A selection of savvy airlines are paying close attention to the zeitgeist, as the long-awaited Star Wars sequel looms. Episode VII: The Force Awakens has already smashed trailer-viewing records and superfans are even flipping out at news of the movie’s first word… (the first word uttered in the film will be “this”).
Emirates’ movie marathon
Ahead of the movie’s premiere on Thursday December 17, it’s been announced that Emirates customers will be given access to the first six Star Wars movies in January – the original blockbusters and the latter prequel trilogy – with a total running time of 14 hours 44 minutes. That’s enough time to fly from Dubai to New York City, even with a couple of bathroom breaks.
“We always aim to offer our passengers the best content on board and are delighted to bring the first six Star Wars movies to our screens. With a total run time of over 13 hours, customers could watch all six films at one go on some of our long haul flights,” said Patrick Brannelly, the company’s customer experience VP.
While Star Wars: The Force Awakens will be available on Emirates in early 2016, the airline already boasts 2,000 channels of on-demand viewing and over 500 movies.
The French connection
Air France stole Sci-Fi headlines when it began offering coveted Episode VII screenings a full two days ahead of the movie’s official premiere in Abu Dhabi. While those plans were reportedly nixed faster than the Millennium Falcon’s Kessel Run, the French flag carrier has joined the Light Side with a more legit offering.
Fans are being offered the chance to enjoy the spectacle a little early on December 16 in France, with a screening in English. The Flight & Cinema offer includes a movie ticket and a transfer from the airport to the movie theatre.
“After flying with Air France to Paris-Charles de Gaulle, you will experience the highest level of technology a theatre can provide, thanks to EuropaCorp CINEMAS,” reads the website description.
“With a 60 foot wide screen, 4K Dual Projector, HD 3D Dolby technology, and an immersive Dolby ATMOS sound system, which includes more than 40 surround sound speakers, you’ll remember this experience for a lifetime.”
All Nippon’s antics
After announcing its droid-themed Dreamliner back in April, Japan’s All Nippon Airways is now flying paying passengers in the aircraft. The R2-D2 aircraft is the first of three that ANA will fly with a Star Wars livery and two more will be in service on 777-300ER planes by next year, including new robotic character BB-8.
In addition to the intricates paint jobs, the airline’s Star Wars Project also includes movie-inspired images on headrest covers, napkins and cups and has attracted myriad ‘cosplaying’ fans, with all six current movies available on all 215 entertainment systems. Perhaps we’ll see the trend take off and Emirates’ First Class bar soon resemble the Mos Eisley Cantina.
