All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s largest and 5-Star airline, has collaborated with famed architect Kengo Kuma and leading British designers Acumen to roll out a total of twelve completely redesigned Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
The first redesigned aircraft will serve the Tokyo/Haneda-London route (NH211/NH212) from August 2. Featuring the latest technology and design principles, these upgraded aircraft boast interiors that offer first rate comfort and convenience to all passengers and showcase the true inspiration of Japan.
New First Class Seat – “THE Suite”
Among the most noticeable changes to the remodeled aircraft are the all-new First Class seats. Designed with impeccable attention to detail, THE Suite is inspired by luxury Japanese hotels and is the most spacious fully enclosed seating ever seen on an ANA aircraft. New features include the addition of privacy-enhancing doors as well as a crystal-clear 43 inch monitor that is the world’s first 4K personal monitor on a commercial airliner. THE Suite also boasts a movable partition which can be adjusted upon request to pair seats as well as a universal PC and USB port. For the ultimate grandeur, a luxury dark wood finish features throughout the cabin.
New Business Class Seat – “THE Room”
At the heart of ANA’s new product investment is a brand new seat design for Business Class called THE Room. Inspired by modern, multifunctional Japanese living spaces, THE Room offers for the first time flexible doors for personal privacy that can also be adjusted to share the space with fellow travel companions – from dining together with the family to conducting meetings with colleagues. With its bold forward and rearward seat layout, THE Room offers a revolutionary change in space and comfort for ANA Business Class customers, offering one of the largest Business Class seating environments in the world – with a wide sofa which is double the width to previous Business Class seating. With a design focus on minimization and de-cluttering, the Business Class seat offers a ‘place for everything’ including discreet areas for all personal belongings, with deep blue accent hues precisely placed inside each compartment.
To bring warmth and a ‘home away from home’ feel to the cabin, Kengo Kuma finished the seats with three different wood finishes inspired by modern Japanese homes – Rosewood, Light Japanese Ash and Dark Japanese Ash.
New Premium Economy and Economy Class Seat
To celebrate the rich and magnificent history of Japan, the new Premium Economy and Economy Class upholstery has been redesigned with Japanese patterns which tell a story known as ‘The Journey,’ reflecting guests’ inflight experience from departure to landing. Traditional prints include tatami mat pattern which represents a Japanese welcome, and an arrow design taken from the Yagasuri pattern to suggest movement and direction. These non-repeating patterns mean each seat cover, across the Premium Economy and Economy seats will be completely unique. Passengers traveling in Premium Economy and Economy Class will also enjoy an enhanced flight experience thanks to improved touch screen monitors and headrests that are adjustable along six distinct axes. These are the same upgrades recently installed on ANA’s Boeing 787-10 aircraft.
Enhancement of In-flight Entertainment System
ANA is first in the world to introduce 4K resolution personal monitor on commercial aircraft, which is featured in First Class and Business Class. On this screen, not only can passengers enjoy the 4K visuals, but also adjust the lighting and the reclining angle.
Personal seat monitors in all classes are powered by ANA’s advanced MY SKY CHANNEL application to create a fully customizable entertainment experience. The Android and iOS app allows all customers to browse in-flight entertainment programs before the flight and create a favorite list that can be accessed through a paired seat monitor. Passengers can also use their personal mobile devices to control the programs playing on the seat monitor as well as using their devices as second screens for entertainment content.
New Technology and Equipment for Quality Sleeping, Reading and Dining
Both First Class and Business Class seats will feature new lights made by Panasonic which have been custom-designed specifically for ANA. Inspired by natural sunrise, the lights have been crafted to improve comfort and convenience during sleeping, reading and dining.
Additionally, in First Class and Business Class, ANA will be providing bespoke seat mattress and bedding in partnership with Nishikawa. The unique product is tailor-made to the seat cushion for the most comfortable seating and quality sleep experience for customers in the sky.
New Interior Cabin Design
Complementing these comfort-boosting upgrades to seating areas, ANA has also completely revamped the entrance area of the aircraft to create a hotel like reception complete with welcome monitors. ANA has also designed a new food service area to embody the Japanese ‘Omotenashi’ philosophy of hospitality. With customers wanting more space and freedom to move around whilst onboard, ANA have redesigned the self-service bar area, which now boast mini-fridges stocked with beverages and snacks for customers to enjoy at any time. The contemporary design of the galleys integrates a back light panel which incorporates patterns inspired by traditional Japanese hand-made paper (known as ‘washi’).
