We have been providing air transportation services with safety as our top priority since our
founding in 1952.
In December 2022, we celebrate the 70th anniversary of our founding, and
also achieved the world's highest rating of "5-Star" by SKYTRAX for 10 consecutive years.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank our predecessors for their continuous efforts to
maintain the DNA of endeavor, and above all, we are grateful to all of you who have supported
us.
Here, we would like to introduce our history of the ANA Group as we have continued to take on the
challenges.CHALLENGESto THE
SKY
1952
A Big Dream Born from Two Helicopters
At the end of World War II, all private companies in Japan were banned from operating any aircraft under the command of Allied Powers. Two years after the ban was lifted, Japan Helicopter Transport (ANA’s predecessor) became the first privately run air transport company in Japan in 1952, starting with just two helicopters.
Our founding philosophy was to have integrity and independence. With that independent spirit, the employees dreamed big. Ten years later in 1962, we became the launch customer for the YS-11, the first postwar, domestically made passenger aircraft.
1986
Operation of Regular International Flights
An industry policy in 1972 regulated domestic airline companies, where ANA was only allowed to operate domestic flights, but were restricted from international flights.
In 1971, we operated an international charter flight to Hong Kong. The following year, we flew another international charter flight to Shanghai, after diplomatic relations with China normalized. Finally in 1985, the restrictive policy was repealed.
A year later in 1986, ANA achieved our dream that spanned 10 years - the historic beginning of regular international flight operations between Tokyo’s Narita Airport and Guam.
1999
Star Alliance Dramatically Improves International Competitiveness
ANA was the ninth member to join Star Alliance in 1999, the world’s first and largest global airline alliance. This helped accelerate the growth of our international airline business.
We also improved our services for our customers through the mileage program alliance, and expanded our services after adopting services shared by other member companies.
2005
Overcoming Adversity and Achieving Profitability
While ANA’s international business grew rapidly since 2000, we encountered new challenges. Due to the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the US in 2001, the Iraq War in 2003, and the spread of the SARS virus, international flight customers in 2004 decreased 12.8% from the previous year.
By implementing emergency cost reductions, we achieved profitability in 2005. As we use our collective strengths to overcome adversity, including the global recession and the spread of the super-flu, we have constantly worked to grow as a company when faced with any challenges.
2008
Leading Advancements in Environmental Sustainability
Heavy CO2 emissions by our airline business highly impacts the environment, so we’ve implemented sustainable practices - using alternative energy, reducing the use of natural resources, recycling, and undertaking conservation programs to protect biodiversity.
In 2008, we became the first company in the airline and transport industry recognized by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment to be certified as an Eco First Company.*
Through communicating with our stakeholders, we are continuing our progress towards becoming a more sustainable company.
*Eco-First Company: To promote environmental protection in various industries, leading companies pledge to work on environmental protection programs to the Ministry of the Environment.
2011
Enhanced Global Presence with New Boeing 787 Dreamliners
We supported development of state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft as the launch customer in 2004, and began operations in 2011 for an enhanced global presence.
By January 2016, we became the first company in the world to fly over 100,000 flights, equivalent to one quarter of all B787 flights worldwide.
Next-generation B787’s technologies and materials vastly reduced costs, their exceptional fuel efficiency made long range flights by medium sized aircrafts possible, and are helping to expand our international network.
2013
Change to Holding Company Corporate Structure
ANA Holdings Company was founded in 2013 to stay competitive in the changing airline industry, due to the expansion of Tokyo’s airport capacity, deregulation of the airline business and the increasing low cost carrier (LCC) presence.
We have implemented ANA Group’s multi-brand strategy of our original ANA brand with our LCC brand, Vanilla Air, in order to be the preferred airline by all our customers.
2022
Achievements in Becoming a World-Leading Airline Group
The unprecedented situation of COVID-19 pandemic has also shaken the management
of the ANA Group.
Despite the continued poor business performance, we have made various
self-help efforts with the support of many customers, and taken on challenges to improve the
quality of our operations and services.
Since the outbreak of COVID-19 to the present day,
we have adapted to the ever-changing situation, and have continued to deliver services that
are “Anshin, Attaka, Akaruku-genki!”
In December 2022, we were recognized as the world's highest quality airline in
the "World Airline Star Rating" by SKYTRAX, an airline rating company in the UK, and
received the highest rating of "5-Star" for the 10 consecutive years since our first award
in 2013.
Now that we have celebrated our 70th year of founding, we are already making
steps forward to the next 10 years.
We will continue to put safety first, thoroughly
focus on providing high-quality services, and will strive to be an airline that is close to
customers.
