With more Australians visiting Japan than ever before, the return of All Nippon Airways’ (ANA) direct flight from Perth to Tokyo Narita in October last year was welcomed back by West Australian travellers to such an extent that the airline resumed flights a week ahead of schedule.
Operating three flights a week (Monday, Thursday, and Saturday), the airline’s Boing 787-9 Dreamliner will take you from Western Australia’s capital to Narita (located 60km east of central Tokyo) in just under 10 hours, and if you’re wondering what the Japanese carrier’s business class experience is like, here’s a breakdown of what to expect.
Pre-departure: Check in and lounge
I arrive at Perth International Airport’s Terminal 1 two and a half hours ahead of the flight’s departure time, which is scheduled for 9:55pm.
There’s no waiting at all as I walk straight up to the Business Class check-in counter. I’m greeted with a warm smile and after my ticket is promptly issued, I make my way to Perth Airport’s Aspire Lounge which is used by ANA. It’s a comfortable, quiet and aesthetically pleasing place to pass the time with private booths as well as shared spaces and views overlooking the runway. Food here is of a good standard and there’s plenty of variety and options for those with dietary requirements. I grab a few pastries, mini sandwiches, salad and a glass of methode traditionnelle to relax. The time seems to fly by and before I know it it’s time to board.
Image credit: Brandon Loo
Cabin and seating
When the priority lane opens, I’m one of the first to board and as I do, I am greeted with a polite bow by the airline crew who show me to my seat in row 10. Settling in with a glass of welcome bubbles, I familiarise myself with my surroundings. With the business class section consisting of 40 seats, with rows configured in a 1-2-1 arrangement, staggered seating offers direct access to the aisle. My window seat is perfect for my needs and is my preferred option as I want to look outside as we make our morning descent in Japan.
As you’d expect for this overnight passage, seats recline to a lie-flat position and come with a topper for extra comfort. Aside from a spacious side table (with personal light) for resting items upon, there’s also extra storage space under the ottoman for larger items. Although the seat is comfortable, with plenty of space to stretch out, it’s not quite as private as I’d hoped it would feel, and the colour scheme and style seem slightly dated.
Entertainment and amenities
Not being one to spend the entire flight watching movies anyway (as I often prefer to read handheld books) I’m more than happy with my seat’s 18-inch touch panel LCD wide-screen, and selection of latest release Hollywood films, among other entertainment categories. With unlimited fast speed WIFI included, there’s also a universal power charging port and USB port for your devices. I’m also pleased with the amenities kit which includes a reusable pouch made exclusively for ANA by Ettinger, and AVEDA lip balm and AVEDA Shampure body lotion.
When it comes time to sleep, although the bed topper’s design could be better to stop from sliding around on the seat, the Maruhachi Mawata feather down comforter and layered down pillows provide another level of luxurious comfort and are some of my most memorable items from the flight. ANA also provides its business class passengers with sleep enhancing extras such as slippers, loose fitting pyjamas, an aroma card, foot roller, dental kit, and Sony noise cancelling headphones.
Food and beverage
By far the best part of ANA’s business class experience is the excellent quality and choice of food. For the supper menu which is served around 11pm (due to the late departure) there’s a Western menu available but I opt for the Japanese cuisine (Washoku). My starter is delicious, consisting of simmered tuna in ginger sauce with marinated spinach, while the Shusai (main dish) is grilled Greenland halibut in miso sauce with steamed rice, seared abalone, salt-grilled salmon and a side of miso soup and pickles. It is followed by ice cream for dessert.
In terms of alcoholic beverages, there’s a selection of top-notch sakes, shochus, whiskies and spirits, as well as champagne, plus white and red wine from around the world. I opt for a French Chablis to pair with my fish. Non-alcoholic options consist of a range of Japanese herbal teas, matcha, juices, and soft drinks.
For breakfast, I choose the Japanese menu again where my scallop and daikon radish comes in a yuzu sauce and main of simmered pork and cabbage is served with steamed rice and a white miso sauce.
Service
As you might expect from a country that values courtesy, punctuality and respect, service from ANA’s flight crew was faultless with politeness and smiles all round, minimal wait times, and a willingness to accommodate any request where possible. 10 out of 10.
The verdict
ANA’s business class experience from Perth to Narita is an excellent choice for those wanting to take full advantage of the carrier’s direct overnight flight, ensuring a restful journey that will leave you energised and ready to hit the ground running in Tokyo on arrival at 8:30am. My personal experience felt seamless from start to finish, so much so that I almost wished the flight was longer.
ANA’s direct flight from Perth to Narita will operate 3 times a week until 27 March 2025. For more information or to book click here.
To mark the return of ANA’s direct flight from Perth to Tokyo (Narita) ANA are offering the chance to win a pair of return economy flights thanks to ANA, JNTO and Linkd Tourism. Enter the competition here.