Qantas is preparing to launch a special flight where guests can observe the second and last supermoon of 2021, which also coincides with a full lunar eclipse. Customers will enjoy cosmic cocktails and supermoon cakes as they view the rare phenomenon from 43,000 feet.
On Tuesday (May 11, 2021), Qantas announced the launch of an upcoming supermoon scenic flight for the second and last supermoon of 2021, which coincides with a full lunar eclipse, resulting in a rare double-phenomenon. The moon will be at its closest point on Wednesday, May 28th at 11:50 an AEST. While the total lunar eclipse will occur between 9:11 pm and 9:25 pm AEST. Guests aboard the one-off Boeing 787 Dreamliner flight will enjoy cosmic cocktails and supermoon cakes while watching the moon turn red against the night sky at 43,000 feet, the aircraft’s cruising service ceiling. CSIRO astronomer Dr. Vanessa Moss is working with the pilots to design the optimal flight path over the Pacific Ocean and will also join the flight to provide expert insights into supermoons and other astronomical phenomena.
In Tuesday’s announcement, Qantas’ Chief Customer Officer, Stephanie Tully, said,
“We have been absolutely overwhelmed with the popularity of our special flights. The recent mystery flights sold out within 15 minutes with hundreds of people on waiting lists and they keep telling us they want more. We are very excited to now be doing a supermoon scenic flight and the 787 has the largest windows of any passenger aircraft so it’s ideal for moon gazing. We think this flight has great appeal for anyone with a passion for astronomy, science, space photography, aviation or just keen to do something a little ‘out of this world’.”
The special three-hour supermoon flight will depart Sydney and begin a scenic flyover of Sydney Harbour, before climbing above the clouds to a cruising altitude of 43,000 feet for supermoon and full lunar eclipse viewing. The flight will operate with net zero emissions, with a 100% carbon offset. Tickets went on sale on Wednesday May 12, 2021 at midday, and with just over 100 seats available, will probably sell out fast. Fares start at $499 for Economy Class (with a Qantas Points earn of 1,500 points plus 20 Status Credits), $899 for Premium Economy (earning 2,500 Qantas Points and 40 Status Credits), and $1,499 for Business Class (With a 4,000 Qantas Point earn and 80 Status Credits).
In the video below, courtesy of Qantas, the airline’s Boeing 787 fleet Technical Manager, Captain Alex Passerini provides additional background on the upcoming supermoon scenic flight.
Source: Qantas
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