ANA event turns parked aircraft into restaurant

Champagne flowed and fine food was served aboard an All Nippon Airways Boeing 777 aircraft on March 31 — but the plane’s wheels never left the ground. The food and drink were part of an event in which participants enjoyed the comfort of first-class or business-class seats while savoring a delicious repast aboard the plane parked at Haneda Airport in Tokyo.

The lunch for 56 people provided the feeling of embarking on an extravagant trip. It was followed by a separate dinner event that evening.

With flights drastically reduced due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, the airline planned the event as a way to make effective use of its planes. The Boeing 777 aboard which it was held is normally used for international flights.

Two courses were offered: ¥59,800 in a first-class seat and ¥29,800 in a business-class seat. Both prices included tax.

There were two types of meals, Japanese and Western, regardless of class, served by actual flight attendants. Champagne and other wine were also offered. The service was almost identical to that of an actual international flight, according to a company spokesperson.

After enjoying a first-class meal, a 35-year-old office worker said: “I was able to ride in the first class of my dreams, as if I were traveling abroad. The in-flight meal was very luxurious and I was very satisfied.”

The event has received a great response from the very beginning of the project, with preorders sold out. ANA plans to hold similar events in the future. (April 2)

The Yomiuri Shimbun A Western-style meal served in an ANA first-class seat on March 31, on the ground at Haneda Airport in Tokyo.