All Nippon Airways is preparing to redeploy its largest aircraft back on its Tokyo to Hawaii leisure route. Welcome back Flying Honu – or the Airbus A380.
ANA’s Flying Honu – Image, Airbus.
The airline will resume operation of the Airbus A380 “FLYING HONU” for flights between Japan and Hawaii beginning July 1 as international passenger demand continues its recovery, scaling the airline’s Toyko to Honolou operation to a daily service.
ANA will also increase the flight frequency on the Tokyo Haneda – Honolulu route from May, and from July 1 together with the Tokyo Narita – Honolulu route, the flight frequency between Tokyo and Hawaii will be further increased to deliver flights on a daily basis.
Planned operation per ANA:
- Between 28th May 2022 and 30th June 2022, NH186/NH185 will operate four times a week (Monday. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) with a Boeing 787 from Tokyo Haneda.
- Between 1st July and 29th October, two sets of flights will operate
- NH186/NH185 will operate five times a week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday) with a Boeing 787-9 from Tokyo Haneda
- NH184/NH183 will operate twice a week (Friday and Saturday) with an Airbus A380 from Tokyo Narita
ANA’s Flying Honu fleet is made up of three Airbus A380 aircraft, the first of which entered service in May 2019 and is painted in blue to represent the Hawaiian blue sky. The second aircraft is emerald green which is inspired by the crystal clear water of the Hawaiian ocean. Finally, the third A380 features livery in orange inspired by the Hawaiian sunset.
A major capacity increase
It’s a big step for ANA, as they re-introduce the Airbus A380 back to its long haul operation.
Let us not forget what the Airbus A380 brings – capacity. At peak, ANA’s Boeing 787-9 can yield 246 in each direction. From 28th May, this will equate to 984 seats a week.
Once the A380 returns – which can hold up to 520 passengers per aircraft, ANA will be deploying 1230 seats with its 787-9 and 1040 seats with its Airbus A380 – a total of 2,270 seats a week – doubling capacity in a stroke, with lots to spare.
It will be up to ANA to capitalise on the passenger demand, as well as the popularity of the Airbus A380.
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