Air New Zealand has retained its title as having the best economy class cabin in the world, while Singapore Airlines has been crowned the best First Class for 2024 in the Airlineratings.com awards.<\/p>\n
Escape reports it\u2019s the eighth time in the last decade Air New Zealand has been recognised<\/a> in the annual Airline Excellence Awards, this year taking out the award for Best Economy Class for its innovation of the Skycouch and the Skynest beds to be rolled out next year.<\/p>\n The Airline Excellence Awards is judged by editors with more than 200 years of combined aviation experience \u2014 it recognises the gold standard in the airline industry with more than 350 airlines considered against a strict criterion spanning passenger comfort, innovation, value and safety.<\/p>\n The Auckland-based airline took out the prestigious title with its Economy Skynest launching on ultra-long-haul flights, starting with the Auckland \u2013 New York route.<\/p>\n The 17-hour service is ranked among the longest flights in the world.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re very proud to win Best Economy Cabin for 2024, it\u2019s always an incredible honour to be recognised for our innovation and offering onboard,\u201d Air New Zealand chief customer and sales officer, Leanne Geraghty, told news.com.au.<\/p>\n Air New Zealand has won best economy cabin for its innovation of the Skycouch and the Skynest beds in the annual Airline Excellence Awards awards.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s a proud history of Kiwis being known for their ingenuity and innovation, and we are no different.<\/p>\n \u201cWe reimagined the economy cabin with the Skycouch introduced in 2011, and when our Skynest product is onboard next year, it will be the world\u2019s first fully lie flat option for economy customers.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re always looking for ways to make the experience for customers onboard better and will continue to push boundaries and provide our warm Kiwi hospitality no matter where you\u2019re seated.\u201d<\/p>\n The airline unveiled the Skynest sleeping pods in June 2022 and said it comes after feedback from customers over the past five years highlighting the importance for a good night\u2019s sleep, more comfort and privacy. Passengers will be able to pre-book a session, in four-hour blocks<\/a>, for an extra $NZ400 to $NZ600 \u2014 which is roughly $365 to $550 Aussie.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re still in the process of firming up all things pricing as there are a number of factors involved but we anticipate it will be between $400 \u2013 $600 NZD per four-hour session,\u201d Geraghty told news.com.au last year.<\/p>\n There will be 30 minutes between each session to allow cabin crew to change bedding and just before your session is up, lights will gently come on with cabin crew \u201cpolitely waking up\u201d any passengers who sleep through this.<\/p>\n Each pod will come with a separate seatbelt to ensure passengers can fasten them and stay in the pod should the seat belt sign come on during turbulence.<\/p>\n It will also include a full-size pillow, sheets and blanket, ear plugs, a separate reading light, personal device USB outlet, ventilation outlet, and lighting designed for rest.<\/p>\n SkyNest has already nabbed multiple awards \u2013 one of the latest being a finalist in the Crystal Cabin Awards.<\/p>\n It was due to launch on aircraft in September this year, but the delayed delivery of the airline\u2019s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners means it won\u2019t be onboard until the new aircraft arrive in 2025.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile we know this is disappointing for our customers, our retrofit programme for our existing Boeing 787 fleet is still on schedule and we\u2019re excited to introduce our new cabin experience to customers later this year,\u201d Geraghty told news.com.au. Singapore Airlines took our the best First Class cabin award. Picture: Singapore Airlines<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Singapore Airlines has once again won \u2018Best First Class\u2019 in the AirlineRatings.com 2024 Airline Excellence Awards.<\/p>\n The carrier has a longstanding reputation for pushing the boundaries of cabin innovation with AirlineRatings editors saying what truly sets it apart is its \u201cexceptional First Class experience\u201d with the introduction of the \u201cSkyroom\u201d Suites on the A380.<\/p>\n Louis Arul, regional vice president of Southwest Pacific for Singapore Airlines, said they are \u201cdelighted\u201d by the win.<\/p>\n \u201cSince refreshing our Suites in 2017, customer feedback on our innovative amenities, personalised service and luxurious spaces has been hugely positive, and we are proud to once again be recognised as best in class,\u201d Arul told news.com.au.<\/p>\n The main feature is a separate fold-out flat-bed measuring 76\u201d by 27\u201d (1.93m x 0.68m) complete with mattress bedding, duvet, and pillows. Picture: Singapore Airlines<\/p>\n The airline safety and product rating website described the Skyroom as \u201cspectacular\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cEach suite covers between 3.23 and four square meters of floor space with two-piece sliding doors operated manually, as opposed to electrically with other carriers, a source for prolonged malfunctions.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe main feature is a separate fold-out flat-bed measuring 76\u201d by 27\u201d (1.93m x 0.68m) complete with mattress bedding, duvet, and pillows. The bedhead has a gas spring to keep the head up to watch a movie while lying down.\u201d<\/p>\n Last year, the airline took out the World\u2019s Best Airline in the 2023 Skytrax World Airline.<\/p>\n It was the fifth time it won the prestigious accolade.<\/p>\n It took the top spot in four categories including Best First Class Airline, Best First Class Comfort Amenities, and Best Airline in Asia.<\/p>\n More airline news from Escape<\/a>:<\/strong><\/p>\n Cost of airline\u2019s insane economy beds<\/a><\/p>\n Airline chef\u2019s insane 52k-a-day meal job<\/a><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n The post Here\u2019s how to fly in the best economy class in the world. (Hunt: There\u2019s a hutch.)<\/a> appeared first on Stockhead<\/a>.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\n\u00a0<\/p>\nHow much does it cost?<\/h2>\n
\n\u00a0<\/p>\nSingapore Airlines wins Best First Class cabin<\/h2>\n