IBS Software’s iRetail Platform Powers Air New Zealand’s Skynest | News
Air New Zealand has engaged IBS Software, a leading travel technology company delivering AI-powered travel solutions, to power the commercial launch of Air New Zealand’s Skynest product, the world’s first sleep pod experience available to Economy and Premium Economy passengers on scheduled long-haul flights.
Skynest debuts on ultra-long-haul services between Auckland and New York later this year and passengers can book the experience for four-hour sessions during the flight. The unique requirements of selling the Skynest product is made possible with IBS Software’s iRetail, enabling the airline to digitally retail, book and service an entirely new onboard product category, something legacy airline systems were never designed or able to do.
Air New Zealand has utilised the IBS Software’s Product Catalogue and Stock Keeper, modules in iRetail’s Offer-Order-Settle-Deliver (OOSD) suite.
Partnering with AWS as part of a Strategic Collaboration Agreement announced in 2025, iRetail is built on an AI-first, cloud-native architecture. The platform goes beyond the incremental ancillary services most airline systems focus on, such as seat selection or extra baggage. It gives airlines the commercial and technical tools to bring new, experience-led products to market, increasing customer satisfaction and generating revenue immediately.
Christophe Roux, SVP and Head of Aviation Passenger Solutions, IBS Software, said: “Air New Zealand has consistently led the market on innovation, and working with them on Skynest was a natural fit to show what IBS Software’s retailing platform is truly capable of. Skynest is just the beginning. It demonstrates how iRetail gives airlines the freedom to bring entirely new products to market, products that legacy systems could never support.”
The Skynest deployment is another example of Air New Zealand and IBS Software’s partnership, which already spans cargo management through iCargo and loyalty management through iLoyal.
To find out how IBS Software’s iRetail platform supports modern airline retailing, visit www.ibsplc.com.
