Sun, Oct 15, 2006
A German Entrepreneur Has Plan For 'New' Idea
How would like to enjoy
a nice fat Cuban cigar with your caviar the next time you fly
commercial? Sound like a joke? Well, if German businessman
Alexander Schoppmann has his way, the next time you fly from
Dusseldorf to Tokyo, that's just what you'll get... seriously.
Schoppmann, a 55-year old former German stockbroker, wants to
create a haven for the persecuted smoker. He has a business
plan for an airline called Smoker's International Airways, or
Smintair. The carrier will offer service between his hometown of
Dusseldorf, Germany and Tokyo, Japan.
Schoppmann told the Associated Press, "I've been an airline
passenger for 50 years. It made me very angry that the gap between
service and price became so big with regular airlines. Especially
in the first class and business class, service is at its lowest
point ever."
To Schoppmann, a pack-and-a-half-day smoker, airline service
should focus on helping people deal with the long idle hours during
transcontinental flights. He believes that should include, not
surprisingly, puffing on a Cohiba if one wishes.
Schoppmann plans to begin service in March with three leased
747s. Two will fly the route while the last provides for
backup.
Schoppmann's "new" idea
is to bring back the "old days" when flying was a luxury. His 747s
will seat only 138 passengers between the business and first class
sections.
Apparently, there is some interest in Schoppmann's idea -- he
says he has $81 million in start up funds from various
investors.
All smokers we hope...
More News
Inversion to Launch Reentry Vehicle Demonstrator Aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 This fall, the aerospace startup Inversion is set to launch its Ray reentry demonstrator capsule aboard Spac>[...]
"We are excited to accelerate the adoption of electric aviation technology and further our journey towards a sustainable future. The agreement with magniX underscores our commitmen>[...]
"The journey to this achievement started nearly a decade ago when a freshly commissioned Gentry, driven by a fascination with new technologies and a desire to contribute significan>[...]
Aero Linx: OX5 Aviation Pioneers Each year a national reunion of OX5 Aviation Pioneers is hosted by one of the Wings in the organization. The reunions attract much attention as man>[...]
"Our driven and innovative team of military and civilian Airmen delivers combat power daily, ensuring our nation is ready today and tomorrow." Source: General Duke Richardson, AFMC>[...]