ANA Unveils Roomier Economy and Premium Economy Seats That Will Debut Next Year

Updated: April 9, 2025, 3:19pm CDT

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ANA’s New Long Haul Economy and Premium Economy Seats Will Fly to U.S.
Final Thoughts

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All Nippon Airways (ANA) has shared the details of the new seats it plans to install in its economy and premium economy cabins.

The new, RECARO-designed seats were shown off at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany, and will be introduced gradually starting in 2026.

“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 Ishi, executive vice president of customer experience management and planning at ANA.

Let’s take a look at ANA’s latest economy and premium economy cabin updates.

ANA’s New Long Haul Economy and Premium Economy Seats Will Fly to U.S.

The seats will debut on ANA‘s fleet of Boeing 787-9 aircraft which operate international routes.

Of the 12 nonstop flights that ANA operates between Tokyo’s Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT) airports and the U.S., the following routes see the 787-9:

Honolulu (HNL) to Tokyo Haneda (HND)
Houston (IAH) to Tokyo Haneda (HND)
Los Angeles (LAX) to Tokyo Haneda (HND) — only NH125 and NH126
Los Angeles (LAX) to Tokyo Narita (NRT)
San Francisco (SFO) to Tokyo Haneda (HND)

In addition to comfort enhancements in each cabin, all economy and premium economy seats will feature USB-C and USB-A power outlets and Bluetooth audio connectivity.

Hot Tip:

ANA also boasts an excellent business and first class experience, both of which you can book using points.

ANA’s New Premium Economy Seats

More pitch and more recline were at the top of ANA’s list when planning its new seats.

The new premium economy seats on the 787-9 Dreamliner will boast an extra 2 inches of pitch and recline when compared to the current product.

ANA new premium eocnomy seat — ANA is increasing the recline of its premium economy seats from 7 to 9 inches. Image Credit: RECARO

The industry average for seat pitch in premium economy falls around 38 inches, so ANA’s increase to 40 inches will make its seats some of the roomiest in the sky.

ANA’s New Economy Seats

Economy seats are also getting a boost in pitch. The upcoming 787-9 cabins will have economy seats with 33 to 34 inches of pitch, also above the industry standard in economy.

Recline will also increase by 2 inches, giving each economy seat 6 total inches of recline and vaulting ANA’s economy class to the top of the heap. For example,

The seats’ recline has also been increased by 2 inches. The new 6-inch recline once again will mean ANA comes top of the class. For example, other airlines, such as British Airways and United, typically offer between 2 and 4 inches of recline in economy.

ANA New economy seat — The shape of the new curved seatback should help increase passenger comfort in economy. Image Credit: RECARO

Final Thoughts

When it comes to long-haul flying, comfort is key, no matter what cabin you’re flying in. While many airlines focus on updates to their business and first class cabins, ANA hasn’t forgotten about the vast majority of the traveling public who fly most often in economy and premium economy cabins.

We’re looking forward to a speedy rollout of these new cabins on board the airline’s 787-9 Dreamliners and hope to see the new seats on the rest of its fleet very soon.