All Nippon Airways is rolling out twelve completely redesigned Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, in collaboration with architect Kengo Kuma and leading British designers Acumen.
The first redesigned aircraft will serve the Tokyo Haneda-London route from 2 August. The new cabin will feature the latest technology and design principles to offer comfort and convenience to all passengers, while showcasing the true inspiration of Japan.
“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,” said Hideki Kunugi, Executive Vice President of ANA. “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.”
Among the most notable changes to the remodelled aircraft are the all-new First Class seats, called ‘THE Suite’. THE Suite is inspired by luxury Japanese hotels and are fully enclosed. New features include the addition of privacy-enhancing doors as well as a 43-inch monitor, which according to the airline is the world’s first 4K personal monitor on a commercial airline. THE Suite also boasts a movable partition which can be adjusted upon request to pair seats as well as a universal PC and USB ports. A luxury dark wood finish features throughout the cabin.
ANA has also introduced a brand-new seat design for Business Class called ‘THE Room’. Inspired by modern, multifunctional Japanese living spaces, THE Room offers flexible doors for personal privacy that can also be adjusted to share the space with family, friends or colleagues.
The seat comprises a forward and rearward seat layout, with a wide sofa which is double the width of previous Business Class seating. With a design focus on minimisation and de-cluttering, the Business Class seat offers a place for everything including discreet areas for all personal belongings, with deep blue accent hues placed inside each compartment.
Meanwhile, the new Premium Economy and Economy Class upholstery has been redesigned with Japanese patterns, which ANA has named ‘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 travelling in Premium Economy and Economy Class will also enjoy an enhanced flight experience thanks to improved touch screen monitors and six-way adjustable headrests . These are the same upgrades recently installed on ANA’s Boeing 787-10 aircraft.
Apart from enjoying the 4K visuals in First Class and Business Class passengers can 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 customisable entertainment experience. The Android and iOS app allows all customers to browse in-flight entertainment programmes before the flight and create a favourite list that can be accessed through a paired seat monitor. Passengers can also use their personal mobile devices to control the programmes playing on the seat monitor as well as using their devices as second screens for entertainment content.
Both First Class and Business Class seats will feature new lights made by Panasonic which have been custom-designed specifically for ANA. The lights have been inspired by natural sunrise to improve comfort and convenience during sleeping, reading and dining.
Additionally, in First Class and Business Class, ANA will be providing tailor-made seat mattresses and bedding in partnership with Nishikawa to provide comfortable seating and a quality sleep experience for customers.
In addition to these upgrades, ANA has also completely revamped the entrance area of the aircraft to create a hotel-like reception complete with welcome monitors. The carrier has also designed a new food service area to embody the Japanese ‘Omotenashi’ philosophy of hospitality. Responding to customers’ need for more space and freedom to move around while onboard, ANA has 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.
ANA has also made further upgrades to its dining service, including new premium international cuisine tableware that will be launched on flights this autumn.
All Business Class passengers will also have the opportunity to pre-order their meals on the ANA website up to 24 hours before departure and can choose from menus from other routes ensuring the passengers are given the best service possible. This summer, starting from July on North America and Europe routes, ANA will provide six different menu choices, including the collaboration cuisine with restaurant Yonemura, currently available for passengers on the Asian routes.
Architect Kengo Kuma commented on his involvement in the project: “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.”
“Our work focused on transforming the cabin experience by fusing the rich history and culture of Japan with modern design principles and technologies,” said Ian Dryburgh, Founder and CEO of Acumen. “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.”
