Fiji Sun

Air India Looks At The Flight To Nowhere Movement

- Source: Simple Flying Feedback: maraia.vula@fijisun. com.fj

Air India may soon be joining the growing list of airlines operating flights to nowhere.

Taiwanese carrier Starlux has already conducted several flights while Australia’s Qantas just launched its own scenic flight programme. Singapore Airlines likely to follow suit well.

October may see many more aircraft in the air, they just won’t be flying too far from home. is as

It was suggested that a widebody aircraft such as the Boeing 747 would be used for the service. But it is unclear whether the suggestion was made by the airline official or by the media source.

Air India’s scenic flight experience­s

India’s flag carrier is reportedly planning its own flight experience­s, which will have aircraft take-off and land at the same airport.

Most commonly nicknamed ‘flights to nowhere,’ these trips will offer the public an opportunit­y to get on an aircraft and take to the skies at a time when travel restrictio­ns are severely limiting where people can go. Airline officials familiar with the developmen­ts told the Hindustan Times that the “scenic joy flights” will give passengers an aerial tour of famous spots in India.

It will be flying at a low enough altitude to offer picturesqu­e views.

Still unconfirme­d and under considerat­ion by the airline are numerous details, including routes and locations, as well as pricing and aircraft.

“Yes, we are exploring the possibilit­y of starting a scenic flight service. Other details are to be decided,” said Air India spokespers­on.

It was suggested that a widebody aircraft such as the Boeing 747 would be used for the service.

But it is unclear whether the suggestion was made by the airline official or by the media source.

Which aircraft and routes could Air India fly?

While most sources have given the Boeing 747 as an example of a widebody aircraft that Air India could use, it wouldn’t be our first guess.

The airline has two other widebodies at its disposal: The 787 Dreamliner and the 777.

We’re guessing that the airline would follow Qantas’ lead and fly the 787. It’s the most efficient widebody aircraft available for Air India.

While it would be the lowest-capacity widebody jet, it could at least be filled closer to capacity with fewer passengers occupying middle-section seats. This is something to consider when a flight is centered around sightseein­g. As for routes, India has no shortage places.

The most notable Indian attraction, the famous Taj Mahal, would be a good candidate for a pass-by, especially with its proximity to Delhi.

A flight out of Delhi could also include some time up north to get a view of the mountains.

The forts of Rajasthan or the coastline of southern India might also look great from above.

Again, this is purely speculatio­n as the airline has not provided such details. of

Case counts considered

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While these scenic flights to nowhere will get around the need to cross internatio­nal borders, there is still the fact that a few hundred people will need to set foot in a confined space.

The mandatory masks, stringent cleaning and disinfecti­on, and high-quality air filtration are all aspects of air travel these days.

It should be noted that these experience­s have so far been sold in countries with much lower case counts.

As for India, active and new cases counts remain relatively high in many parts of the country. Therefore, there is the question if this is something the government and health authoritie­s would actually approve of. Source: Simple Flying.

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 ??  ?? Sources tell the media that the flights are likely to take place on a widebody aircraft.
Sources tell the media that the flights are likely to take place on a widebody aircraft.

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