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Review: All Nippon Airways (ANA) Business Class Boeing 787 from Tokyo to Brussels
I recently flew from Tokyo to Brussels in Business Class with All Nippon Airways (ANA) on board the Boeing 787-9. ANA, Japan’s largest airline, delivered a consistently high-quality Business Class experience across every element of the flight. From the comfortable seat and attentive service to the well-designed cabin and extensive inflight entertainment, the product reflects the airline’s signature precision and understated Japanese hospitality. The absolute highlight of the journey was the inflight dining. ANA’s Japanese menus were exceptional, with beautifully presented multi-course meals inspired by kaiseki cuisine, making the culinary experience one of the most memorable parts of the flight.
From the ground experience at Tokyo Narita Airport to the onboard service, dining, and amenities, this review explores what passengers can expect from All Nippon Airways’ Business Class on the Boeing 787-9 operating long-haul flights between Japan and Europe. The focus of this journey is not only the onboard product itself, but also the overall travel experience, including the polar routing across the Arctic, which has become standard for flights between Japan and Europe in recent years. This routing change is a direct result of the closure of Russian airspace, which has reshaped long-haul operations and significantly altered flight paths between Asia and Europe.
Looking ahead, All Nippon Airways (ANA) is preparing to introduce its next-generation Business Class product on the Boeing 787-9, inspired by the highly acclaimed “The Room” suite. This upcoming cabin marks a significant step forward in ANA’s long-haul offering, bringing a more modern and spacious design to its Dreamliner fleet — and you can already see a preview of this new product in my accompanying YouTube video.
Have you ever flown with All Nippon Airways (ANA)? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.
Flight details:
- Trip: Tokyo Narita (NRT) to Brussels (BRU)
- Airline: All Nippon Airways (ANA)
- Aircraft type: Boeing 787-9
- Aircraft registration number: JA932A (built in 2020)
- On time departure: Yes (10 am)
- On time arrival: Yes (4:30 pm)
- Distance: 5890 miles (9480 km)
- Flight time:
- Seat: 7A
- Class: Business Class
In this review (more information & photos below my YouTube video):
- About ANA (history, facts, fleet)
- ANA Business Lounge at Tokyo Narita
- Business Class cabin
- Business Class seat (+ best & worst seats)
- Amenities & bedding
- Meals
- Entertainment
- Onboard internet
- Polar route
- Final thoughts & my verdict (score)
1. About All Nippon Airways (ANA)
All Nippon Airways (ANA) is Japan’s largest airline and a founding member of the Star Alliance. The carrier was originally established in 1952 as Japan Helicopter and Aeroplane Transport Company. In 1957, following a merger with Far East Airlines, it adopted the name All Nippon Airways (ANA) — a name it has retained ever since. From its early beginnings as a domestic operator, ANA has grown into a global full-service airline known for its high standards of safety, punctuality, and customer service. Today, ANA operates a fleet of around 243 aircraft (with 33 on order), making it one of the largest airlines in Asia by overall operations.
A major cornerstone of ANA’s modern fleet is the Boeing 787 Dreamliner family. ANA was the launch customer of the 787 and remains the world’s largest operator of the type, with 83 Boeing 787 aircraft across the 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 variants in active service. The airline has deployed the Dreamliner extensively across its long-haul network, including routes to Europe, North America, and Asia, where its fuel efficiency, range, and passenger comfort make it a key strategic aircraft. The 787 fleet continues to define ANA’s international identity and plays a central role in its long-haul operations.
2. ANA Business Lounge at Tokyo Narita Airport
Located in Terminal 1 near gates 51–54, the ANA Lounge at Tokyo Narita Airport is easy to find once you clear security, thanks to clear signage and a prominent escalator leading up to the entrance. To the left of the reception desk is the Business Lounge, accessible to Business Class passengers flying with ANA or other Star Alliance carriers, as well as Star Alliance Gold members. To the right is the ANA Suite Lounge, reserved for First Class passengers flying with ANA or other Star Alliance airlines.
The lounge is split into two large sections, connected by a corridor. The main section is where most travelers begin their visit and where the primary buffet is located. This is also the busiest area, offering a range of seating options, from armchairs and sofas to bar-style counters for solo travelers. Large windows line the space, providing views of the tarmac — a nice touch for anyone who enjoys watching aircraft movements. The buffet features a mix of Japanese and Western dishes, with the noodle bar, tucked away in a corner, standing out as a highlight. Noodles can be ordered directly at the counter or via a QR code on your phone. Drinks are well stocked, including coffee, soft drinks, sake, spirits, and self-pour beer machines.
The second section is quieter earlier in the day and tends to fill up later as more flights depart. It has its own buffet and similar seating options, helping to spread out passengers and prevent overcrowding. Like the main area, it also features large windows, though these overlook the terminal interior rather than the apron.
Overall, the ANA Business Class Lounge at Narita is a solid option for Business Class travelers. It’s not particularly flashy, but it delivers where it matters. Seating is comfortable, Wi-Fi and charging points are reliable, and clean shower facilities are available. While the food selection is good, the noodle bar and drink options stand out most. The dual-section layout, tarmac views, and practical amenities make it an easy place to relax or get some work done before a flight.
3. Business Class Cabin
ANA’s Business Class product on the Boeing 787 varies across the fleet, with different cabin layouts and seat configurations installed on the 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10. On this flight to Brussels, the aircraft was a Boeing 787-9 featuring 48 Business Class seats, split across two cabins: 26 seats in the forward cabin and 22 seats in the rear. While some passengers may prefer the slightly quieter atmosphere of the smaller rear cabin, the difference is minimal. I would even recommend to opt for the forward cabin, since the window seats here offer unobstructed views, as the rear cabin is positioned partly above the wings.
The 48 seats in the Business Class cabin are arranged in a staggered 1-2-1 configuration, with the footwell of each seat positioned between and beneath the seats in front, allowing direct aisle access for every passenger. Window seats alternate between true window seats — set closer to the fuselage with the side console on the aisle side, creating a more private, cocooned feel — and seats positioned closer to the aisle, where the console is placed by the window, making them more exposed. The center seats follow a similar staggered pattern: in each row, one seat has its console next to the aisle (offering greater privacy), while the other sits directly adjacent to the aisle and feels more open. The center pair is always separated by a console rather than a divider, which enhances privacy for solo travelers but is less ideal for couples, as interacting requires leaning forward a bit.
In terms of design, the cabin reflects ANA’s understated aesthetic, with blue seat upholstery, light brown side tables, and grey shell panels. The overall palette is neutral and cohesive; while it may feel slightly dated compared to newer Business Class products, it remains modern, impeccably maintained, and spotlessly clean — exactly what you would expect from a Japanese airline.
4. Business Class Seat (+ Best & Worst Seats)
ANA’s Business Class seats on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner are designed with a clear focus on comfort during long-haul flights. On the 787-8, the seats offer a pitch of 59 inches (150 cm) and a width of 21.5 inches (55 cm), while the slightly larger 787-9 features a more generous pitch of 62 inches (158 cm) and a width of 21 inches (53 cm).
Each seat is equipped with an 18-inch touchscreen monitor, with a small hook next to it for hanging a coat, and an ottoman below that doubles as a footrest and includes space to store shoes underneath. Next to the seat is a large side table and console, which also includes a hook for the noise-cancelling headphones. By the headrest, you’ll find a handheld remote for the screen, along with a USB port and a universal power outlet. Below the side table is a panel for the seat controls, and the tray table is neatly stored beneath it, deploying at the push of a button.
At the touch of a button, the seat smoothly reclines into a fully flat bed measuring 78 inches (198 cm) in length, providing a comfortable sleeping surface for most passengers. ANA also provides a mattress topper, which adds an extra layer of cushioning and significantly improves comfort during long-haul flights.
While the seat itself is very comfortable and well-suited for long flights, storage space is somewhat limited. Aside from the overhead bins and the area under the ottoman, there are few dedicated compartments, and the console lacks smaller storage areas for personal items such as glasses, wallets, or mobile phones.
What are the best Business Class seats on the ANA Boeing 787-9?
- The best seats for solo travelers are the true window seats positioned closer to the fuselage. Located in rows 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10 and 12, these seats have the side console on the aisle side, creating a more private, cocoon-like space and offering unobstructed window views. They feel noticeably more secluded than the alternate window seats that sit closer to the aisle.
- For couples, the center seats are the most practical option. t hey are separated by a console, which provides good privacy from other passengers, but this also means interaction is slightly limited — you’ll need to lean forward to talk. Still, they are the best choice if you want to sit together.
What are the worst Business Class seats on the ANA Boeing 787-9?
- The less desirable seats are the window seats positioned closer to the aisle, as they feel more exposed and offer less privacy. These window seats are found in rows 2, 4, 6, 9, 11 and 13
- In addition, the seats in row 5 have a misaligned view, which can be disappointing if you were hoping to enjoy the scenery.
Click here for a seat of the ANA All Nippon Airways Boeing 787-9.
5. Amenities & Bedding
On long-haul flights, ANA provides a comprehensive set of Business Class amenities:
- Amenity kit: ANA’s Business Class amenity kit comes in a sleek ETTINGER pouch and includes AVEDA toiletries, along with essential travel items. The pouch is made from natural cotton and recycled materials, reflecting ANA’s focus on eco-friendly design, and also includes a reusable inner bag for organizing personal items during or after the flight.
- Sleeping amenities: All Business Class passengers get a pillow, a duvet, a mattress topper, and slippers. Made from 100% Egyptian cotton , the pillow features a dual-layer design, with one side filled with feather down for an airy, fluffy feel, and the other made from soft, springy polyurethane foam. ANA also provides a down comforter with excellent moisture absorption and breathability. In addition, a mattress topper (based on Nishikawa’s Air Cyclone technology) is offered, featuring multiple layers and good resilience to support movement during sleep. It is well-ventilated and can also be used as a seat cushion thanks to its non-slip reverse side.
- Noise-cancelling headphones: Each seat is equipped with noise-cancelling headphones, helping to reduce cabin noise and improve the inflight entertainment experience. They can be hung on a dedicated hook when not in use.
- Wi-Fi voucher: a voucher for complimentary Wi-Fi is provided to Business Class passengers.
6. Meals
All Nippon Airways is known for its excellent onboard cuisine. The airline works together with a group of acclaimed chefs (including Toru Okuda) and liquor professionals from Japan and abroad—referred to by ANA as “connoisseurs.” The result is a sophisticated onboard culinary experience that emphasizes balance, presentation, and authenticity, often drawing inspiration from traditional kaiseki dining. The multi-course meals are made up of carefully prepared small dishes, with close attention given to texture, flavour harmony, and visual presentation.
On this Tokyo to Brussels flight, ANA served two main meals during the journey, beginning with lunch after takeoff and followed by dinner approximately two hours before landing, alongside a wide variety of lighter dishes available throughout the flight. For each meal, passengers could choose between Japanese and Western-style menus, and I opted for the Japanese selection both times. Honestly, the dishes I was served — and their presentation — ranked among the best I have ever experienced on a flight.
I choose the following Japanese selection from the lunch menu:
- Amuse bouche: ANA original matcha almond pie stick + marinated mussel with cheese & olive Japanese Cuisine
- Zensai (A selection of morsels)
- Dressed smoked pickled daikon radish with cream cheese
- Sea bream sushi with cherry leaf
- Japanese omelet with fish paste & sansho pepper
- Simmered duck breast in soy-based sauce
- Kobachi (tasty tidbits)
- Kelp-cured masu salmon with egg yolk vinegar
- Steamed chicken with aromatic sauce Shusai
- Shusai (main dish):
- Simmered beef in arima sansho pepper sauce
- Grilled alfonsino with miso sauce
- Steamed rice, miso Soup & Japanese pickles
- Koshihikari Dessert
- Matcha mousse
- Cheese (fresh, semi-hard, blue)
- Fruits
Between meals, ANA offered a generous range of mid-flight snacks, including rice bowls, Japanese rice ball sets, soups such as corn soup and Kayanoya vegetable soup, as well as ANA’s signature negi miso ramen. Refreshments included salads, cheeses, Häagen-Dazs ice cream, and light bites, ensuring passengers could eat at any time throughout the flight.
Dinner, served roughly two hours before arrival, continued the same dual-cuisine concept, again offering a choice between Japanese and Western dishes, providing a lighter but still carefully curated end to the journey. I choose the following dishes from the Japanese dinner menu:
- Kobachi (tasty tidbits): Simmered cabbage & Sakura shrimp in dashi sauce
- Shusai (main dish):
- Tilefish, wild vegetables, and yuba with dashi sauce
- Steamed rice, miso Soup & Japanese pickles
- Dessert: fruits
Overall, ANA’s inflight dining stood out for its cultural depth, attention to detail, and quality, making it one of the highlights of the long-haul Business Class experience.
7. Entertainment
ANA’s Business Class inflight entertainment system offers a modern and intuitive experience. Each seat is equipped with an 18-inch widescreen monitor, providing sharp visuals and a generous display for movies, TV shows, music, and the moving map. The system is highly responsive and can be controlled either via the touchscreen interface or a handheld remote control, giving passengers flexibility depending on their seating position. Content selection is extensive, with a wide range of international films, Japanese cinema, TV series, documentaries, music albums, and audio programs. In addition to entertainment, the system also provides flight information such as route progress, altitude, and estimated arrival time through the moving map function.
8. Onboard Internet
ANA Business Class passengers on long-haul flights enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, which can be activated using a voucher system. Business Class travelers typically receive a personal access code by email a few hours prior to departure and/or get a voucher with a code upon boarding. After connecting to the aircraft network, the code is entered to start the session, making it straightforward to get online for messaging, browsing, or light work during the flight.
However, connectivity is not uninterrupted for the entire journey. On this Tokyo to Brussels flight, the Wi-Fi system worked well during the early and mid stages of the flight, but disconnected in the final hours as we flew over remote Arctic regions, including Greenland, where satellite coverage becomes limited. Unfortunately, it did not reconnect even as we approached the European mainland, suggesting a temporary system issue during this sector.
9. Polar Route
Normally, flights from Japan to Europe take a direct route over Siberia and northern Russia before continuing via Scandinavia into mainland Europe. However, following the war in Ukraine, Russian airspace has been closed to Western and most international airlines, forcing a significantly longer rerouting. Today, these flights typically head first over the North Pacific along the Russian Far East, then across Alaska, northern Canada, and Greenland, before continuing via the Faroe Islands or nearby North Atlantic routes into Europe. This detour can add approximately 1.5 to 3 hours of additional flight time, depending on winds and routing, and is now standard for all Western carriers operating between Japan and Europe.
The downside is the longer journey time, but the upside is the opportunity to witness some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth. During our flight from Tokyo to Brussels, we enjoyed clear weather across the Arctic regions, offering breathtaking views over northern Canada and Greenland, a vast autonomous territory of Denmark. I kept my camera rolling during the entire polar crossing and captured more than 15 minutes of incredible scenery, which you can watch in my full YouTube video (starting at the 46:50 time stamp).
10. Final Thoughts & My Verdict
Overall, the ANA Business Class experience on the Boeing 787-9 is an excellent and well-rounded long-haul product that reflects the airline’s reputation for consistency, refinement, and attention to detail. While the seat may not be the most cutting-edge in today’s market, it remains highly comfortable, practical, and perfectly suited for overnight flights, especially when combined with ANA’s excellent bedding and service. The inflight dining was a clear standout and, in many ways, the highlight of the journey, showcasing the best of Japanese culinary tradition at 38,000 feet. Combined with a smooth service flow, a well-executed cabin product, and the unforgettable scenery from the polar route over the Arctic, this flight delivered a memorable experience from start to finish.
Here’s my final verdict and review of ANA’s Business Class on the Boeing 787-9:
- Seat comfort (upright): 8/10
- Seat comfort (bed position): 8/10
- Food (quality): 10/10
- Food (quantity): 10/10
- Inflight entertainment : 8/10
- WiFi: 7/10
- Service: 10/10
- Cabin design: 8/10
- Overall experience: very good: 8.6/10
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