Air New Zealand economy cabin named world’s best
Thursday, 4 April 2024
If you want to fly in the world's best economy cabin, you won't have to look far from home.
Air New Zealand has been named as having the best economy-class cabin in the world for the second year in a row at the 2024 Airline Excellence Awards.
Judges remarked that the airline's innovative seating options, like the Skycouch and Skynest, helped it clinch the award once more.
On long-haul flights, Air New Zealand allows passengers to book a 'Skycouch'. This comprises of three seats side-by-side which can transform into couch-style seating - perfect for solo travellers who want to stretch out or families travelling with kids.
It launched back in 2011, and was revamped in 2018 to allow the seats to be used as a lie-flat bed while still wearing a seatbelt.
The airline has announced that it will soon introduce sleep pods to its economy class on long-haul flights. Skynest will comprise of six bunk-style beds that passengers can rent for four hours during their flight.
The bedding on each bunk will be changed between each passenger, and comes with USB charging ports, a reading light and ear plugs.
Though they were set to be rolled out on flights to New York this year, they have been delayed to 2025.
The gong for best first class cabin at the awards went to Singapore Airlines thanks to its new 'Skyroom' Suites.
Each seat has four square metres of cabin space, along with a plush seat and foldaway bed. Judges noted that Singapore Airlines is known for constantly pushing the boundaries of cabin design.
This is the fifth time the airline has taken home the award in the past 10 years.
Aussie airlines were recognised at the awards, too: Virgin Australia won the Best Cabin Crew award for 2024 for the sixth time.
'Their commitment to passengers is quite outstanding and is a benchmark of what cabin service should be across the industry,' said airlineratings.com editor-in-chief, Geoffrey Thomas.
It also won Best Regional Airline, with judges calling regional Australia the 'world's harshest operating environment'.
Best in-flight entertainment went to Emirates, while Qatar Airways was rewarded for their catering.