Qantas ‘flight to nowhere’ snapped up
With airlines around the world grounding thousands of planes due to Covid-19, airline carriers are looking for creative ways to generate revenue.
Some have taken to selling off inflight PJs and meals. But others have taken things a step further.
Singapore Airlines this week announced they are planning special flights to allow customers to relive the typical flight process from check-in to takeoff with a three-hour circuit of the island before landing in the exact same spot.
Now, Qantas passengers will be allowed to experience a similar ‘flight to nowhere’.
The Australian airline will operate a seven-hour scenic flight that will soar across the Northern Territory, Queensland and New South Wales to cater for frequent flyers desperate to experience life at 38,000 feet.
Passengers will board the airline’s ‘Emily’ Boeing 787 Dreamliner at Sydney Airport on October 10 for the ‘Great Southern Land’ flight.
The low-level fly-by will take in some of Australia’s most iconic landmarks including Uluru, Kata Tjuta, the Whitsundays, Gold Coast, Byron Bay and Sydney Harbour with passengers dining on a specially curated menu from restaurateur Neil Perry.
There were 150 seats listed at A$787 ($848) in economy, A$1787 ($1926) for premium and a few business class seats for A$3787 ($4081).
And though they were pricey, the flight sold out in record time yesterday. “We knew this flight would be popular, but we didn’t expect it to sell out in 10 minutes,” a spokesperson said. “It’s probably the fastest selling flight in Qantas history.”
Qantas Group chief executive Alan Joyce said he hoped the flights would “provide inspiration” for future trips when domestic borders began to ease.
“Just six months ago, we would have never imagined not being able to jump on a plane and visit family interstate or take a holiday internationally,” he said.
“While we may not be able to take you overseas right now, we can certainly provide inspiration for future trips to some of Australia’s most beautiful destinations.”
The flight launch comes days after the airline announced it might consider moving its headquarters from Sydney to another state, as the airline attempts to save millions of dollars amid the pandemic. news.com.au