Japan's Idled Airliners Fly For Sightseeing
Japanese airlines are offering people a chance to revisit the joys of flying while the coronavirus pandemic limits air travel. They are arranging special sightseeing flights to let passengers enjoy the views from the skies.
Japan Airlines is planning a 3-and-a-half-hour flight that leaves Narita Airport and returns there on September 26. Passengers will be able to enjoy views of the sunset and star-lit sky. They will dine on in-flight meals supervised by noted chefs that are normally served on the carrier's Hawaii route.
All Nippon Airways staged a Hawaii-themed flight to and from Narita in August. It is planning another one this month, using the double-decker Airbus A380.
Both carriers have cut or canceled 90 percent of their international flights and 40 percent of domestic services due to COVID-19.
Aircraft need to be flown periodically to maintain their airworthiness. The airlines plan to operate the pleasure flights regularly. They are also using the idled planes to carry cargo.
