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ANA Debuts Three New International Seat Designs in Japan: A Hands-On Review of the Incredibly Enveloping New Business Class, "THE Room FX"
2026年3月16日 13:59
- Published: March 12, 2026
On March 12, All Nippon Airways (ANA) unveiled three new types of international flight seats in Japan for the first time. All are scheduled to be installed on its Boeing 787-9 aircraft starting in fiscal year 2026.
The unveiling preceded a three-day seat experience event at Tokyo Midtown, which allowed a sneak peek at the new Business Class "THE Room FX" (announced in June 2025), along with the new Premium Economy and new Economy Class seats (announced in April 2025). All reservation slots for this special event have already been filled.
The New Business Class: "THE Room FX"
"THE Room FX" is a private suite-style Business Class seat designed to bring the same experience as "THE Room" on the international Boeing 777-300ER to the mid-sized 787-9. Developed over approximately seven years, it is a completely original ANA design created in collaboration with Safran Seats of France and Acumen Design Associates of the UK.
The suite, enclosed by high walls and a sliding door for a strong sense of privacy and envelopment, features a "pre-reclined" design. This fixed initial recline aims to provide an experience akin to relaxing on a living room sofa.
Maintaining the distinctive forward- and rear-facing layout, the seat boasts a pitch of 103 inches (approx. 2.6 m) and a maximum length of 76.5 inches (approx. 194 cm) when fully flat. With a width of 41.5 inches (approx. 105 cm) at its widest point and 27.0 inches (approx. 69 cm) at the hip, it offers ample space for even larger passengers to lie down comfortably.
Other features include a 24-inch HD personal monitor, two storage compartments (one for headphones), USB Type-A and Type-C charging ports, a universal power outlet, a wireless charging pad, and Bluetooth audio connectivity.
To adapt the private suite concept from the larger 777 to the mid-sized 787, ANA focused on maximizing space without sacrificing comfort, such as by thinning the doors and walls. Meanwhile, the seat and bed cushioning has been made thicker than previous models to enhance both sitting and sleeping comfort.
Testing the seat at the event, the pre-reclined angle feels exceptionally well-calibrated, with enough flexibility to customize comfort with pillows and cushions. Once the door is closed, it truly creates a home-like atmosphere. The bed, at a maximum length of 194 cm, is spacious enough to turn over in with ease.
The New Premium Economy Class
Both the Premium Economy and Economy seats are custom ANA versions of the latest ergonomic models from Germany's RECARO Aircraft Seating. The new Premium Economy is a product ANA confidently states has "caught up to the world's highest standards." The seat pitch has been increased from 38 to 40 inches (approx. 101 cm), and the recline has been extended from 7 to 9 inches (approx. 23 cm).
As the photos show, the increased recline is significant, allowing the seat to tilt back to an angle deep enough for a sound sleep. The expanded seat pitch also ensures that even when the passenger in front fully reclines, there is still ample space to use the tray table with drinks or a tablet.
A key feature is the large privacy wings on either side of the headrest, which block the view of neighboring passengers. When seated, they completely obscure the face of the person next to you, providing a high level of privacy. This design is particularly beneficial for window seat passengers, making them less visible from the aisle and suiting those who prefer not to be seen while sleeping.
Additional features include a 15.6-inch personal monitor, USB Type-A and Type-C charging ports, a universal power outlet, and Bluetooth audio connectivity.
The New Economy Class
Like Premium Economy, the new Economy Class seat is an ANA-specified version of the latest model from RECARO. It also adopts a pre-reclined design. Furthermore, it achieves a superior hold with large side bolsters that support the torso, similar to those in a car's bucket seat.
A lumbar support-like cushion is built into the seatback just above the pelvis. This encourages a natural, upright posture by gently extending the spine, which helps reduce fatigue on long flights.
Sitting in the seat, you can feel the firm support around the hips, which stabilizes your posture. The seat in front has been sculpted to be concave at the bottom, creating generous knee room; for an average adult male, this creates about two to two-and-a-half fists' worth of space.
While the seat pitch remains at 33-34 inches (approx. 84-86 cm), the clever design provides an extra inch (approx. 2.5 cm) of knee room. The recline has also been increased from 4 to 6 inches (approx. 15 cm).
It features a 13.3-inch personal monitor, USB Type-A and Type-C charging ports, a universal power outlet, and Bluetooth audio connectivity, similar to the Premium Economy class.
Refreshed Amenities for International First and Business Class
On March 12, ANA also announced a renewal of its international amenity kits for First and Business Class, as well as the provision of recovery wear for First Class passengers.
Samples of the new amenity kits, a collaboration with the Milan-based luxury leather goods brand FRANZI, were on display at the event. These kits, which will be introduced sequentially from April, are made from a recycled polyester that has the look and feel of genuine leather.
The recovery wear is TENTIAL's "BAKUNE" model. Following a successful one-month trial in July 2025, ANA has decided to offer it year-round. This special edition features an ANA logo on the sleeve and is provided as a top-and-bottom set that passengers can take home.
