ANA is delaying the launch of its new seating products on board its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft by several months, citing a “delay in development of premium economy seats”.
The Japanese carrier unveiled its “Inspiration of Japan” brand last year (see online news November 10, 2009), including new first, business, premium economy and economy seating, but it appears development problems with the premium economy offering has delayed the planned launch next week (February 10).
The aircraft will now go into operation in April, but the new premium economy seating “will be tentatively replaced with economy class seats” until the development delays have been resolved. ANA says that the premium economy offering will now be “gradually installed on new aircrafts upon scheduled delivery of seats in August, 2010”.
A link on the carrier’s website says:
“We deeply regret to inform you that the new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft [featuring the carrier’s new seating] will not commence operation on Saturday, February 20, 2010 as scheduled, due to delay in development of Premium Economy seats.
“The launch date for our new brand, ‘Inspiration of Japan’ and the new services that was scheduled to be introduced along with the flight commencement of our new aircraft has also been changed due to this reason.
“We sincerely apologize for any inconveniences this may cause and kindly ask for your understanding at this time.”
The rescheduled launch now calls for the new B777-300ER aircraft to operate between Narita and New York every other day between April 19 and May 9, before going daily on the route from May 10.
For more information visit ana.co.jp.
Report by Mark Caswell
