of Air New Zealand’s win, noting that while many exciting ideas are presented in this category, they often remain far from realization. In contrast, Skynest is set to become a tangible product, scheduled for launch in 2024.
Air New Zealand’s Skynest Success
Skynest’s success lies in its ability to transform the economy-class experience. While the concept of bunk beds for economy passengers has been explored before, rarely has such an innovative solution evolved into an actual product ready for flight. Air New Zealand’s Skynest breaks new ground by offering lie-flat options for passengers in economy class, revolutionizing long-haul travel comfort.
The Crystal Cabin Awards began with a longlist of nominees, which was subsequently narrowed down to a shortlist. Finalists showcased their concepts at the AIX, and a panel of expert judges selected the winners. Among the other recipients was Collins Aerospace’s InteliSence concept, which triumphed in the Passenger Comfort category. InteliSence utilizes artificial intelligence and data from onboard cameras and sensors to track passengers’ travel experiences, aiming to optimize power consumption, onboard provisions, and crew workloads while personalizing the passenger experience.
The Concept
In the university category, a team of students from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands won for their Lightweight Aircraft Seating concept. This concept focuses on designing lightweight seat cushions that require minimal materials without compromising passenger comfort. Lantal Textiles’ Deep Dyed Carpet earned recognition in the Sustainable Cabin category for its potential to reduce airplane CO2 emissions through the use of an eco-friendly and lightweight cabin carpet.
Lukas Kaestner expressed his optimism about the increasing focus on sustainability in aviation and suggested that the industry is starting to acknowledge its environmental impact. However, he acknowledged that there is still progress to be made.
The Crystal Cabin Awards continue to have a lasting impact on the aviation industry. Past winners have often influenced industry trends, such as Delta’s 2017 win for its Delta One business class suite featuring ultra-private sliding doors, which subsequently became a popular feature in long-haul business-class cabins.
Future Implementations
While airlines operating shorter flights may not immediately require the amenities offered by Air New Zealand’s Skynest, they are likely to closely monitor its performance and reception. Observing its success from a business perspective could lead to potential future implementations.
For student nominees, the Crystal Cabin Awards serve as an exceptional platform for entering the aviation industry. Notably, several former student nominees, including Alejandro Núñez Vicente, recognized in 2021 for his double-decker airplane seat concept, have gone on to establish their own successful start-ups.
As Air New Zealand prepares to introduce Skynest to the skies, the industry eagerly anticipates the positive impact it will have on enhancing passenger comfort during long-haul journeys. With the Crystal Cabin Award accolade adding to its momentum, Skynest marks a significant leap forward in redefining the travel experience for economy-class passengers worldwide.
