In 2026, All Nippon Airways plans to start overhauling the cabins of its international Boeing 787-9s, which includes introducing new seats in all cabins. While the airline had already revealed its new premium economy and economy, there’s now a major update, as ANA has just unveiled its new business class. It should look sort of familiar.
In this post:
New ANA 787 business class product revealed
ANA is known for its incredible “The Room” business class, available exclusively on select Boeing 777-300ERs. The airline now plans to introduce a new business class on select Boeing 787-9s, which looks similar on the surface, but has some major differences. The new product is called “The Room FX,” with the “FX” standing for “Future Experience.” In other words, it’s an evolved version of “The Room.”
Designed in partnership with Safran and Acumen, the product is described as “the world’s largest seat in its class on a mid-sized aircraft.” ANA’s 787-9s are expected to have 48 business class seats, spread across 12 rows, in a 1-2-1 configuration. Seats will alternative between being forward facing and rear facing, with each seat having a privacy door.
Here’s the first thing that makes this seat interesting — this is a “no-recline” business class, much like you’ll find on Finnair. That’s to say that when you want to get into bed mode, you don’t recline the seat back, but instead, you just slide down.
The airline describes the seat as having a pre-reclining function that transforms the backrest into a sofa-like configuration, allowing passengers to relax in a variety of positions, similar to lounging on a living room sofa. When it comes to seat dimensions, the bed has a maximum length of 76.5″, and a maximum width of 41.5″.
As far as tech goes, each seat has a 24″ HD monitor with bluetooth audio. The charging options are also extensive, with USB-A, USB-C, AC, and wireless charging.
Here’s how Victoria Foy, CEO of Safran Seats, describes this product:
“At Safran Seats, we are proud to deepen our long-standing partnership with ANA through the launch of ‘THE Room FX.’ This new business class seat represents a step-change in comfort, versatility, and innovative design for the Boeing 787-9. By combining our engineering expertise with ANA’s commitment to passenger excellence and Acumen’s creative vision, we are setting new benchmarks in the world of premium air travel.”
Here’s how Ian Dryburgh, CEO of Acume, describes this:
“‘THE Room FX’ project is a result of a profound long-standing partnership between ANA, Acumen and Safran – shaped by years of trust, creativity and innovation. Building on the success and DNA of the ‘The Room’ B777, this next-generation suite elevates the flying experience with a rare balance of comfort, flexibility and elegant engineering. This is a refreshingly original and market leading Business Class product that we believe will exceed passengers’ expectations for many years to come.”
This looks like an excellent new business class
The Boeing 787 fuselage isn’t quite as wide as that of the Boeing 777, and often that leads to a compromise in terms of seat comfort. ANA’s “The Room” business class on the 777 is regarded as one of the best in the world, and I’d say the 787 evolution sounds excellent.
Compared to the 777, the product has the benefit of boasting improved tech, from bluetooth audio, to better charging options. Now, I wouldn’t be surprised if this product ends up being a little less comfortable than the existing 777 business class, but who knows.
Regardless, it sounds like a massive improvement over ANA’s existing 787 business class. Also keep in mind that the Dreamliner makes up a huge part of ANA’s fleet. The airline has 35 international 787-9s, with an additional 27 on order.
The last thing worth mentioning is just how much space ANA is dedicating to these cabins. As we see airlines introduce new business class products, they’re often not willing to compromise on footprint, since they don’t want to reduce cabin density.
In this case, ANA is installing just 24 business class seats between the first and second set of doors on the 787-9. Compare that to the 30 business class seats that many other airlines fit into the same space (or that ANA has on its existing 787-9s)…
Bottom line
ANA has unveiled its new Boeing 787 business class, named “The Room FX.” The product represents an evolution of the existing “The Room” seat that’s found on Boeing 777s, and it looks great. Expect upgraded tech and much more spacious seats, with the only catch being that this is a no-recline concept, much like you’ll find on Finnair.
What do you make of ANA’s new 787 business class?
I see a lot of people who just give out too much flack with this new business class product and I think for me one of the few reasons that these people are giving out so much flack is for the fact that it doesn’t do recline, but that’s the one detail that people look too much in instead of looking on the other details that this new business class product has shown to us
...I see a lot of people who just give out too much flack with this new business class product and I think for me one of the few reasons that these people are giving out so much flack is for the fact that it doesn’t do recline, but that’s the one detail that people look too much in instead of looking on the other details that this new business class product has shown to us
The first part is that ANA is the new room FX has one of them much more unique implication of a foot ottoman or a buddy dining, which allows the concept of people basically dining with each other and the way how the tree tables work it actually works well for buddy dining if you want to die with someone else
and with this new business class products it also looks like you are also given extensively much more room than most other business class product and the thing is that the leg length is probably gonna still be as same as the previous room product
I mean for this new product ANA did state that it’s gonna be similar to what the current aircraft has. They didn’t say they’re gonna make the exact replica. out of it
For those who fly ANA regularly, I have come to expect a Business and First Class hard and soft product unmatched and, unlike QATAR, consistent, and professional. ANA did not get to where it is through hasty decision making and implementation. As like all things in Japan, thought and care are put in place to ensure the exceedance of passenger expectations.
Stop, take a moment, and look at the images depicting the passenger as she...
For those who fly ANA regularly, I have come to expect a Business and First Class hard and soft product unmatched and, unlike QATAR, consistent, and professional. ANA did not get to where it is through hasty decision making and implementation. As like all things in Japan, thought and care are put in place to ensure the exceedance of passenger expectations.
Stop, take a moment, and look at the images depicting the passenger as she uses the length of the seat, rather than the a reclining action to gain significant room to sleep.
As an A/C Mechanic as well, this proactively simplifies and prevents overly-complex and reliable seats, which now run the range of $30000-$50000 USD.
Thank you the author, whose reviews are excellent and thoughtful assessments.
ANA has earned its reputation for service, comfort, and, I can attest, a seriousness of purpose with regards to safety.
Before making emotionally-charged, subjective and unfounded comments, stop, take a moment, and ask yourself if you know you have all the facts before you.
Thanks, Ben. Sounds like a seat I will definitely avoid! Like sleeping on a piece of plywood but paying thousands of dollars for the privilege.
Awful! Don't want to sit without the recline.
Can't stand it on Finnair. Sure will not like this one either.
I tried this concept on a long leg from Finland to Thailand... Hands down the best business class product. Don't understand why people are knocking it down. The reclining seat can't even come close in comfort to sofa.
It’s a shame they don’t run these planes from SYD or MELB over to YVR or any route out of Australia. I would be very keen to try it but they only offer this from American legs.
I tried this concept on a long leg from Finland to Thailand... Hands down the best business class product. Don't understand why people are knocking it down. The reclining seat can't even come close in comfort to sofa.
Worst idea of the century.
The Finnair’s no recline seats have been highly praised for their comfort and flexibility in the passengers seating positions and large space. Personally, I am surprised it has taken this long for another carrier to join Finnair in offering this type of Business Class seat.
The airline lowers it’s fuel consumption improving their carbon footprint plus the reduced maintenance that is required are all pluses. For the customer they gain a large restful environment...
The Finnair’s no recline seats have been highly praised for their comfort and flexibility in the passengers seating positions and large space. Personally, I am surprised it has taken this long for another carrier to join Finnair in offering this type of Business Class seat.
The airline lowers it’s fuel consumption improving their carbon footprint plus the reduced maintenance that is required are all pluses. For the customer they gain a large restful environment for their trip. In my book that is a Win/Win situation!
Hopefully, business travelers will start demanding for this type of seating solution as it will help improve their experience.
If lowering your “carbon footprint” is your goal then just quit flying.
I flew Finnair’s latest business class for the first time earlier this year. Overall it’s a good seat and functions reasonably well, however, airlines adopting this approach really need to offer bigger cushions. Felt that I needed more back support when wanting to sit back and relax. Hopefully ANA offers this.
Have non of you tried AY's AirLounge seat? It's non-recline and great for sitting and fantastic for sleeping. A real innovation.
The current 787–9 are already premium heavy so I highly doubt there would cover it in one cabin I mean this new product alone is already huge and you kinda need to make a profit out of these so they would most likely have to cover two cabins which would make sense since Delta just have to fit 24 between doors number one and two and another 24 weather how much space covers is probably...
The current 787–9 are already premium heavy so I highly doubt there would cover it in one cabin I mean this new product alone is already huge and you kinda need to make a profit out of these so they would most likely have to cover two cabins which would make sense since Delta just have to fit 24 between doors number one and two and another 24 weather how much space covers is probably gonna be behind doors number two and cover the majority of it at least big enough where the remaining of the cabins are between stores number two and three would be covered up by premium economy
I recently flew The Room LHR-HND and back, and have to say it was the most uncomfortable business class seat I have experienced. I’d read the reports that it was “firm” but was shocked at just how hard the cushions were, basically like a futon on the floor. And in seat mode it was akin to sitting bolt upright on a park bench! I ended up creating a nest for myself using several sets of...
I recently flew The Room LHR-HND and back, and have to say it was the most uncomfortable business class seat I have experienced. I’d read the reports that it was “firm” but was shocked at just how hard the cushions were, basically like a futon on the floor. And in seat mode it was akin to sitting bolt upright on a park bench! I ended up creating a nest for myself using several sets of bedding (also unpleasantly thin) yet even so slept poorly. The Room FX looks like an even worse version to me, but then I wouldn’t ever fly ANA long haul again after this recent experience.
That tracks with the cultural expectations of the Japanese, who don't exult in cushy mattresses or bedding. I personally like firm but I love big pillows (this feels awkward admitting to strangers) so it really depends on what the provided accoutrements are like.
I can't for the life of me look at the photos of this and Finnair's product and imagine it would be incredibly comfy for a long-haul. So far it seems like...
That tracks with the cultural expectations of the Japanese, who don't exult in cushy mattresses or bedding. I personally like firm but I love big pillows (this feels awkward admitting to strangers) so it really depends on what the provided accoutrements are like.
I can't for the life of me look at the photos of this and Finnair's product and imagine it would be incredibly comfy for a long-haul. So far it seems like it's 50/50 love/hate in the online reviews. Ironically the most comfortable flight I had in the last year was SQ J FRA-JFK, on that notoriously sleep-unfriendly seat. I just reclined deep, sipped Chivas and binge-watched bad TV shows. It was a daytime flight anyways.
I'll still take NH in J to Japan over JL. The JL Apex Suite is nice and it was my first international biz class experience but it's cramped and JL cabin has been nowhere near NH, IME.
On those long 10 hour legs you need that capability to adjust your back and recline even if just a few inches as you get in economy. The idea is good but practicality of it in the real world is that humans are not made of cardboard
I cannot even imagine how this could be comfortable especially for the many of us with bad backs who really need lumbar support. The other issue for me is that I hate flying facing aft. Nope !
Sounds hard to sit and harrier to sleep as it’s only 76 in long vs 79 or 81 in lie flat seats.
Not for me, thanks
Repost, as a new post.
Probably the worst thing to happen since someone was heard saying, 'Yes of course I'll sign for delivery of that lovely wooden horse, please set it down on the central square inside the fortified wall.'
The seat has a number of challenges.
The seat cushion is too deep, unless you are quite tall you will have zero back support when sitting for dining.
Speaking of tall, find the videos...
Repost, as a new post.
Probably the worst thing to happen since someone was heard saying, 'Yes of course I'll sign for delivery of that lovely wooden horse, please set it down on the central square inside the fortified wall.'
The seat has a number of challenges.
The seat cushion is too deep, unless you are quite tall you will have zero back support when sitting for dining.
Speaking of tall, find the videos of Sam Chui in the seat and check where his line of sight was compared to the center divider.
The seat cushion is not wide, it is pretend wide, as most of the extra width is so narrow that you can't use it for anything.
These are just the most glaring. I am sure JAL management are doing victory laps in Shinagawa.
On a more basic level, you're putting your head where thousands would have farted.
Ever heard of a pillow?
Ever seen how often airlines run out of those?
It’s kind of hilarious that airlines like ANA and Finnair are now installing business class seats with no recline, but have economy seats with no legroom to start with on the same aircraft that have someone reclining into your already limited space…
ANA has the most generous legroom in economy out of all other carriers, at 34 inches. That’s equivalent to economy plus that many others charge extra fee for.
I hate it. One of the best parts about the adjustable seat is finding something that works for you. I tend to sleep not fully flat but this won’t give that option. Also sometimes I recline to watch something and “wind down” before trying to sleep.
Seats without recline capabilities are a non-starter for me (and likely most others). If this were an innovation to premium economy to add lie-flat like capabilities, like some of the concepts out there, then great, but this is a clear downgrade in the seat functionality in return for a private stiff bed (because I'm guessing softness is also not adjustable).
My guess is that they feel more customers spend more time sleeping in business class...
Seats without recline capabilities are a non-starter for me (and likely most others). If this were an innovation to premium economy to add lie-flat like capabilities, like some of the concepts out there, then great, but this is a clear downgrade in the seat functionality in return for a private stiff bed (because I'm guessing softness is also not adjustable).
My guess is that they feel more customers spend more time sleeping in business class then sitting but for those of us who don't, or like the ergonomics of adjustability, the park bench approach just doesn't align.
I forsee people purposely avoiding this, just as they do with Finnair.
Interestingly, ANA slipped down one place in the 2025 World Rankings.
No recline, no thanks
Agreed
According to Japanese media report, this new seat will be installed on 16 existing 789s with 215 seats and 3 new 789s to be delivered. New config will have 206 seats = 48C 21PY and 137Y so just removing 1 row of Y seats.
Konichiwa.
What happens to the remaining 8 789s?
If they really wanted to, they can simply transfer the staggered business class seats over to the 788s with cradle seats.
Maybe these will just be relegated to BKK/KUL/CGK/HAN/SGN/MNL routes?
Hi. Yeah, 789s with 246 seats would be dedicated to SE Asia routes. 788s have no news so far - theoretically those with 184 seats could be reconfigured and used on long and thin routes.
According to Japanese media report, this new seat will be installed on 16 existing 789s with 215 seats and 3 new 789s to be delivered. New config will have 206 seats = 48C 21PY and 137Y so just removing 1 row of Y seats.
I have flown The Room on their 777 before and while it was roomy I could not find a comfortable sitting position and there's no arm rest on one side which makes lounging even less uncomfortable. It's good that they are upgrading the 787-9s but what's desperate for an upgrade is their 787-8s. I flew HND-SEA and it was dreadful. The seat was falling apart, the monitor was so glary I couldn't see what I...
I have flown The Room on their 777 before and while it was roomy I could not find a comfortable sitting position and there's no arm rest on one side which makes lounging even less uncomfortable. It's good that they are upgrading the 787-9s but what's desperate for an upgrade is their 787-8s. I flew HND-SEA and it was dreadful. The seat was falling apart, the monitor was so glary I couldn't see what I was watching even with the shade darkened. There was a time when ANA award seats were plentiful when booked months ahead but no more, even when I search a year ahead, everything is on waitlist. I have given up on them already.
Extremely uncomfortable to do any work on the Finnair seat. I have told the travel agent to never book me on Finnair because of it, but once in a while he comes back and says I should do Finnair because it's cheaper.
Well, duh! But my answer is always no (I think he finally learned).
VERY surprised that ANA would choose this subpar product. The person reading looks like is in an absolutely uncomfortable position.
The ‘big three’ U.S. airlines slip down the SkyTrax World Rankings:
https://www.worldairlineawards.com/worlds-top-100-airlines-2025/
I loooove the finnair no recline seat, best seat in the sky! Tho this looks slightly less comfy for just lounging. Will have to try.
What do you love about it?
This no-cline trend is terrible....when sleeping you're putting your face on where everyone's ass has been...totally shocked the japanese would choose this solution
I assume you would use a pillow wouldn't you? So technically not really in contact with the ass place....
Japanese people (among people from other traditional east Asian cultures) have been known to both sleep and sit on the ground
The seats facing backward look like they have more room with more surface area covered in bed mode.
Personally I like the concept but can't imagine my grandparents finding it easy to "scooch" into and out of bed mode.
I have heard that finnair have had problems with "less mobile" people sliding down into the seat but being unable to wriggle back up again. I expect the cabin crew have been given some advice on how to help such people.
The reduction in cabin size could be interesting interesting. If I'm not mistaken, most ANA has between 40 to 48 J seats on its 787s.
So either the J cabin is shrinking or they're getting rid of more PE or Y seats.
Less moving parts, less maintenance and likelihood of malfunction plus weight of each seat is significantly reduced. And just as importantly, much smaller chance of phones and tablets getting crunched up and causing fire on board.
And less customers too!
Flown on the Finnair (for Qantas) and I don't like the no recline. If you are tall it is too hard scooting down since your feet have to fit in a cubie hole. Getting up - you can't bend your knees to easy get out. A big X for me.
I don't want to prerecline. I want to be at exactly 64 degrees
Agreed. During a flight, I wouldn't want to remain in the takeoff position. I'd want a little bit of recline. A type of seat that I'll try to avoid.
It makes big difference in passenger comfort. I’m in a flight NH835, a 787-9, from NRT to CGK while I’m reading this article. I connected in NH007 from SFO to NRT just before boarding the Jakarta flight. I was in F on NH007, which has 8 seats, each with a large 40+ inch screen TV. I slept a few hours in such wide Suite seat. I was able to roll my body from side to...
It makes big difference in passenger comfort. I’m in a flight NH835, a 787-9, from NRT to CGK while I’m reading this article. I connected in NH007 from SFO to NRT just before boarding the Jakarta flight. I was in F on NH007, which has 8 seats, each with a large 40+ inch screen TV. I slept a few hours in such wide Suite seat. I was able to roll my body from side to side. I was expecting ANA’s new Room and Suite on 777x when it is delivered. On 777-300er, the combined square footage of C and F seats took more than 50% of the entire floor of a 777. ANA is profitable without squeezing every passengers in tight space.
No other airlines come close to ANA, not even the expensive Singapore Airlines.
Apples and oranges. Singapore has never been known for having a leading hard product (seat); their reputation is built on their soft product (service).
SQ's primary business seat is from 2013, and 2 generations obsolete.
Looks good and I’m sure from a maintenance perspective these are much cheaper to manage. I wouldn’t be surprised if this becomes the norm for business in the future.
I hope ANA provides a better mattress pad like JAL does with airweave. The ANA Room seats are too firm for sleeping, and I like firm!
I wouldn't ride on a plane with backward facing seats.
It’s really no big deal. Once you’ve taken off it doesn’t even feel any different
Plus, the views can be amazing.
Guess you'll be avoiding quite a few airlines then given how common place this has been for several years
Much prefer facing backwards. I also think survival chances are better in unfortunate circumstances ...
And you would be 100% correct.
Backwards seating is safer in essentially all circumstances, especially for children and mobility-limited adults. It's not even close.
https://www.danielstark.com/blog/why-are-rear-facing-seats-safer-for-passengers/
I specifically elect to face backwards on high speed trains. I originally started to do so due to a back issue. I was involved in a crazy short stop when an ICE train hit a person (results not good). Those not facing backwards went flying while I felt almost nothing but curiosity.
There was even a train crash last year in Wales when there was tens of seconds notice notice (the driver came running through the carriage).
People who had thought this through in advance like you and I would have had time to move to backward facing even if they were not there originally.
Qatar could've gone with something similar on their 787s if they wanted to keep the same layout as the Qsuite.
It looks promising and an improvement over the existing business class 787- having flown it several times it’s definitely a seat for smaller people with a cramped feel and not comfortable at all - let’s hope this does the bill
Probably the worst thing to happen since someone was heard saying, 'Yes of course I'll sign for delivery of that lovely wooden horse, please set it down on the central square inside the fortified wall.'
The seat has a number of challenges.
The seat cushion is too deep, unless you are quite tall you will have zero back support when sitting for dining.
Speaking of tall, find the videos of Sam Chui in...
Probably the worst thing to happen since someone was heard saying, 'Yes of course I'll sign for delivery of that lovely wooden horse, please set it down on the central square inside the fortified wall.'
The seat has a number of challenges.
The seat cushion is too deep, unless you are quite tall you will have zero back support when sitting for dining.
Speaking of tall, find the videos of Sam Chui in the seat and check where his line of sight was compared to the center divider.
The seat cushion is not wide, it is pretend wide, as most of the extra width is so narrow that you can't use it for anything.
These are just the most glaring. I am sure JAL management are doing victory laps in Shinagawa.
Sorry, meant as a new post, not a reply to your post.
The seats next to the aisle are wider than the seats next to the window, when reclined? It seems so from the images.
@ Adi -- They're a little wider in areas due to not needing to have access to the aisle in the same way. However, I'd consider that extra space to largely not be usable, at least in a practical way.
That makes sense. Thanks!
It gives you the option to sleep diagonally. Probably useful for taller folks and great for families that enjoy lounging. For the typical business traveler, the privacy of the narrower seat might be preferable.
It actually seems that the seats next to the aisle are the best for sleeping based on the pictures. You actually get more usable real estate for the bed
The only surprise for me would be the monitor being in HD rather than 4K. Everything else was expected from the layout down to the finishes and trim.
Now my question is, would this be for upcoming 789 deliveries only or existing international 787s as well? And what are their plans for the 788s?
They're retrofitting 16 of their 24 LH B787-9
No mention of B787-8
788 gonna retired, old ady, Ana is 788 very first user
Or converted to all-Y Air Japan.
Those B787-8 aren't going anywhere.
ANA still operate B777-200 and B767 that are much older.