All Nippon Airways, commonly known as ANA, is a Japanese passenger airline with domestic and international services. Its origins lie in the small helicopter business established in 1952 that subsequently developed into a nationwide airline and international network.[1]ANA Group HistoryANA · ana.co.jp · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Origins and domestic growth
Japan Helicopter & Aeroplane Transport was established in December 1952. Helicopter operations began in 1953, followed by authorisation for scheduled passenger services. The company introduced the Douglas DC-3 in 1955 and adopted the All Nippon Airways name in December 1957. A merger with Far Eastern Airlines followed in March 1958, while Fujita Koku joined through a further merger in 1963.[1]ANA Group HistoryANA · ana.co.jp · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
International expansion
ANA expanded into international routes in 1986 after building its domestic business. Its later network included services from both Haneda and Narita airports. The company joined Star Alliance in 1999 and developed joint ventures with United Airlines for trans-Pacific and Asian routes and with Lufthansa for Japan–Europe services. These agreements formed part of its expansion beyond flights operated solely by ANA.[1]ANA Group HistoryANA · ana.co.jp · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details[2]ANA celebrates its sixtieth anniversaryANA · ana.co.jp · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Boeing 787 programme
ANA became the launch customer for the Boeing 787 in 2004 and began operating the type in 2011. The airline associated the aircraft with its international development: improved fuel efficiency and the range of a medium-sized widebody allowed it to consider long-distance markets that did not require a larger aircraft. ANA subsequently introduced the stretched 787-9 in 2014.[3]ANA Group turning pointsANA · ana.co.jp · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details[1]ANA Group HistoryANA · ana.co.jp · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Holding company structure
In April 2013, the group adopted a holding company structure. ANA Holdings took responsibility for group management, while the full-service air transport business moved into All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd. The airline and its parent therefore have different corporate functions despite sharing the ANA identity. The reorganisation supported a strategy covering both the ANA network and separate low-cost airline brands.[4]Analysis of the ANA Group Corporate StrategyANA Holdings · ana.co.jp · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details