Have you ever flown on a sea turtle?
Well, now you can. Tapping into the spirit and excitement of a family vacation, the likeness of a flying sea turtle is now emblazoned in sky blue on the livery of a special edition A380 (the first in Japan!), the new crown jewel of the ANA fleet. The plane, the first of three new A380 airbuses to debut this year on ANA’s Tokyo-to-Honolulu route, launches this spring.
Why a sea turtle, you ask? Known as “honu” in the Hawaiian language, the green sea turtle is considered a sacred creature, symbolizing prosperity and good luck, and adored by the people of Hawaii. The illustration on the body of the plane was created by Chihiro Masuoka, a Tokyo graphic designer whose imagery was selected from an open design competition with over 2,000 submissions.
The flying honu sets the mood for the new A380, where special attention to detail is a signature. Flight attendants will sport aprons with a traditional Hawaiian floral pattern that also appears, with some variations, on the drink cups. Kids will be offered an inflatable flying honu to take home with them; the adorable sea turtle also appears on a beach bag for premium-economy passengers.
Creature comforts are another key theme on the new planes. First-class passengers will be able to wrap up in a cozy quilt from Japan’s famous Tokyo Nishikawa Sangyo. Also offered: organic cotton loungewear and a blanket made by the Japanese producer Tenerita. Business-class travelers will be provided with sheets, loungewear and a comforter and pillow set from Japan’s well-known high-technology bedding company Maruhachi. (The pillow is designed so that one side is soft and airy, while the other is more structured, to provide neck support.) Passengers traveling on ANA COUCHii will also have a dedicated bed sheet, pillow and blanket set.
In another push to maximize passenger comfort, first-class travelers will receive amenity kits designed in collaboration with the luxury English luggage manufacturer Globe Trotter. ANA also worked with Hollywood’s stylish Fred Segal brand to create business-class amenity kits, which are only available on the Honolulu route.
Extra care is taken with meals on this route through a range of gourmet collaborations. Between May and August 2019, passengers traveling first class will have their choice of food from Noe, the award-winning Italian restaurant located at the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, where Michelin-starred chef Ryo Takatsuka helms the kitchen. ANA will also collaborate with the Australian casual dining spot Bills to create a special economy-class menu for passengers departing from Japan. The menu is scheduled to run beginning May 2019 for one year. Passengers will also receive a special card that they can take to Bills Waikiki and exchange for a drink.
By offering everything from a great meal to a cocktail to a comfy coverlet in-flight, ANA extends some of the best vacation moments that are typically found only on the ground. After all, why shouldn’t the journey be a memorable part of the holiday experience?