Japan's Largest Airline

All Nippon Airways (ANA) was founded in 1958 and swiftly became the largest privately owned airline in Japan. For two decades, the company expanded its domestic services, knitting together the various cities and islands of Japan, but it was unable to expand internationally due to a monopoly held by Japan Airways, the national carrier.

That all changed in 1986, when the restrictions were lifted and ANA was freed to expand across the Pacific. Within a year, they had started scheduled flights to Los Angeles and Washington D.C.. London followed in 1989, Paris in 1990, then New York in 1991. By 2004, ANA had surpassed Japan Airways in terms of revenue and passenger numbers becoming the country's largest carrier.

At the same time, the firm continued to innovate. In 2004, it launched a budget airline called Air Next. It also regularly won industry awards for reliability, being crowned the most punctual carrier between Japan and the UK for four straight years after 2002.

Nowadays, ANA operates out of Tokyo Narita Airport, maintains a fleet of over 200 passenger aircraft and employs well over 20,000 people worldwide. With 89 destinations, it's a true global player and a great option for travellers to Asia.

Flying with All Nippon Airways

Fliers with All Nippon Airways can choose between a range of different seat classes.

The cheapest fares are in Economy Class. Passengers in Economy can use touch screen entertainment systems, use laptop and USB ports, choose from an audio book selection, enjoy duty free shopping and receive Japanese cuisine prepared with the help of the seasoning makers Kayanoya. All flights departing from Tokyo also provide ANA's own home-cooked bread.

Premium Economy is the next step up. This provides access to airport lounges, a 38-inch seat pitch, larger screens and a complimentary glass of sparkling wine. Then there's Business Class, where travellers can use priority baggage and check-in lanes and dine at the ANA Lounge. All seats are self-contained, so there's no need to worry about other passengers disturbing you, and they fold out into luxurious beds as well.

Finally, there's First Class, which provides even slicker check-in, arrival lounges, panel-walled cabin spaces, seasonal Japanese and European food and blankets and linens that will ensure a good night's sleep.

Regular customers can also join the ANA Mileage Club. Members can earn miles to spend on flights, car hire, hotels or duty free items. They can also be converted into Amazon tokens if that makes more sense.

Practical Information

The easiest way to check-in is online via www.ana.co.jp and starts up to 24 hours before departure. You can then print your boarding pass and arrive with your baggage up to 60 minutes before the flight takes off.

Luggage allowances vary by class on All Nippon Airways:

• Economy Class passengers are allowed two pieces of luggage weighing up to 23 kg each

• Business Class travellers are allowed two pieces weighing 32 kg each

• First Class passengers can take three pieces weighing 32 kg.

• Passengers can take laptops and handbags on board with them, as well as one piece of carry-on luggage weighing up to 10 kg and measuring less than 115 x 115 cm.