An exhaustive review of the ANA First Class 'The Suite' experience on the Boeing 777-300ER, evaluating the design, dining, and service standards.
When we discuss the current landscape of commercial aviation, the conversation inevitably gravitates toward the pinnacle of long-haul travel. While many carriers have pivoted toward a dense business class configuration, All Nippon Airways (ANA) has remained steadfast in its commitment to a true first-class cabin. Our team recently spent thirteen hours in 'The Suite,' ANA’s flagship product on the Boeing 777-300ER, to determine if this platform maintains its relevance in an era of increasing competition.
The experience begins long before the engines ignite. In Tokyo Haneda’s Suite Lounge, there is a deliberate absence of the frantic energy found in standard terminal spaces. The aesthetic is monochromatic and subdued, favoring dark woods and architectural stone. It is here that one first notices the Japanese concept of omotenashi—the art of selfless hospitality. The service is not merely transactional; it is anticipatory. Our team observed staff noting guest preferences without being prompted, a precursor to the level of precision expected at 35,000 feet.
Upon boarding, the immediate impression of 'The Suite' is its sheer scale. Designed in collaboration with Kengo Kuma and Acumen, the cabin features a 1-2-1 configuration that feels more akin to a private study than a traditional aircraft seat. The most striking feature is the 43-inch 4K monitor—the first of its kind in a first-class cabin. It is a bold statement of technological superiority, yet it is integrated seamlessly into the dark cabinetry.
The walls of the suite are high, finished in a matte timber-grain that absorbs light rather than reflecting it. This choice of texture is critical; it creates a sense of permanence and weight. When the sliding doors are closed, the isolation is near-total. Unlike some competitors that utilize gold trim and high-gloss plastics, ANA has opted for a Japanese modernist palette: greys, deep browns, and charcoal.
We found the ergonomics of the seat to be exceptional. In the upright position, the seat offers a breadth that allows for natural movement. When converted into a bed, the Nishikawa bedding—specifically the dual-layer mattress pad—provides a surface tension that rivals high-end terrestrial hotels. The transition from lounge to bed is handled by the crew during the first dining service, ensuring the passenger is never inconvenienced by the mechanics of the suite.
Dining aboard a Japanese carrier is often the highlight of the journey, and ANA’s 'The Connoisseurs' program is designed to be a culinary dialogue between Japan and the West. Our team opted for the Japanese Kaiseki menu, a multi-course progression that serves as a masterclass in seasonal ingredients and presentation.
The meal began with the Sakizuke (appetizer), featuring a delicate poached abalone served with a liver sauce that carried the brininess of the Pacific. It was followed by the Owan, a clear soup of dashi that showcased a level of clarity and depth rarely achieved in a pressurized cabin. The precision required to maintain the integrity of these flavors at altitude cannot be overstated.
For those preferring the International menu, the selection remains equally rigorous. The caviar service is presented with traditional garnishes and a mother-of-pearl spoon, paired with Krug Grande Cuvée. The wine list is curated with a focus on French viticulture, though it also features exceptional sakes, such as the Jikon Nabari, which are often unavailable outside of exclusive Japanese circles.
What distinguishes the ANA dining experience is the pacing. The crew moves with a synchronized grace, ensuring that each course arrives at the exact moment the previous one is cleared. There is no rush, yet there is no lag. It is a performance of efficiency.
While the 43-inch screen is the centerpiece of the suite's technology, the smaller details deserve equal scrutiny. The noise-canceling headphones provided are by Sony, specifically tuned for the aircraft's acoustic profile. However, it is the quietness of the cabin itself that is most impressive. The 777-300ER is not a naturally quiet aircraft, yet through the use of heavy curtains and the physical mass of the suites, ANA has successfully dampened the environmental white noise.
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