Asiana to offer scenic flights using Airbus A380s

Aviation Updates Philippines – South Korea's second largest carrier Asiana is adding itself to the list of airlines offering “flights to nowhere” amid international travel restrictions. 

 

Image: Asiana A380 at Kansai Airport, Osaka, Japan (Credit: Wikimedia)

Using the largest aircraft within its fleet – the Airbus A380s – Asiana plans to operate two scenic flights around South Korea towards the end of October (October 24/25). 

 

According to reports from the Korea Times and the Yonhap News Agency, the flights will depart and arrive at Incheon Airport. As it flies over South Korea, it will pass over Gangneung, Pohang, Gimhae and Jeju Island before landing. With social distancing measures in mind, the available seats will be 310 out of the full capacity of 495. 

 

The airline will provide inflight meals, and amenity kits. However, Asiana will be the first to offer air miles with 828 for business-suite class, 690 for business class and 552 for economy class. 

 

Regarding sales for the flights, a Korea Herald report stated seats for the two flights were sold out within 20 minutes after bookings were opened. 

 

The flights will be first in months that will carry passengers since the rising cases of COVID-19 infections in South Korea and globally. Asiana normally deploys the jets on on high capacity and/or long haul routes such as to Frankfurt, New York, Bangkok, and Los Angeles from its Seoul-Incheon hub. 

 

With the aircraft mostly dormant due to travel restrictions, Asiana has been reportedly been flying A380s to help keep their pilots certified due to the lack of flight simulators for the superjumbos. 

 

Asiana will join its fellow Star Alliance carrier All Nippon Airways (ANA) in using an A380 for its own version of the scenic flights.