1 of 2 | Tokaido Shinkansen bullet trains bound for western Japan stop at Tokyo railway station in Tokyo, Japan. Photo by KIMIMASA MAYAMA / EPA
May 27 (Asia Today) -- Japanese airlines and rail operators are expanding premium seats and private compartments on airplanes, bullet trains and overnight trains as they compete to sell travel time as sleep, work and private space.
The Yomiuri Shimbun reported Wednesday that transportation companies are adding new seating options for passengers who want to rest or work while traveling. The trend marks a shift from competing only on speed to offering travel as productive or restful time.
All Nippon Airways renewed seats on midsize international aircraft in April. Economy seats now recline farther than before, while business class includes private-suite-style seating with doors.
The airline's next-generation business class seat, "THE Room FX," is being introduced gradually on Boeing 787-9 long-haul international routes beginning in 2026. The seat has a door for privacy and can be converted into a bed-like space. ANA has described it as one of the world's largest business class seats for midsize aircraft.
