All Nippon Airways (ANA) is flying newly outfitted Boeing 777’s with interiors created in collaboration with renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma and British firm Acumen, known for premium aircraft designs. After five years in development, the exquisite cabin designs reflect their Japanese heritage as well as the Western design principles of the unique partnership. The redesigned aircraft currently serves the London to Tokyo market.
“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,” according to Hideki Kunugi, Executive Vice President of ANA.
In First Class, “THE Suite” features a spacious enclosed seating area inspired by luxury Japanese hotels with design touches that include rich dark wood finishes. A movable partition can be adjusted to pair seats if requested, and privacy-enhancing doors create a secluded area. A 43-inch screen, the world’s first 4K personal monitor on a commercial airliner, provides crystal clear inflight entertainment as well as convenient lighting controls. New Panasonic lights designed specifically for ANA and bespoke seat mattresses by luxury sleep products firm Nishikawa ensure the utmost in comfort.
The new Business Class seats, “THE Room,” also offer adjustable doors for privacy or for sharing space with travel companions. The unique forward and rearward seat layout allows for family dining or business meetings when desired. Design details include deep blue accents, three different wood finishes, and convenient spaces for organizing personal belongings. The 43-inch personal monitors and Panasonic lighting are also standard in Business Class.
ANA’s features encourage passengers to personalize their inflight experience as much as possible. Their “My Sky Channel” application allows passengers to customize their entertainment even before takeoff using an Android or IOS app. They can browse in-flight programs to create a list of favorites to enjoy during the flight. Passengers can also choose their inflight snacks and beverages at the redesigned self-service bar area equipped with well-stocked mini-fridges. First and Business Class passengers will be able to pre-order their meals on the ANA website up to 24 hours before departure, and they can choose from menus from other routes if desired.
Before they even get to their seats, ANA’s passengers will notice the completely redesigned aircraft entrance, modeled after hotel reception areas, complete with welcome monitors. In his statement, architect Kengo Kuma said, “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 to create a finished product that sets a global standard.”
ANA, Air Transport World’s “Airline of the Year” in 2007, 2013, and 2018, is clearly striving to build on its prestigious reputation. Ian Dryburgh, Founder and CEO of Acumen said of the design partnership, “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.”
