All Nippon Airways (ANA) has introduced a specialist business traveller service between Nagoya”s Centrair Airport and Guangzho (China). Unlike similar products flown by Lufthansa and the three carriers serving New York from London”s secondary airports, the ANA service is a two-class operation.
The 48-seat Boeing 737-700ER, is fitted with 24 business class and 24 economy class seats, both in a 2+2 configuration. Club ANA BJ features seats with a pitch of 61” (1m 55cm) ” similar to that on ANA intercontinental services, and economy BJ seats will be 38”, in line with the Premium Economy offerings of Air New Zealand, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.
The 737-700ER, of which ANA is the launch customer, was operated to open what is ANA”s fifth international route from Nagoya new offshore airport. ANA offers 20 destinations in China with 147 flights per week.
”We are introducing the 737-700 as part of our commitment to flying the most efficient, customer pleasing and environmentally friendly fleet of next generation aircraft,” said ANA president and CEO, Mineo Yamamoto. ”With the new 737-700ER, we can offer a product tailored for the business community, and at the same time secure the cost benefits derived from streamlining our narrow body fleet into one family of aircraft.”
Regular visitors to Japan will be acquainted with local customs where in some cases senior executives will not travel with staff of a much lower rank within the company.