Khaldon Azhari

TOKYO: Japanese airline All Nippon Airways has come out with an innovative idea of reviving their business after it was hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The airline has started “The Wedding with ANA – In-flight Weddings.” These are held in aircrafts parked at airports to give the airline a way of securing some income.

It’s pushing the ceremonies as being “almost in the air” and can take place on a wide-bodied Boeing 777 passenger jet at Tokyo’s Haneda airport.

ANA’s marketing division told Arab News Japan that the company has not yet finalized if such weddings will continue after the pandemic is over, but they would like to continue to make various efforts to please their customers.

ANA is also looking at graduation ceremonies, politicians’ campaigns and even seminars.

ANA said the maximum number of participants for an on-board wedding is 30 people including the bride and groom. The wedding costs 1,555,000 yen ($14,200) but the cost doubles if the party wants a reception.

Only the wedding party is held on board an aircraft. Drinks and meals are not provided on the plane. As an option, a reception can be held at Galaxy Hall and restaurant at Haneda Airport Terminal 1, which frequently hosts weddings.

A pilot and cabin attendant will be present in uniform at the wedding and the pilot will perform the exchange of vows in lieu of a priest.

The wedding party is held in the business class and includes wedding vows, exchange of rings, declaration of marriage, presentation of certificates, etc.

The airline provides live music, an inflight announcement by cabin crew to congratulate the newly-weds and special lighting to project an image of the galaxy on the ceiling of the cabin, ANA said.

With the speed of corona vaccinations being accelerated in Japan, ANA stock price hit its highest this year at 2,951 Yen on June 10, a promising rise that boosts the airlines’ hope for a demand-led recovery of travel after the emergency declaration is lifted.