All Nippon Airways has announced a major revamp of its cabins that includes a new 4k resolution monitor that’s not only bigger than Ben Hur but would be the ideal technology on which to watch the classic movie.
The razor-sharp 43-inch screen will be the first 4K personal monitor to be introduced on a commercial airliner and will take up the entire facing wall of what the airline says is the most spacious fully-enclosed seating ever seen on its aircraft.
New features in the first-class product, labeled “The Suite”, include the addition of privacy-enhancing doors a movable partition which can be adjusted upon request to pair seats as well as a universal PC and USB ports.
Business class customers will see a brand new seat design called “The Room” that the airline says is inspired by modern, multi-function Japanese living spaces.
It 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.
The airline says a “bold forward and rearward seat layout” offers a revolutionary change in space and comfort for ANA business class customers and one of the largest business-class seating environments in the world.
READ: All Nippon Airways striking new A380 in-flight product
The Room features a wide sofa which is double the width of previous business class seating with a design focused on minimization and de-cluttering.
ANA says it has a place for everything including discreet areas for all personal belongings.
“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,’’ it says.
Business class will get smaller 4K screens and both classes will feature new Panasonic lights custom-designed specifically for ANA to improve comfort and convenience during sleeping, reading and dining.
First and business customers will also get a bespoke mattress and bedding tailor-made to the seat cushion in partnership with Nishikawa.
A redesigned entrance includes new welcome monitors and there is also a new self-service bar area with mini-fridges stocked with beverages and snacks that passengers can enjoy at any time.
Other upgrades include a renewed inflight meal menu with new premium International cuisine tableware that will showcase on flights in 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.
This summer, starting from July 2019 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.
Passengers will be able to take advantage of ANA’s advanced MY SKY CHANNEL application to customize their entertainment experience.
The Android and iOS apps allow 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.
They 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.
In premium and economy class, passengers get improved touch-screen monitors and headrests that are adjustable along six axes similar to the improvements on the airlines B787-10.
The upholstery has been redesigned with Japanese patterns telling a story known as ‘The Journey’ and 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.
The airline has collaborated over five years with architect Kengo Kuma and British designers Acumen to roll out 12 completely redesigned Boeing 777-300ER aircraft featuring the latest technology and design principles.
The first redesigned aircraft will serve the Tokyo/Haneda-London route (NH211/NH212)1 from August 2.
“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 fully 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.”
