Fashion meets function aboard ANA
This is a special feature from PAX International's March 2024 Amenities & Comfort issue, on page 21.
All Nippon Airways has impressive environmental goals, including a 70 percent reduction in waste by 2030 (compared to 2019) and a zero waste output by 2050
All Nippon Airways (ANA), a certified five-star Skytrax airline and Japan’s national carrier, is piloting impressive environmental goals, including a 70 percent reduction in waste by 2030 (compared to 2019) and a zero waste output by 2050. The airline’s new amenity kits, made in partnership with Ettinger and distributed on international flights, mark one of its latest moves toward these targets.
Shinichi Inoue, President and
CEO, All Nippon Airways
“Based on the concept of ANA Future Promise [the airline’s sustainable development goals (SDGs)], we selected environmentally friendly materials and those we believe will contribute to ethical consumption,” Takako Komine, Senior Coordinator, Products and Services Planning at ANA, tells PAX International. “We also selected environmentally friendly packaging materials, such as materials that are plastic-free.”
This approach has not sacrificed fashion for function. The First Class kit contains products from Sensai, a Japanese cosmetics line known for its high-efficacy ingredients and sensuous scents, in a stylish bag designed by Ettinger, a British luxury leather goods company. Sensai was selected for this release not only due to its shared heritage with the airline but for the quality of skin care, makeup and fragrances the company creates. This First Class kit includes a toner, cream and lip treatment. It will be distributed on all international ANA routes since the end of January.
The First Class kit features
a stylish bag designed by
Ettinger, a British luxury
leather goods company
"ANA's collaboration with Ettinger symbolizes our commitment to sustainability and provides customers with luxurious products that enhance their travel experience," said Tomoji Ishii, Executive Vice President, Customer Experience Management and Planning of ANA, in a recent media release. "These amenity pouches are not just travel [companions]; they represent ANA's dedication to our ANA Future Promise goals of removing plastic."
Meanwhile, the airline has tapped Aveda, a brand known for its earth-friendly, plant-based hair and skin products, for its Business Class amenity kits, another partnership that aligns perfectly with the airline’s ecological mission. Aveda’s products are never tested on animals, adhere to stringent environmentally conscious policies and include materials derived from natural resources.
Both kits are provided in an exclusively designed reusable bag made from recycled materials.
Culture and cuisine
ANA is looking to fortify its corporate culture along the journey. Komine tells PAX International that the ANA Future Promises initiative, which takes into consideration ESG (environment, society and governance), will bring ANA Group employees together under a set of principles that aim to better serve passengers.
The vegan curry is
ideal for passengers
who do not eat meat,
who want to increase
veggie intake or need
a vegan offering
The carrier’s SDGs extend to its meal service. ANA offers a vegan curry for passengers who do not eat meat, who want to increase veggie intake or need a vegan offering. The meal launched in September 2023 in ANA’s First and Business Classes and has been receiving rave reviews.
“The curry is made from only domestically grown vegetables and fruits and contains no animal ingredients, chemical seasonings, preservatives, refined sugar or flour, giving it a delicate and deep flavor that brings out the natural sweetness and deliciousness of the ingredients,” explains Miki Osada, Senior Manager, Products and Services Planning at ANA.
It is another way that ANA is catering to the diverse needs of its customers, Osada says, adding, “All passengers, regardless of nationality, religion or other dietary habits and preferences can enjoy our meals with peace of mind. We will continue to pursue the quality of our special inflight meals.”
Renowned French chef Hideki Takayama currently supervises select offerings on the airline’s menus, ensuring high-quality meals that cater to the increasing need for specialized meals both within Asia and for those travelling to or from international destinations. Takayama has previously helped shape other ANA menu releases that focus on dietary needs, such as gluten-free and diabetes-friendly meals.
Of course, many passengers expect a meal to be complete with a wine pairing, which ANA is well-equipped to deliver. The airline has recently completed its annual wine offering update—the latest refresh since the pandemic. Now rejuvenated, Osada says the airline is eager for passengers to experience the latest and greatest reds, whites and bubblies on board.
“We aim to offer a well-balanced lineup of distinctive wines from around the world, including wines from France and other European countries as well as Japan, so that each customer can enjoy a marriage of tastes and a variety of meals,” Osada explains.
