Low-cost carrier Peach Aviation has launched a new flight service that allows users to flexibly build their itineraries according to their needs, such as scenic flights and charter flights.
In the scenic flight business, major airlines including All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines have delved into this route to make up for the large drop in income caused by the coronavirus pandemic. But normally, the dates and itineraries decided by the airlines are recommended to prospective customers.
As more and more schools cancel their school trips -- usually taken by train -- due to the spread of the novel coronavirus, Peach Aviation, based at Kansai Airport, is accepting personalized requests for chartered flights to fill the gap.
The LCC held the first such scenic flight to and from Kansai Airport on Nov. 29 for about 40 members of the Kansai-skyfriend Association, a group of aviation enthusiasts in local elementary, junior high and high schools.
The route, including a 2-1/2-hour flight over the Seto Inland Sea and Kyushu, was decided by the group members themselves in consultation with the airline's staff. During the flight, the students listened to the pilots and other staff as they described the mechanics of the aircraft engine and other aspects of the aircraft.
"I haven't been able to fly for a year because of the spread of the coronavirus," said one of the participants, a 14-year-old boy. "I could get a great look at the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge from the window. It was so beautiful," he said with a smile.
Peach Aviation Chief Executive Officer Takeaki Mori said, "We want to make the best use of our aircraft to recover our revenue as much as possible and survive."
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