Japanese carrier ANA (All Nippon Airways) is conducting another test flight to keep its stunning A380s current. However, this time it will be offering to take passengers on a tour which they promise will make them ‘feel Hawaii,’ even if they can’t go there yet.
A flight to nowhere on the Flying Honu
ANA’s beautifully liveried A380s haven’t seen much action this year. Specifically used for flights from Japan to Hawaii, the two A380s were grounded in March as Hawaii closed its borders. With borders planned to stay shut until at least the end of August, it looked like the giant jumbos were destined to spend most of the summer on the ground.
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Of course, parking an A380 for an extended period of time is not a simple as all that. Stress on the landing gear means it is necessary to jack it up every 90 days and rotate the gears. To avoid this, ANA has been undertaking occasional maintenance flights to keep the A380s in good shape.
The emerald green Flying Honu took to the skies at the end of last month, meaning it should be OK to rest on the ground until September. However, it seems that the time has rolled around for the original blue A380 to do its maintenance flight. This time, however, ANA plans to carry passengers on this flight to nowhere.
Details of the flight
ANA’s special charter flight will take place on August 22nd, departing from Tokyo’s Narita Airport. Passengers will check in from 11:00 that morning and will board the A380 at around 14:00.
The flight will last around 90 minutes, during which time passengers will be treated to a sightseeing tour over Japan. To help passengers feel Hawaii, they’ll be given a number of special treats while onboard.
For those flying in economy, unique souvenirs will be presented, including a boarding certificate, a HONU rucksack, and an exclusive ‘Eco Set’ of bamboo cutlery and luggage tags. In premium economy, a specially designed Eco Bag will be handed out too.
Up in business class, every passenger will be given a Fred Seagull amenity kit and a thermo mug complete with ANA Hawaii branding. In first, passengers will get a Globe Trotter amenity kit as well as an ANA Hawaii hydro flask. All premium passengers will also get a travel voucher for future ANA flights worth 5,000 yen (about $50).
Every passenger will also be awarded 380 miles for the ANA Mileage Club. Those who arrive in Hawaiian shirts will get a Flying Honu airplane balloon! The flight will feature the usual ANA hospitality, including a drinks service, but no food.
Booking opens today
The flight, unfortunately, is not free of charge. Ticket prices range from 14,000 yen ($130) for the cheapest economy class seats up to 50,000 yen ($500) for first class. Bookings opened at 12:00 local time today and will be open for application until Monday, July 27th, at 09:00.
ANA anticipates high demand for this flight and has, therefore, said it will allocate tickets on a lottery basis. This means tickets do not to be paid for at the time of booking but will need to be funded as soon as the flight is awarded.
While the joyride is a bit of a gimmick for its passengers, the flight to keep the aircraft current is a positive sign. Undoubtedly, as soon as Hawaii opens up again, ANA will be back in the skies with its ‘flying sea turtles’ taking happy holidaymakers to the island state.
Would you like to take a trip on the ANA A380? Let us know in the comments.
