Get the feel of flying on a plane without actually flying. Yes, a peculiar concept introduced by the airlines to appeal to its customers.
Several airlines across countries have introduced a flying scheme called ‘no-destination’ flights an idea which would benefit both the customers and also the airlines. Airlines are using this to boost their cash flow while travel freaks stuck at home are finding this as a respite from the coronavirus pandemic.
Starting October, Singapore Airlines is launching a flight to nowhere from Changi airport where passengers will board the plane, fly around for a few hours and come back to the same airport.
This quirky trip also includes staycations at the city’s hotels along with ferry rides. Singapore Airlines is opting for this to bring back the cash flow to the pre-COVID levels as the experts have forecasted that passenger traffic will not revive to previous levels until 2024.
Then there’s another Taiwan’s Airport that has come up with its own version of a flight to nowhere. The airlines have a unique concept that allows people to check-in, clear the airport security and board a plane only to de-board the plane without the plane even taking off.
On August 8, EVA Air has offered a sightseeing tour for the passengers with a Hello Kitty plane that would satisfy the passenger’s desire to go abroad.
It introduced a trip that lasts for 2 hours 45 minutes where the plane passes through the northeastern corner of Taiwan and flew over the western end of Japan.
The company said in a statement that the airlines are facing huge losses since the start of the pandemic and the desire of passengers to travel is also becoming more. After a thought, the company came up with a ‘New Experience of Going Abroad’ with a special flight.
The deal included free WiFi text messaging service on board as well as seafood including Sushi rice designed by three-star chef Motokazu Nakamura. The cost of this service was $780 with the option of upgrading to business class with few more dollars.
In August, Japan’s All Nippon Airways has launched a 90-minute sightseeing flight from Tokyo’s Narita airport which allows passengers to enjoy a resort experience at the airport and also onboard. The airlines also offer drinks and fruit juices for the passengers.
Meanwhile, Airplane-themed cafes are making pace in Thailand which allows customers to drink coffee on old airplanes without actually going anywhere.
The cafe feels like drinking coffee while being inside a real plane.
By Gayatri Yellayi
