Airlines Turn to "Flights to Nowhere" as COVID-19 Restrictions Hamper Travel Industry

Strategic Insights -

With international travel restrictions in place, airlines are getting creative to generate revenue. In Taiwan, Eva Air and China Airlines are offering "flightseeing" trips, while Qantas is set to take passengers on tours over Antarctica. These flights, which depart and land at the same airport, offer a unique experience for travelers eager to break the monotony of lockdown. The concept, which includes tickets starting from around £140, is gaining popularity among Taiwanese citizens, who are yearning for international travel.

Key Takeaways:

  • Eva Air and China Airlines in Taiwan are offering "flightseeing" trips, which depart and land at the same airport, to cater to travelers' desire for international travel.
  • The flights, which last around 2-3 hours, offer food from Michelin-starred chefs and feature scenic views of Taiwan and Japan's Ryukyu Islands.
  • Qantas, the Australian flag carrier, will resume its Antarctica flightseeing tours over the White Continent, which take up to 13 hours and reward passengers with rugged views.
  • The flights are a response to the international travel market's suspension, which has lasted over half a year, and aim to satisfy travelers' desire for a unique experience.
  • The services are slightly bizarre, with some passengers able to reserve window seats for the entire flight, while others are stuck in the middle.
  • Antarctica Flights assures that ample viewing can still be achieved by walking to any available window space or exit zone.
  • The concept of "flights to nowhere" might become a permanent fixture in the commercial air travel industry, with British Airways considering "air cruises" in the future.

Statistics:

  • The international travel market has been suspended for over half a year.
  • Eva Air's flightseeing trip costs around £140 for a ticket, with an additional £25 to upgrade to business class.
  • Qantas' Antarctica flightseeing tour takes up to 13 hours and features around 19 different flight plans.
  • The Dreamliner 787 aircraft used for the Qantas tour can seat more than 300 passengers.
  • 10,000 feet is the cruising altitude of the Qantas tour over the ice.

Sources:

  • "Taiwanese airlines launch 'flights to nowhere' to satisfy travelers' desire for international travel" - [AFP](https://www.afp.com/com dünyanın/Taiwanese-airlines-launch-fly-flight-nowhere-satisfy-travellers-desire-international-travel)
  • "Qantas to resume Antarctica flightseeing tours" - [7NEWS.com.au](https://au.news.yahoo.com/qantas-resume-antarctica-flightseeing-tours/)
  • "British Airways considers 'air cruises' as new trend emerges" - [The Telegraph](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/news/british-airways-considers-air-cruises-new-trend-emerges/)