'도착지 없는 비행' 코로나-19 속 항공사들 이색 상품

At a time when most people are stuck at home, unable to travel, and the global airline industry has been decimated by the pandemic, some airlines have begun launching flights that take off and return to that same airport a few hours later.
Some call these "scenic flights," others... "flights to nowhere."
Whatever they are, these flights allow airlines to keep staff working and for the customers, it satisfies that itch to travel - even if it's just being on a plane again.
The aviation industry's fight for survival in Covid-19, our Min Suk-hyen reports.
A group of students eagerly listen to a senior cabin crew member.
He briefs them on today's flight as they wait to board.
"The only catch is? It's a flight to nowhere."
South Korea’s carrier Air Busan is the first local airline to launch flights that start and end at the same airport.
Departing from Gimhae International Airport, the plane flies over Pohang, Seoul, Jeju and Gwangju before heading back to Busan.
During the two-hour flight, prospective flight attendants get to experience the duties of a flight attendant, including pre-flight announcements, safety checks and in-flight services.
"My assigned duty was passenger briefing, which is safety demonstration. It was very interesting and exciting that I could actually do it myself. I felt that I really became a flight attendant, so it was a valuable experience."
The hands-on training session also gave them fresh motivation.
“The airline industry is in a very difficult situation due to the pandemic… But flight attendants still work hard to provide a better service. Like them, we hope to work hard and continue to pursue our dreams.”
The airline says it plans to arrange similar round-trips for passengers, including one on New Year's Day for people to enjoy the first sunrise of the year.
"While a specific date hasn’t been set yet, we plan to offer similar flights to passengers as well. It could be short-haul domestic routes like today, or international routes."
A number of airlines abroad are already operating such flights for those wishing to take to the skies … and one of them is Tigerair Taiwan.
Arranged jointly by the Korea Tourism Organization, the airline took off for a flight around Jeju Island on Saturday, carrying 120 passengers.
Tickets for the deal were sold out in less than five minutes as many Taiwanese were excited to experience Korean arts and culture during their midair-trip.
For embattled carriers, "flights to nowhere" could be a new business model during the COVID-19 crisis.
Min Suk-hyen, Arirang News.