Air New Zealand unveils flat beds designed for infants

  • Air New Zealand launched its Skycouch in 2011 – a sofa-like seat in economy 
  • Traditionally children were required to be seated when the seatbelt sign was on
  • But thanks to a new harness and belt design, they can remain lying down asleep 

In a bid to make infant flyers more comfortable, Air New Zealand has unveiled a new flat bed that means children can stay lying down for the duration of the flight.

The airline launched its Skycouch in 2011, which allows a row of three economy seats to be converted into a flat surface, but traditionally children were required to be seated on a guardian’s lap when the seatbelt sign was on.

However, now thanks to a new harness and belt designed for infants, they can remain resting without interruption.

In a bid to make infant flyers more comfortable, Air New Zealand has unveiled a new flat bed that means children can stay lying down for the duration of the flight

A new ‘infant pod’ also provides additional comfort and protection for the airline’s youngest Skycouch customers.  

The cot-like pod is designed for babies who weigh under 18 kilograms (40 pounds) and are under 110 centimetres (43 inches) in length. 

The secure carrier can be attached to the Skycouch so that parents can lay down next to their baby and get some much-deserved rest. 

Babies can remain in the pod for the duration of the flight.

Both the infant harnesses and sleeping pods are complimentary for all economy Skycouch customers travelling with infants.

Further catering to families, Air New Zealand’s Skycouch ‘cuddle belt’ has been updated.

A new 'infant pod' also provides additional comfort and protection for the airline's youngest Skycouch customers. The cot-like pod is designed for babies who weigh under 18 kilograms and are under 110 centimetres in length

A new ‘infant pod’ also provides additional comfort and protection for the airline’s youngest Skycouch customers. The cot-like pod is designed for babies who weigh under 18 kilograms and are under 110 centimetres in length

Further catering to families, Air New Zealand's Skycouch 'cuddle belt' has been updated. It has been extended to allow two children to use it

Further catering to families, Air New Zealand’s Skycouch ‘cuddle belt’ has been updated. It has been extended to allow two children to use it

Previously it was only certified to allow two adults or an adult and child travelling together to lie down side by side on the Skycouch but now it has been extended to allow two children to use it.

Air New Zealand’s customer experience manager Anita Hawthorne expects the changes to be popular with family groups.

She explained: ‘The Skycouch has proven to be a real game changer in the Economy cabin. While we initially marketed it to couples, we quickly found the product suited parents with young families especially well. 

‘Parents can relax while their children are able to have their own space and flat area to play without interrupting other passengers.

‘Through this process, we’ve spoken to many customers who have travelled on the Skycouch and their feedback has helped to inform the updates and refinements we’re introducing this year.’

Pending certification and regulatory approvals, the airline plans to make the modified Skycouch product available progressively onboard its Boeing 777 and 787-9 Dreamliner fleets in the coming months.  

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