All Nippon Airways (ANA) is upping the comfort game on its Boeing 787-9s. The airline has teamed up with RECARO Aircraft Seating to refresh both Premium Economy and Economy Class cabins.
The new seats? Sleek. Functional.
| Feature | Premium Economy | Economy Class |
|---|---|---|
| Recline | ~7” | ~6” |
| Seat Pitch | 38–40” | Not specified |
| Screen Size | 15.6” | 13.3” |
| USB Power | USB-A, USB-C + PC Power | PC Power only |
| Foot Support | Calf Rest + Footrest | Rear Footrest |
| Headrest | 6-Way Adjustable | 6-Way Adjustable |
| Table | Single Plate + Extras | Single Plate + Cup Hole |
| Amenity Stowage | Yes | No |
| Privacy Wings | Yes | No |
Premium Economy – Small Details, Big Comfort
ANA’s new Premium Economy seats are RECARO’s R4 models. These were designed with long-haul flyers in mind. Recline and relax with up to 7 inches of seat movement and a pitch of 38 to 40 inches. ANA clearly wants you to feel like you’re in a higher class. Here’s a peek at what you’ll be enjoying:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| 15.6” Monitor | Crisp inflight entertainment on a large screen. |
| 6-Way Headrest | Adjust for perfect neck support. |
| Calf Rest & Single Arm Footrest | Two levels of leg comfort. |
| Privacy Wings | Subtle side panels for a cocooned feel. |
| USB-A, USB-C & PC Power | All your devices covered. |
| Bottle Holder & Amenity Stowage | Clever nooks for your essentials. |
| Single Plate Table | Ideal for work or meals, with room to breathe. |
Economy Class – Thoughtfully Upgraded
The R3 model is used for ANA’s refreshed Economy seats. Small tweaks make a big difference here, particularly on long-haul flights. It’s a subtle overhaul, but one that economy travellers will definitely feel. The seat reclines by 6 cm, and the backrest shape has been improved to free up extra living space.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| 13.3” Monitor | Still big, still bold. |
| Comfort+ Cushions | Softer seating for those long stretches. |
| Comfort+ Armrest | Ergonomic support that doesn’t fight for space. |
| +1” Knee Space | Improved legroom, especially around the knees. |
| Rear-Mounted Footrest | More support, less sliding forward. |
| Single Plate Table with Cup Hole | Drinks and meals stay where they should. |
| USB and PC Power | Stay plugged in throughout the flight. |
Design Matters with All Nippon AIrways
Both cabins feature:
- A cohesive design that blends tech and comfort.
- Integrated storage spaces (goodbye, dangling headphones).
- Modern seatback pockets tailored to ANA’s onboard offerings.
The colour scheme, materials, and textures are premium without being flashy. Think of it as the quiet luxury of airline seats.
How It Compares to ANA’s Other Aircraft
Compared to ANA’s previous Premium Economy and Economy Class offerings on older B787-8s or even their B777s, this upgrade marks a clear step forward. The new RECARO seats offer better ergonomics, more device charging options, and noticeably improved entertainment screens. While ANA has always had a solid reputation for comfort, these B787-9 cabins lean harder into thoughtful passenger experience—especially for tech-savvy flyers and long-haul leisure travellers. It’s less about reinventing the wheel, more about refining it. For frequent ANA passengers, this upgrade feels like a welcome modernisation rather than a drastic shift.
ANA Cabin Comparison: B787-9 vs B787-8 vs B777
| Feature | B787-9 (New) | B787-8 | B777 (Older Configuration) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium Economy Screen | 15.6” | 10.6” | 12.1” |
| Economy Screen | 13.3” | 9” | 10.6” |
| Seat Power Options | USB-A, USB-C & PC power | Limited USB | Mostly USB-A, some PC |
| Headrest | 6-way adjustable | 4-way | 4-way |
| Seat Pitch (Premium) | 38–40” | ~38” | ~38” |
| Seat Pitch (Economy) | ~32” + 1” knee space | ~31” | 31–34” |
| Footrests | Calf + footrest (Prem), rear-mounted (Econ) | Footrest only in Prem | Varies by aircraft |
| Seat Cushions | Comfort+ | Standard | Standard |
| Privacy Features | Privacy wings (Prem) | Minimal | Minimal |
| Design Aesthetic | Sleek, integrated | Classic | Dated in parts |
| Best For | Long-haul leisure & business | Shorter international routes | High-capacity routes |
Final Thoughts
RECARO’s enhancements for ANA’s B787-9 aren’t about flashy gimmicks. They’re about doing the basics better – legroom, recline, stowage, screen size. You’ll notice it most on long flights, where small wins in comfort become major perks. So if you’re flying with ANA soon, especially on long-haul routes, this seat upgrade is something to look forward to.