In the 1990s, mystery flights; day-trips with unknown destinations were popular. Airlines nowadays are coming up with various strategies to tackle the pandemic travel slump. Airlines and travel companies worldwide are taking a big hit. Thai Airways announcing its workforce slash by 50%. Fireflies and Malindo having to lay off a large bulk of their workforce. This downturn has led to government bailouts, company collapses, and huge job cuts with a severe drop in passenger numbers.
According to the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA), companies are trying hard to cope despite ‘the uneven roll-out of vaccinations across the world’. This will only delay the full reopening of borders.
As the latest tactic to market flights to passengers, Qantas offers to revive the 90’s trend of mystery flights. The flight takes off and land at the same airport after low-level fly-bys of iconic Australian landmarks.
International borders are unlikely to reopen until 2022. Therefore, the company had discussed with the government for domestic travel now that vaccination programs are underway.
Flights will be on one of three Qantas Boeing 737 planes from Brisbane, Melbourne, or Sydney. Economy fares beginning at A$737 (RM2,334.97).
This all-day package includes various activities. For instance, wine-making, gourmet lunches, and snorkeling.
Qantas group executive Andrew Parker said, “Travellers are confused by a patchwork of rapidly changing restrictions and are understandably worried about being locked out of their own home state or intended destination.”
In conclusion, with this effort, the tourism industry in the island continent could flourish again. This is to help boost people’s motivations in these trying times.
Source: BBC