All Nippon Airways (ANA) has chosen Recaro’s R4 premium economy seat and R3 economy seat for its Boeing 787-9 aircraft fleet serving international routes, starting in fiscal year 2026.
The R4 seat reclines 2 inches (5.1cm) more than ANA’s current B787-9 seat, taking the total recline to 9 inches (22.9cm). Adding to the comfort level, ANA will increase the seat pitch in premium economy by 2 inches, taking it to 40 inches (102 cm). Premium economy will be in a 2-3-2 configuration.
The R4 seats will also be equipped with 15.6in seatback IFE displays, storage space, AC power, and USB Type-C and Type-A charging facilities, and Bluetooth audio connectivity.
An improved economy class
Similar to premium economy class, the seat recline in economy will be increased by 2 inches (5.1cm), which is 1.5 times the recline of the outgoing seats. The seat pitch will be 33-34 inches (84-86cm) and the space around the knees has been redesigned to provide an additional 1 inch (2.5cm) of space. ANA says this is one of the most generous pitch and recline specifications to be found in any economy-class cabin flying today.
The R3 seats, configured 3-3-3, will also be equipped with 13.3in seatback IFE displays, AC power, and USB Type-C and Type-A charging facilities, and Bluetooth audio connectivity.
“ANA is committed to continually elevating the passenger experience, and the new seats represent our ongoing investment in providing customers with greater comfort and convenience on our international flights,” said Tomoji Ishii, ANA’s executive vice president for customer experience management and planning. “We will continue to seek out and implement innovative solutions to enhance every aspect of the passenger journey with ANA.”
If you are interested in the thinking behind ANA’s passenger experiences, including its first-class cabins, see our exclusive interview with Katsunori Maki, ANA’s director of cabin products & services planning, in the March issue of Aircraft Interiors International.
