The sky is the limit, when it comes to airlines inventing ways to make money out of the global travel slump and closed borders
- Nothing is off limits for airlines mired in their worst-ever crisis
- From fresh vegetables to peanuts and pyjamas, they’re selling almost anything to make it through the pandemic
When it comes to raising money, nothing is off limits for airlines mired in their worst-ever crisis. From fresh vegetables to peanuts and pyjamas, they’re selling almost anything to make it through the pandemic.
Even airlines that received government bailouts and slashed costs are looking for new revenue streams as they burn through cash while fleets are largely grounded and people stay at home. A recovery is expected to take years and cost carriers billions of dollars more.
Here’s a look at what airlines are peddling as they try to make up for the hit from Covid-19:
- Fly Over Antarctica
With its international fleet grounded until at least mid-2021, Australia’s Qantas Airways is renting out one of its Boeing Dreamliners for sightseeing trips over the southern ice cap.
Antarctica Flights is chartering the plane and crew from Qantas for seven trips between November and February. The flights last between 12 and 14 hours, and a business-class seat with full in-flight service costs A$7,999 (US$5,850).
- Pyjamas and Almonds
Qantas also sold items typically given away to premium passengers, including 10,000 sets of pyjamas that it said were snapped up in a matter of hours. The A$25 amenity packs usually doled out free to people in the front seats were available online and contained hand cream, tea bags, chocolate biscuits and smoked almonds, among other in-flight treats.
Qantas may also salvage something from its Boeing 747s, which were retired early due to the crisis. A spokesman said some of the cabin interiors, such as first-class tray tables, might be sold as memorabilia.
