All Nippon Airways (ANA) is making the most out of its grounded aircraft by launching a dining experience on one of its parked Boeing 777s this week. The Japanese carrier is providing a $540 first-class meal service on the widebody sitting at Tokyo Haneda.
A pricy affair
The initiative first launched yesterday and more slots have been added for April. However, these have all sold out rapidly. A first-class seat costs “passengers” a whopping ¥59,800, which is approximately $540. Additionally, customers can choose a business-class option for ¥29,800, just over $250.
According to Nikkei Asia, 56 people boarded the 777-300ER on launch day, and they could choose from three food options in advance. The offerings are Japanese-style, Western-style beef, or Western-style fish. Guests have highlighted that the experience is drastically different per cabin, but there is plenty of space overall.
ANA, which calls the service a “restaurant with wings,” said the following in a statement:
“The Boeing 777-300ER aircraft used on ANA international flights was parked at Haneda Airport and made it a restaurant for a limited time.In addition to enjoying the first and business class in-flight meals offered on long-haul international routes, ana’s unique drink menu, including champagne and wine, will be prepared, and flight attendants will welcome you like a real flight.”
Adapting to the climate
The global health crisis continues to rock operations around the world, causing airlines to think about the box to generate revenue and make use of their aircraft. Amid ongoing travel restrictions, 44 aircraft in ANA’s holdings are currently parked. Moreover, 21 units of its 777 fleet are on the ground.
While passenger activity remains low compared with before the pandemic, cargo flights have had greater prominence. Therefore, ANA’s 777 freighters have had additional responsibilities. For instance, the airline announced last month that it is employing 777Fs on cargo freighter flights between Los Angeles and Tokyo Narita Airport. Overall, for the whole of March, the carrier expected to perform a total of 2,349 cargo trips, a monthly record high for the company.
With just under half of the passenger 777s on the ground, it’s not a surprise that ANA is looking to utilize the type in some way. International flights are likely to continue to be limited for several more months. So, there probably won’t be any rush to get this restaurant in the skies.
Industry efforts
ANA follows several other operators across the globe that have been creatively adapting their aircraft. For example, Singapore Airlines offered lunch on a stationary Airbus A380 last October. The launch sold out in just 10 minutes at a price of £380 per meal. Other carriers are offering flights to nowhere in a bid to keep travel-deprived passengers in the air.
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Altogether, despite some hefty price tags for a single meal, airlines launching these aircraft restaurant services don’t seem to be having a problem selling their meals. So, it won’t be a surprise to see ANA adding more dates throughout the year.
Simple Flying reached out to ANA for further comment on its Boeing 777 dining experience. We will update the article with any further announcements from the airline.
What are your thoughts about ANA offering restaurant service on a grounded Boeing 777? Do you feel that this is a good move by the carrier? Let us know what you think of the initiative in the comment section.
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