Air New Zealand vs ANA (All Nippon Airways) Business Class — Full Comparison
| Feature | Air New Zealand | ANA (All Nippon Airways) |
|---|---|---|
| Product Name | Business Premier | THE Room |
| Seat Type | 1-2-1 lie-flat herringbone on 787 Dreamliner | 1-2-1 enclosed suite with privacy door |
| Alliance | Star Alliance | Star Alliance |
| Primary Hubs | AKL | NRT, HND |
| US Gateways | LAX, SFO, IAH, HNL | JFK, SFO, LAX, SEA |
| Top Destinations | Auckland, Wellington, Sydney | Tokyo, Osaka, Honolulu |
| CEOFLIGHTS Savings | Up to 40% | Up to 40% |
Air New Zealand
ANA (All Nippon Airways)
Air New Zealand and ANA (All Nippon Airways) rarely come up in the same sentence, since one anchors the South Pacific and the other commands Northeast Asia, but both are Star Alliance stalwarts that consistently rank among the finest long-haul business class products in the world. For travelers plotting itineraries that touch Auckland, Sydney, Tokyo, or Osaka, the choice often comes down less to geography and more to philosophy: Air New Zealand's Business Premier leans into open, warm hospitality on its 787 Dreamliners, while ANA's THE Room delivers one of the most private, almost first-class-adjacent experiences available in business class today. Neither airline disappoints, but each rewards a different kind of traveler.
How Do the Seats Compare?
The hard product is where these two carriers diverge most sharply. Air New Zealand's Business Premier seat is a 1-2-1 herringbone lie-flat configuration exclusive to its 787 Dreamliner fleet, offering direct aisle access and a fully flat bed, though without the enclosed walls that define the current generation of premium suites. ANA's THE Room, by contrast, is a 1-2-1 layout with a sliding privacy door and roughly 38 inches of width, making it one of the widest, most suite-like business class seats flying — a genuine step above the industry standard and arguably closer in feel to a first-class cabin. Both beds are fully flat, but ANA's enclosure and additional legroom in select configurations give it a measurable edge for travelers who prioritize privacy and personal space on long overnight sectors.
What About Dining & Service?
Air New Zealand
ANA (All Nippon Airways)
Dining and service reflect each airline's cultural identity. Air New Zealand's onboard menus showcase New Zealand lamb, seafood, and a well-curated list of Marlborough sauvignon blancs and Central Otago pinot noirs, delivered with a relaxed, genuinely friendly Kiwi service style that feels less scripted than many global carriers. ANA counters with meticulously plated Japanese-Western multi-course dining, kaiseki-inspired presentations, sake pairings, and a crew culture built on precision, quiet efficiency, and anticipatory service — the hallmark of Japanese hospitality. Neither approach is objectively superior; Air New Zealand feels like being hosted by friends, while ANA feels like being cared for by consummate professionals.
How Do the Airport Lounges Compare?
Air New Zealand
ANA (All Nippon Airways)
The ANA Lounges at Narita and Haneda are consistently rated among the best in Asia, with extensive dining, sake bars, and pre-flight shower suites that rival many first-class facilities.
On the ground, ANA holds a structural advantage simply by virtue of its hub infrastructure. The ANA Lounges at Narita and Haneda are consistently rated among the best in Asia, with extensive dining, sake bars, and pre-flight shower suites that rival many first-class facilities. Air New Zealand's Auckland hub lounge experience is comfortable and efficient but operates on a smaller scale, reflecting Auckland's position as a regional gateway rather than a global mega-hub. Travelers connecting through Tokyo will generally find a more expansive, luxury-airport experience than those routing through Auckland, though Auckland's efficiency and lack of congestion has its own appeal for time-conscious flyers.
Network reach further separates these two carriers. Air New Zealand's US gateways include Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, and Honolulu, feeding nonstop service into Auckland with onward links to Wellington and Sydney — ideal for South Pacific-bound travelers who want to minimize connections. ANA flies from JFK, SFO, LAX, Seattle, and Honolulu into Tokyo's Narita and Haneda airports, with strong onward connectivity throughout Japan and greater Asia. Both carriers' Star Alliance membership means US-based travelers can earn and redeem miles across a shared network, but the practical routing decision usually comes down to whether your final destination sits in Oceania or East Asia.
Whichever route or product suits your itinerary, both Air New Zealand and ANA business class are available through CEOFLIGHTS® private fares, with savings of up to 40% off standard published rates. Because premium seats on both THE Room and Business Premier sell out quickly on peak dates, working with a dedicated Personal Travel Manager is the smartest way to secure availability and pricing before it disappears. Call (888) 851 6897 to speak with a CEOFLIGHTS® specialist and compare live fares on Air New Zealand and ANA for your next business class booking.
Book Your Premium Cabin Today
✅ Choose Air New Zealand If You Value
- Herringbone lie-flat on 787 Dreamliner
- New Zealand-inspired dining and wines
- Star Alliance connectivity via Auckland
- Direct US nonstops to New Zealand
✅ Choose ANA (All Nippon Airways) If You Value
- THE Room — enclosed suite with sliding door and 24" width
- Japanese-Western multi-course dining
- ANA Lounge at Narita and Haneda
- Star Alliance partner connectivity in Asia
