Inside ANA’s The Room FX: The Next-Level Business Class Experience
Discover how ANA’s The Room FX is redefining in-flight luxury, space, and privacy on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner for long-haul travelers.
ANA Launches The Room FX: Business Class, Redefined
In an industry where maximizing capacity is often king, All Nippon Airways (ANA) is bucking the trend by launching The Room FX: its most ambitious business class product yet, debuting in 2026 on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Building on the acclaimed success of ‘The Room’ from its Boeing 777-300ER fleet, this next-generation cabin promises unparalleled levels of space, privacy, and technological sophistication for intercontinental travelers.
An Evolution: What is The Room FX?
The ‘FX’ in The Room FX stands for ‘Future Experience’. ANA has set out to not just improve upon the already-celebrated design of ‘The Room,’ but to reimagine the in-flight experience entirely for the 787 series. The Room FX is being touted as “the world’s largest seat in its class on a mid-sized aircraft,” and the focus is clear: more personal space, privacy, and tech-driven comfort for every passenger.
- Exclusively designed in collaboration with French seat experts Safran and British design firm Acumen.
- Sofa-style seating—inspired by the comfort of home—lets passengers lounge rather than simply sit or sleep.
- Bigger, bolder design manages to optimize the 787’s narrower fuselage for world-class comfort typically seen on larger jets.
The Design Philosophy: Space Over Density
Most airlines aim to fit as many business seats as possible onboard, but ANA has chosen to limit seat numbers for the sake of passenger comfort. Where other carriers might squeeze up to 30 seats between cabin doors, ANA will install just 24 The Room FX suites per cabin, yielding a more spacious and exclusive environment.
- 48 business suites total, split across two cabins.
- Configuration: 1-2-1 alternating forward and rear-facing (‘Ying Yang’) layout for optimal space and direct aisle access.
- Prioritizing comfort over capacity, a rarity in modern premium travel.
Seat Features & Specifications
The Room FX suite is, quite simply, massive by business class standards—and easily among the widest in the skies.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Maximum Seat Width | 41.5 inches (at the widest point, sofa-style design) |
| Bed Length | 76.5 inches (fully extended) |
| Seat Pitch | 103 inches |
| Privacy | Sliding door & high sidewalls cocooning each suite |
| Storage | Spacious side console with multiple hidden compartments |
| Entertainment | 24-inch 4K Ultra HD monitor |
| Power & Connectivity | Bluetooth audio, wireless charging, USB-A, USB-C, AC outlet |
Lounge-Like Comfort, Living Room Style
Unlike typical lie-flat business seats, The Room FX features a pre-reclined backrest that mimics the comfort and lounging positions of a home sofa. An adjustable leg rest further enables the seat to convert into a fully flat bed.
- No conventional recline mechanism; instead, a fixed, deeply reclined posture lets you sit, lounge, or nap in multiple positions.
- Comparisons drawn to Finnair’s business class, though ANA’s is even wider.
- Each suite is cocooned for maximum privacy with sliding doors and high side panels.
Cabin Atmosphere & Layout
The Room FX cabin layout is designed both for intimacy and efficiency. The 1-2-1 configuration provides every passenger with direct aisle access, with seats alternating between forward and rear-facing. This arrangement contributes to ANA’s strategy of making the Boeing 787-9 feel more like a much larger aircraft and less like a mid-size jet.
- Low seat density across both cabins promotes tranquility and exclusivity.
- A mix of solo and dual suites (for couples or colleagues) caters to different traveler needs.
- Stylish materials, muted color palette, and contemporary lighting set the mood for rest or work.
Technology & In-Suite Amenities
Innovation is core to The Room FX. Passengers can expect a technology-rich environment designed for today’s connected, tech-savvy flyer.
- 24-inch 4K screen: One of the largest in business class, delivering high-definition inflight entertainment.
- Bluetooth audio: Pair your own wireless headphones directly with the system—no more tangled cords.
- Wireless phone charging: Rest your smartphone on the charging pad and stay powered up.
- Universal charging: Both USB-A and USB-C ports, plus a traditional AC outlet for laptops and high-power devices.
- Concealed storage areas: Keep your valuables and in-flight items close at hand yet out of sight.
Deployment: Onboard the Boeing 787-9
Initially, ANA will retrofit existing Boeing 787-9s with The Room FX suites, followed by the installation in new aircraft deliveries. The new cabin will be found on major long-haul international routes, including flights connecting Tokyo with North America, Europe, and Australia.
- A gradual rollout as part of ANA’s fleet upgrade plan.
- Planned introduction begins in 2026; ANA operates 35 Boeing 787s with another 28 on order as of publication.
Comparing The Room FX to Competitors
| Feature | The Room FX (ANA) | Typical Business Class |
|---|---|---|
| Seat Width (Maximum) | 41.5 inches | 21–24 inches |
| Privacy | Sliding door + high walls | Partial partitions (few with full doors) |
| Screen Size | 24-inch 4K | 18–22 inch HD/4K |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, wireless charging, USB-A/USB-C, AC power | USB and AC (rarely wireless/Bluetooth) |
| Cabin Density | 24 suites per cabin | Up to 30+ seats per cabin |
Culinary & Hospitality Elements
While the current article’s primary focus is on hard product innovation, it’s worth noting that ANA’s reputation also rests on high-quality in-flight menus and service. The new suites are designed to support a restaurant-style dining experience and maximize the enjoyment of ANA’s renowned food and beverage offerings, especially their Japanese washoku meals and premium sake options.
- Menus will offer a mix of Japanese and international cuisine, prepared with premium ingredients.
- On-demand light meal service expands flexibility for long-haul journeys.
- Dining tray and seat setup cater to both work and leisure meal experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What makes The Room FX different from ANA’s previous business class?
A: The Room FX is wider, offers fully private suites with sliding doors, state-of-the-art tech (Bluetooth, wireless charging, 4K entertainment), and a unique fixed-recline, sofa-style seat design not found in typical lie-flat seats.
Q: How many seats are there in The Room FX cabin on the 787-9?
A: Each 787-9 will have 48 The Room FX suites, split evenly across two business class cabins with 24 seats each.
Q: Can the seat be made fully flat for sleeping?
A: Yes, while the backrest is pre-reclined (sofa-style), an adjustable leg rest converts the seat into a completely flat bed for restful sleep.
Q: Will all ANA international flights feature The Room FX?
A: The Room FX will initially appear on retrofitted and newly delivered Boeing 787-9s on select long-haul routes. It may take time before the entire fleet is upgraded.
Q: What entertainment and tech options are available?
A: The suite features a 24-inch 4K video touchscreen, Bluetooth audio pairing for personal headphones, wireless device charging, and multiple power outlets.
Summing Up: ANA’s Future Experience Starts Here
With The Room FX, ANA has taken a bold step towards redefining premium air travel. By sacrificing density in favor of unprecedented space, privacy, and technology, the airline is set to challenge existing business class standards on the world stage. For long-haul travelers who value comfort, quiet, and innovation, The Room FX promises a journey that feels less like air travel and more like a serene, high-tech retreat in the sky. The 2026 debut cannot arrive soon enough for those eager to experience what may well become the new benchmark for business class luxury.
