Unpacking All Nippon Airways new Premium Products – along with a small stinger

All Nippon Airways unveiled the latest iteration of its new first and business class products – with some impressive products (although those in the back may feel a little different).

Let’s have a look in detail.

The new product is a work between Japanese architect Kengo Kuma and leading British designers Acumen and ANA.

The update configuration of the Boeing 777-300ER will feature a new layout:

• 8 First Class (THE Suite) seats in 1-2-1
• 64 Business Class (THE Room) in 1-2-1
• 24 Premium Economy Class in 2-4-2
• 116 in Economy Class in 3-4-3

First up is the First Class Product –“THE Suite”

This features an all-new First Class seats, which is an enclosed suite – so we’re looking at doors on your seat for privacy. The seat will feature a 4K IFE Screen (although if someone can point me to all the 4K video stored on a plane – I’d be interested. A lot of content delivered on an aircraft is barely HD). Seats have a universal power outlet and USB port.

Next up, the business class, called “THE Room”.

This is based off a seat by Safran Fusio seat. Again, seats have walls on them for privacy but can open up to share space with fellow travel companions – from dining together with the family to conducting meetings with colleagues.

The seating layout has a forward and rearward seat layout. And if this sounds familiar, think Qatar Airways QSuites – without the ability to merge four seats into a pod – with ANA choosing to go for two-across. Storage is key, with discreet areas for all personal belongings.

Also, 4K screens make a visit here too.

Premium Economy and Economy Class Seats

The seats being introduced in Premium Economy and Economy are the same as the ones on the 787-10, with power at the seat, with six-axis headrests for comfort. However, those in economy class who were used to ANA’s 2-4-3 configuration (or a more normal 9 across configuration) will be disappointed to learn that a ten-across configuration has been installed.

Premium Economy Seats

Economy Class

Across all classes, the aircraft will use Panasonic’s NEXT series equipment, combined with ANA’s MY SKY CHANNEL – allowing customisation (an implementation of Pansonic NEXT Loyalty platform).

Operation

ANA will take delivery of 12 of these configured aircraft, initially deploying them on the premium-heavy London Heathrow to Tokyo Haneda route from the 2nd August, with the new configuration booked to operate on NH211/NH212. The configuration will initially even number dates in August and odd number dates in September, eventually moving to a daily operation

In quotes

Hideki Kunugi, Executive Vice President of ANA said

“Our partnerships with Mr. Kuma and Acumen illustrate that ANA has sought out the input of the most influential voices in the design community for these innovative new cabin designs,” 

  “In 2010, we were the first in Japan to introduce the full flat seat with all aisle access and in order for ANA to continue to lead and set the global standard for comfort and convenience, we knew that it would be necessary to integrate the latest insights from design professionals as we sought to redesign the flight experience and elevate every aspect of travel for our passengers.”

Architect Kengo Kuma coments

“The design process is just as much about what we decided to include as what we decided to omit”

 “My work is about understanding how space is used and creating the most comfortable conditions in any environment. I enjoyed working with ANA and Acumen to combine the best of Eastern and Western design traditions and create a finished product that sets a global standard by embracing Japanese heritage and international outlook.”

Ian Dryburgh, Founder and CEO of Acumen

“Our work focused on transforming the cabin experience by fusing the rich history and culture of Japan with modern design principles and technologies,”

 “Combining our expertise in aviation interior design with the renowned visionary approach of Kengo Kuma, together we have created a striking cabin that has elevated the ANA customer experience to its highest level across all classes.”

Premium Heavy

With over half of the plane dedicated to the big business classes seats, ANA will need to target the use of these aircraft on routes where they can both fill the seats and fill them with high paying passengers. With the drive to Premium space however, Economy passengers will feel the squeeze with a much denser cabin than before.

With impressive new hardware and a flair for the soft product – ANA could have a winner with its new product.

Filling the new Boeing 777-300ER with high paying passengers will be the challenge.

Images via ANA’s Youtube launch video.

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