Air New Zealand has postponed the launch of its Skynest economy-class sleeping pods until after the summer peak, following delays in obtaining overseas regulatory certification.
The six lie-flat pods were originally scheduled to launch in December, but the airline has confirmed that installation will be deferred and no replacement launch date has been set.
The decision comes as Air New Zealand welcomes a new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, the first aircraft of its type certified with increased maximum take-off weight capability.
The aircraft arrived in Auckland on Thursday night after departing Boeing's facility in San Antonio, Texas.
According to RNZ, the airline chose to put the aircraft into passenger service rather than keep it out of operation while awaiting final approvals for Skynest.
A second new Dreamliner is expected to arrive in the coming days.
Why the sleeping pods are delayed
Air New Zealand said an overseas certification authority had been unable to complete the required approvals within the original timeframe because of resource constraints.
Another certification process involving a local regulator was progressing well, the airline said.
Chief customer and digital officer Jeremy O'Brien said the priority was getting the new aircraft operating during the busy summer travel period.
He said passengers would still be able to experience the aircraft's redesigned cabins while the airline continued working with Boeing on the sleeping pod product.
Air New Zealand will announce a new Skynest launch date once the approval timetable becomes clearer.
What travellers can expect
Skynest was first unveiled in 2020 and is designed to let Economy and Premium Economy passengers purchase a four-hour rest period in a lie-flat pod.
According to 1News, the six pods are arranged in a bunk-style configuration, stacked three high between the Economy and Premium Economy cabins.
Each pod is approximately two metres long and includes a mattress, privacy curtain and seatbelt for turbulence. Bedding is replaced between sessions.
Bookings opened in May, with sessions priced from $495.
However, the announced postponement means travellers cannot assume the pods will be available on summer flights. The supplied reports do not specify what arrangements apply to existing Skynest bookings following the delay.
The new Dreamliners themselves are designed for long-distance services, including the airline's non-stop Auckland to New York route.
Each has 219 passenger seats, including Business Premier Luxe, Business Premier, Premium Economy and several Economy seating options.
For travellers planning long-haul trips, including journeys that may connect onwards to Asian destinations, the immediate distinction is between the new aircraft entering service and the delayed sleeping pod feature.
The airline has not identified a confirmed Skynest launch route or revised start date in the supplied announcements. Those details remain the next developments to watch.
