I hope ANA will keep all 3 Flying Honu in service to Honolulu for many years to come.
I saw all 3 planes before they were put in service. Saw them at Hamburg Finky out of the paint shop.
I took a day trip to Toulouse Blagnac to see the third (Orange) Honu "Lah" off to Narita.
I have 6 flights so far.
I flew on the first inaugural flights NRT-HNL-NRT 24 05 2019 doing the turn around landing in Honolulu, going through customs and immigration and returning to the lounge for the return flight to Narita..
They had an inaugural ceremony to launch the plane with Hula dancers, presentations and speeches by the CEO and other ANA VIPs followed by some kind of baptism with drums and more dancers..
All passengers received a box with pre-boarding gifts and memorabilia as we boarded the plane.
My next 4 flights were with Lah the Orange Honu. I intended to take the Green plane inaugural flight but I was prevented from doing it by Covid19 restrictions so I waited all that time and I set myself up for the Orange A380 first inaugural flight.October 20 2023. The date happened to be just a few days before my birthday.
There was a gate presentation with cute dancing Honu characters, a banner and a speech by the Captain. It was all a happy time.
I managed a few days in Honolulu this second time around. I am very familiar with the islands. I had done heaps of mileage runs with the old United - with the U (Tulip) on the tail long before any A380 would ever enter service. My return flight to Japan was again with the Orange Honu.... and again the same Captain!! I have all the signed cards by the flight deck and cabin crews. They are wonderful memorabilia.
I have the three Honu stuffed toys. They are so cute. These were my third and fourth Honu flights.
My latest flights, the 5th and 6th, were again... with the Orange plane, both ways. This was April of this year 2024.
I always come a long way to do the flights. Europe to Japan and Japan to Hawaii. Flying with the Honu is worth all the energy and jetlag. I tried to see if the Green Honu (Kai) was anywhere nearby and I could change the flight, to no avail. It was Lani, the blue plane so I did not bother. All was normal this time No ceremonies. I spent time in the airport watching planes and doing lounge hopping until it was time for boarding my flight to Honolulu.
I find Lah is very cute. Naughty but cute. She is sexy and enticing with her pretty eyes. She is always smiling.
The lower deck was practically empty on my return flight from Honolulu a few days later. Full rows of seats with no passengers. I purchased buy on board scale models of the three planes to take home. I received some nice bonus stickers and postcards.
Talking to one of the chief stewardesses she explained that First and Business were fully booked and so was Premium in the back of the upper deck. That alone pays for the flights and for as long as the upper deck gets filled up, which is most always the case, all will be well. She said the lower deck varies. It can be more or less full depending on times.
I always make time for going plane spotting at NRT from prime locations and getting pictures. I have my favourite airport hotels with views.
I am definitely planning to fly again before the year's end. I will have to take the Green Honu (Kai) i will see how I can trick it. Maybe using air miles. A window seat on the lower deck will do.
Maybe spend a few days on the Big Island depending on weather.
Enjoy Flying Honu! ANA always comes up with beautiful painted planes. So much creativity. It all came from a "design the new planes" contest.
I don't see Flying Honu ending their service any time soon.