The first “Lani” and the second “Kai” are already in use on the current 10 weekly flights (two round-trips per day) on the route, but the third “La” has finally entered service after approximately three years, due to a significant delay in the originally scheduled receipt and introduction of the new Corona.
On October 20, ANA held a ceremony in front of the boarding gate for NH182, the first flight from Narita (21:30) to Honolulu, to mark the inaugural scheduled flight of the third Airbus A380 “FLYING HONU” on the Narita – Honolulu route.
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Captain Nobuo Nagaoka introduced the aircraft, saying, “We are very sorry for the long wait, but the nickname of the aircraft is “Ra,” which means sun in Hawaiian, and the orange fuselage represents the beautiful sunset in Hawaii.
Honu (sea turtles) have been called ‘guardian gods that bring happiness’ since ancient times, and are lucky creatures. I hope all passengers will be blessed and enjoy their flight to the fullest,” he said.
Mr. Koshi Oka, Executive Officer and Manager of Narita Airport Branch of All Nippon Airways said, “All of us have been working together to prepare for this flight. Each of the three FLYING HONU planes has a different color, but the third plane has a very cute design with clear eyes, so we hope you will take a picture of it and travel with us.
He then encouraged passengers to “enjoy the exciting in-flight experience and the trip to Honolulu.
The ceremony was attended by three stuffed animals, and “Honu fans” who boarded for the first flight, as well as families with small children, enjoyed taking commemorative photos before boarding. Commemorative gifts such as eco-bags and stickers were handed out after passing through the ticket gate and on board the aircraft, and “Itterashaimase” banners and decorated carts were available at Ramp 45, where the aircraft was parked.
NH182, with 320 passengers (including 8 infants), blocked out at 21:24 and took off at 21:41, flying to Honolulu with a large crowd of ANA employees, volunteers, and media.
© Source travel watch