All Nippon Airways (ANA) is gearing up for yet another ‘flight to nowhere’ for frequent flyers who form part of a Facebook group.
The 90-minute flight is being offered to members, their families and friends, on a first-come, first-served basis, and set to depart Narita International Airport on 20 December. Seats are reportedly available in all four classes on the A380 and priced accordingly.
This is the latest of just a handful of scenic flights operated by ANA using its A380s, which are typically reserved for flights en route to Hawaii.
The first of ANA’s scenic flights to nowhere was in late August, carrying 334 passengers. The flight was oversubscribed, prompting the airline to conduct a lottery-style draw for a seat on the flight.
Due to popular demand, the first flight will be followed up by a three-hour run on 15 November.
Scenic flights have become increasingly popular amid global travel restrictions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Australian airline Qantas recently announced it would launch more scenic flights touring Australia, following its inaugural ‘Great Southern Land’ flight, which sold out in 10 minutes.
“It sold out in 10 minutes and the feedback from people on board was fantastic,” Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce said.
“Even the most frequent flyers said they had never experienced Australia from the air quite like that. And our crew loved being back on board.
“Now that more borders are starting to open, we’re partnering with tourism operators on the ground to offer special flights to special destinations. Even though seats are limited, we think the awareness generated by these flights is a great way to get more people thinking about where they might holiday as we head towards summer.”
