Following poor financial results for the company in 2009, and after announcements that service routes will be trimmed back in 2010, a Japanese airline will be bumping up the perks in order to stimulate business on trans-continental flights.
In addition to better food on board including a full Sushi Bar at the rear of the plane and Kobe Beef as an entrée option, the seating on the planes will be modified as well. Engineers will remove the aisle seats from both sides of the airplane to allow for a stage down the center. Executives will now be featuring live entertainment including Kabuki Dancing and sanctioned Sumo Matches.
Most Japanese found the changes to be positive, commenting that they would indeed choose the airline for longer over-water flights. American and European travelers were less excited about the changes. "The Japanese seemed to be informed enough of the changes to book window seats, while the new aisle seats were filled with western travelers", said Sir Winston Chutney from Nottingham. "As soon as the Sumo Match started we were inundated with sweat and rolls of Sumo fat, literally pressed in our faces."
Airline officials are looking into a change in the sporting event format based on those criticisms, and are considering Jai Alai or table tennis as alternatives.
"Though I'll have to admit", says Sir Winston, "The beef was especially exquisite and the Kabuki Dancers were quite lovely". A fellow traveler leaned over to Sir Winston and mentioned that all Kabuki Dancers were men, dressed as women. "Right, then", followed Sir Winston, "The beef was especially nice. Nothing else."
Future flights to France and Spain will feature the expanded menu with stage performances by the Cirque du Soleil, with a Professional Bull Fighting feature event.
