Introduction

Having landed in HND for a few hours, my flight to Singapore was at midnight, and given the early timing of this flight, I ended up sleeping through most of it. As a quick summary, it was pretty much a typical ANA business class flight, and the breakfast selection was great. I’m generally a fan of ANA’s business class as a whole, and the seat was comfortable. Compared to the 787-8 business class flight, the 787-9 business class felt more upgraded and updated.

Given its competitive market in Sub-Asia region, I believe ANA has a great product that suits business travelers transversing in and out of Japan.

Seat Layout | ANA Business Class 787-9

Like my SFO to HND ANA business class flight, this particular business class leg from HND to SIN utilized the last generation business class seats as well, thought on a newer 787 aircraft. While not as radical as compared to “the Room,” these seats still offer key offerings that are beneficial to all users. With a 1-2-1 layout, these each all offer direct aisle access and can recline into a fully-flat bed. I was able to grab seat 5A on my way to Singapore, and Seat 2K on the way back.

Business class is split with 30 seats, with a smaller section in the back. As a solo flyer, I would recommend any seats marked A or K, as they are close to the window or private like the throne seats (E-F) in the center. The aisle seats are a bit too close to traffic and would not be my recommendation if you had the other choices available. Since the seats closer to the aisle do not feature any meaningful benefit, I would recommend selecting those away from the aisle. This way, you wouldn’t be disturbed as easily by the foot traffic from people passing by.

As with any staggered seat, the footwell extends under the console of the seat in front. Unlike some similar seat models which have one side of the footwell exposed, the footwell on these seats are fully enclosed. That could make the footwell a bit tight. There’s some storage below the footwell for a carry-on, but not quite big as its 787-8 counterpart. My backpack could barely fit in the storage footwell compared to its older 787-8 sibling.

Seating Layout

Like the 787-8 flight, what’s interesting to note is the lack of storage areas on these seats. Aside from the side table and a space for bags under the ottoman, that’s it. I do find this odd, though my theory is that most people just sleep on the airplane, thus they maximized everything they could into the seating design there.

Entertainment is quite nice - the 18″ (45.7 cm) touchscreen monitor is high quality and way better than its 787-8 counterpart. I find it’s easier to control the system with the remote rather than the screen, which was something that also experienced with the JAL Business Class flight. As is common with staggered business class seats, there is a fixed ottoman right under the personal monitor. This makes up the foundation of the footwell in front of the seat. The space under the ottoman is hollow, which makes it an ideal place to store shoes inflight.

As for the seat controls, they give a basic level of customization over positioning and lumbar support. Rounding off the seat features is a universal power point (happily with unencumbered access for bigger plugs), a reading light, a USB port and a headphone jack. On the side of the seat is a small table surface large enough to place a laptop. Next to that is a fixed literature pocket, alongside a hook for the provided headphones. The seat recline controls are located on the side of this table, slightly on top of the armrest. Thoughtfully, this was high enough to prevent one from accidentally pushing the buttons. Additionally, there is also a Do Not Disturb button, which lights up the Do Not Disturb sign on top of the seat.

As a lie-flat bed, the ANA Boeing 787-9 Business Class bed measures approximately 189 cm long and 49 cm wide. It’s about 10 cm shorter than some other airline Business Class beds on paper, but in reality, I don’t notice any difference as I’m able to maximize the whole setup quite nicely. The foot cubby is quite spacious as well and I had no trouble sleeping way through from Japan to Singapore. ANA provides a mattress pad for the seat on this sector. It’s one of the better mattress pads around, from the famed brand, Nishikawa Sangyo. Adding the mattress topper makes the sleeping surface flatter and softer. Lastly, each seat comes with a plush pillow and blanket, as well as a futon-like mattress pad which I find to be quite comfortable.

Food & Beverage | ANA Business Class

When it comes to food, all the Japan airlines excel tremendously at it. The soft product (service, food & beverage) onboard this flight is phenomenal. Onboard, the crew crack open and serve Duval-Leroy Champagne before departure (albeit in a plastic cup initially). Shortly after take-off, the cabin crew spring into action and hand out the menus for today’s flight.

If you’re not sure, ANA publishes its menus online, so you can easily see what’s available before the flight. You can also pre-order the Japanese or Western option online so you won’t miss out. For me, It’s a no-brainer – I choose the Japanese option on all my flights, haha. Similar to Japan Airlines, ANA delivers what I consider to be one of the best approaches to Business Class dining – fresh, strong flavours and dishes that aren’t too heavy, yet still satisfying. It’s a meal that I will gladly partake in, no matter the time of day.

Amenities | ANA Business Class

When you arrive at your seat, there was a packaged pair of slippers, headphones, a thick blanket, a large pillow, a small bottle of water, a wet towel, the inflight menu, and an amenity pouch. A small touch, but nothing too special. Although visually appealing, the ANA amenity pouch features some very basic amenities suitable for a short overnight flight. Specifically, its contents include a toothbrush, ear plugs, a face mask, a shoe horn, and an eye mask.

Being a flight that takes up the equivalent of a full working day, I spend most of the trip catching up on work. But if you need some downtime, the ANA SKY CHANNEL system beckons. The interface on the Boeing 787-9 is clunky and outdated, but it works without being too slow. Expect a small range of new-release and Hollywood movies, live TV and assorted TV episodes (but not full seasons). There is quite a bit of Japanese programming too, if you’re interested.

ANA’s Boeing 787-9s are equipped with Wi-Fi that works throughout the whole flight. I’ve got plenty to do to keep me occupied without needing the internet, but I purchase a 30-minute plan towards the end just to test it out. The plans are pleasingly time-based rather than data-capped, with the prices below:

30 minutes: US$6.95
3 hours: US$16.95
Full flight: US$21.95

In contrast, most other Wi-Fi services I’ve used allow switching of devices (though you can only use it on one device at a time). There is no free allowance for Business Class passengers, unlike with Singapore Airlines.

Conclusion | ANA Business Class

ANA’s business class on the 787-9 is a great product that’s aged quiet well, even with their revamped “The Room” Business Class. Between excellent food and beverage, and a comfortable seat that’s equally suited for napping and relaxing, i felt incredibly refreshed upon arrival in Singapore.

ANA’s Boeing 787-9 Business Class cabin isn’t exactly groundbreaking, but improved from its old predecessor. While not as great compared to Japan AIrline’s business class’s Apex suites, it still does work for all travelers requiring a few basic things – direct aisle access and fully-flat beds. Add friendly and warm service from the cabin crew and you’ve got a winning combo.