It is that time of year again for airlines and organizations related to aviation to come out with crazy stories for it being April Fools’ Day. Once again, we will try and track them down and share them. If you see others that are not covered here, leave something in the comments.
This is something that AvGeeks might like, but probably not most passengers. Image from Virgin Atlantic.
VIRGIN ATLANTIC TO OFFER SEE-THROUGH FLOORS:
From Richard Branson: I’m thrilled to announce that Virgin has created another world-first with the introduction of the technology required to produce the world’s first glass-bottomed plane. This technological innovation coincides with the start of Virgin Atlantic Airways’ first ever domestic service to Scotland.
In 1984 we started the wonderful airline that is Virgin Atlantic. I am incredibly proud of yet another aviation breakthrough which has been years in the making. I can’t wait to experience the first flight for myself with my family and other natural born explorers.
Read more and see some pretty sweet mock-up photos…
Take a Southwest Airlines hot air balloon. Image from Southwest Airlines.
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES ADDS HOT AIR BALLOONS
From the airline: When you’re flying nearly 500mph at 35,000 feet above ground, life passes by pretty fast. Sure, Southwest has a suite of things to keep you entertained inflight: Video on Demand; WiFi; Live at 35; hilarious Flight Attendants. Heck, we’ve even transported a miniature seeing-eye horse, and a couple endangered sea turtles. But figuratively, you can’t have the hare without the tortoise.
Realizing the possibility that slow and steady may truly win the race, the answer became clear: it was time to float the grandest idea Southwest has ever had. It was time to take things slow. The tortoise and the hare. Hot air balloons and Boeing 737’s, soaring fancy free, albeit at distinctly different altitudes, and at significantly separate speeds.
Flying does not have to be “ruff” any longer. Image from Virgin America.
MAIN CANINE SELECT WITH VIRGIN AMERICA
From the airline: We’re of the mind that man’s best friend shouldn’t get the raw deal when flying long distances, so we partnered with Boo, World’s Cutest Dog and our very own Pet Liaison to throw furry flyers a bone. Over the last year (and with Boo’s doggy design expertise) we’ve converted our first class cabin into a space as tricked out as our state-of-the-art digs at SFO’s Terminal 2.
See more images and learn more…
JetBlue adding more destinations? Probably not really these ones. Image from Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren.
JETBLUE FLYING TO THREE NEW DESTINATIONS
From the airline: We’re excited to announce three tantalizing new destinations, expanding this fun-loving airline’s borders to three new countries and giving travelers more options for flying to some of the farthest-reaching dots on the globe, including:
- April River Airport (APR) in Papua New Guinea;
- Ilford Airport (ILF) in Manitoba, Canada; and
- Gold Coast Airport (OOL) in Coolangatta, Australia
Customers looking to climb an active volcano in Rabaul Caldera, experience a new sub-zero Canadian vacation spot or visit their Coolangattan relatives can now hop a flight with their favorite, customer service-friendly carrier. Once-daily flights to all three new destinations will be offered from our existing stations in Portland, Maine and Aquadilla, Puerto Rico. Twice-weekly flights will also be offered between Papua, New Guinea and Coolangatta, Australia with connecting service in Ilford, Canada(a).
More room for the arms. Image from Delta.
DELTA DOUBLE DECKER ARM REST
Posted on Delta’s Twitter account: Introducing the new Double Decker Armrest coming soon to the middle seat. More arm space. Less elbow rubbing.
WestJet’s new animal policy might be a Baaaaad idea. Image from WestJet’s video.
ALL ANIMALS ON BOARD WESTJET
From the airline: WestJet today announced the easing of restrictions on pets in the cabin. All WestJet flights will now allow for any type of animal to travel in the cabin provided it fits safely on board the aircraft.
“We recognize that a growing number of families want to travel with their ‘extended’ family and we are proud to be the first airline to offer this type of service,” said Richard Bartrem, WestJet’s Vice-President, Communications and Community Relations.
Thanks Allen for finding this one.
Be sure to check out WestJet’s video…
Air Malta to buy a Hawker Hunter?
AIR MALTA BUYS A FIGHTER JET
From the Malta Independent: Air Malta has bought a 1950s privately owned two-seater Hawker Hunter fighter jet. The historic airworthy military aircraft will be painted in Air Malta’s new livery and will be used to generate new revenue streams for the airline. The aircraft will also be used to promote Air Malta and the Maltese Islands abroad by participating in a number of air shows around the world.
Plans have already been made by the airline for a soon-to-be-launched novel product ’˜Jet Fighter Adventure Flights’ – an adrenalin rushing thrill seeking fighter aircraft experience that has become very popular in several countries around the world. These flights-of-a-lifetime will be available for purchase on the airline’s website www.airmalta.com.
With its sleek design, brilliant handling and maneuverability, the Hawker Hunter aircraft will offer customers the opportunity to experience a historic flying adventure. The classic Hunter was one of the best transonic jet fighter aircraft and formed the backbone of the Royal Air Force’s jet fighter squadron in the late 1950s. The aircraft was withdrawn from active service in 1995. During the 1960s and 1970s Hawker Hunter aircraft were a common sight at Malta’s Luqa airfield.
PREVIOUS AIRLINE JOKSTERS:
http://flyairnorth.com/DealsAndNews/News.aspx?newsID=36