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German airline to offer smoking, not non
How did this one get by me? An all-smoking airline!
Alexander Schoppmann is on the prowl for startup capital for an all-smoking airline. Once he gets the cash, he's going to lease two Boeing 747s and run a route from Dusseldorf to Tokyo. This doesn't do much for the few Americans who still prefer to light up, but if the Schoppmann can squeeze a profit out of this (which conventional airlines aren't even doing), maybe he'll export the idea.
If all goes according to plan, Smintair (for "Smoker's International Airways) will go wheels up for the first time next year. Each plane will accommodate 138 passengers, with no economy seating. You'll have to pay to play on Smintair, but if you have a serious tobacco jones, it could be worth the trouble – especially if you're stuck on a plane from Germany to Japan.
Schoppmann is looking to use the upper deck as a passengers' lounge, rather than cramming it with more seats. Smintair will be an upscale affair, so the poor and the nic-free should book their travel arrangements elsewhere. Flight attendants and pilots who aren't interested in a smoke-filled workplace, the company says, need not apply.
The price tag is hefty: approximately $56 million. Part of this will pay for an older approach to pushing fresh air through the cabin – instead of the cheaper systems being used now. Even with the barriers, Schoppmann is optimistic. I guess the former stockbroker has some solid connections.
Cigar smokers: if you're worried about discrimination, the hopeful founder remembers fondly the days when Lufthansa would serve a selection of Montecristos in flight.
[Via Blackbook]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Sean McLachlan Jul 17th 2009 4:44AM
Clever marketing idea, but you won't find me on that flight.
jim Jul 18th 2009 2:53PM
stayn off the plane chief why is it all your way or no way well dont be fat dont be gay no dirty thoughts and only one religion
Give them time you will see you refused to help protect my rights now i have none ,,.......your NEXT!!! MR. PERFECT
Chris Jul 17th 2009 8:53AM
Oh, man, I would have killed for something like this on my first ever international flight from DFW to GRU. 13 nic-free hours for the pack a day smoker I used to be was torture. I do remember quite fondly the lax attitude about smoking in public places down there, though. We had barely cleared the jetbridge when people were already lighting up.
Quitting was the best decision I've ever made, though. I've been smoke free for two years now and I can put in an easy half-hour on an elliptical without collapsing in a fit of coughing. It's very nice :)
Zach Jul 17th 2009 11:17AM
I didn't realize that many Germans smoked. I can see Asians loving this airline though!
Tom Johansmeyer Jul 17th 2009 11:18AM
Seriously, Zach. I remember the look on my roommate's face when we were stationed in Korea and he realized he could smoke in the mall. Hell, the look on my face must have been about the same.
marshall Jul 18th 2009 2:06PM
Anytime I'm on on a plane I wear a nicotine patch. I"m not quitting,but the patches are great for when you are stuck somewhere you can't smoke
linn Jul 18th 2009 2:14PM
So this new airline will be called "Die Here" or "Death in the Skies"...How sickening...but if they have such bad addictions, they will go. Gross
bob Jul 18th 2009 3:34PM
Hey Asshole, the whole world is not non smoiking and if smokers want a plce to go shut your fin mouth. You dont have to go there. Just like the TV change the channel if you dont like it. I dont smoke I am non smoker but I think they havve the right to haver a place of their own shut up
Brad Jul 18th 2009 2:34PM
Screw you non smokers. I say if I pay more tax's which I do I should be left to hell alone to smoke in peace. if you do not like it then spend more money and buy a ticket on a private jet. Just say no to discrimanation! Smoke smoke smoke... beside is it not this same cry baby that bitch's about me smoking getting into that SUV that I have to breath the fumes of as he drives by Jesus folks you can not run your life so leave me alone! And I don't even smoke anymore due to the fact I refuse to be one of the governments suckers. Grow your own to hell with narrow minded nose pickers
Melanie Jul 18th 2009 2:33PM
I give this airline about 10 minutes; if it ever actually launches.
sgentilejr Jul 18th 2009 2:50PM
About 30% of the population in Europe and Japan smoke cigarettes. Catering to smokers is a great idea, since smokers do not mind paying extra. Look at how much extra they waste each year on cigarettes. A 2 pack a day smoker in NYC pays ($16 per day) enough money for cigarettes each year to lease a new BMW 328 every year of his life.
Regardless if people smoke or not, ride a motorcycle or not, climb mountains or not, drive a vehicle or not, white water rapids raft or not, ski down mountains or not_____we are all going to DIE. The end result is ALWAYS the same regardless of how safe anyone wants to be. Health care costs are going up each year because people are living longer and the longer they live the HIGHER the health care costs, nursing home costs and pension costs and social security costs go. 70% of every health care dollar in the USA is spent on people over age 70.
Dying from old age with one body organ failing after another is no better or worse than dying from a heart attack or cancer. We are all going to DIE.
jim Jul 18th 2009 2:49PM
YES and AMEN in all fairness we now have superior technology to clean filter and remove yes even 1ppm ITS my hope that to be fair all ailrlines take this lead and embrace for those who do smoke its discrimination all your way but none my way well fu&* that. but dont worry about waiting inline for all you fat bas%^ards to get your burgers , cause guess what were comming after you!!!!!!! if you dont weigh within norms for height and age you to shall be getting fined and persacuted stick that in your pipe and smoke it chief!!
flyboyzii Jul 18th 2009 3:00PM
I don't smoke anymore (quit in '97) BUT I do chew tobacco. No, I don't spit it in a cup or anything. Hell, most people don't even know I chew until they see me put one in my mouth. I hope this guy makes it. As a pilot...gimme an application/ I'll fly for ya Mr. Schoppmann.
Mark Jul 18th 2009 3:12PM
It's high time! Bravo for Alexander...I wish you the best and would loan you the money in a heartbeat if I had it. It's high time people get off their soap boxes and
shut the F up about smokng and everything else that we humans do. Humans taking away others rights if a bunch of bs and American's have fallen prey to a
media that is dominated by avertising dollars and health system that is and has been on back order for fifty years or more. In fact, obsolete is the right word. Who in America is enjoying life these days?
Mark Jul 18th 2009 3:04PM
Where were you when I was still a smoker? Oh well, glad I quit though.
Frank Perfetti Jul 18th 2009 3:30PM
I don't think these people realize the aircraft maintenance problems that this would create. When the tar and nicotine gets coated on microswitches and servos it will cause numerous problems and could even create an emergency situation. That is the main reason the airlines went to nonsmoking.
SilverMine Jul 18th 2009 3:44PM
I hope he makes it work!!
I can't believe that congress is talking about not letting our service men and women smoke if they want to. Smoking might kill them!! Tell that to the ones in Iraq or Afganistan.
A smoker Jul 18th 2009 3:44PM
I believe we "smokers" have the right to smoke it is legal to buy them with Taxes that are outragious.... I am willing to buy a bar and name it " Smokers only". It is our right to have a cigarette if we want !!! I respect people who dont smoke If they dont smoke in a car I will wait for a rest stop to have one... I would rather smoke a cigarette in a car the Drink a beer in a car... Both are legal and we pay a heavy price in taxes I will not drink in a car or i would not get in a car after drinking.. I think a smoking Plane would be great I would definetly buy my tickets for that ride... They should have one now but no "pansy ass non smokers constantly Bitch about everything"...If they dont like the smoke MOVE YOUR ASS instead of us smokers bending over for you its about time things change, this is AMERICA we have the right to say and do thing within reason and legal..... Where do I sign up A DIE HARD BELIEVER IN FREEDOM AND TO HAVE A CIGARETTE WHEN AND WHERE I WANT.. AND THE 2nd amendment it also our given right
Shirley Jul 18th 2009 3:52PM
They are going to kill one another!
Karla Jul 18th 2009 4:02PM
For you dumb azz jerks who wish to smoke. It is your right, but why do we have to breathe in your cancer sticks? They should charge you over $5. on tax per pack, than see how long your will smoke. What has the tobacco company done for the people who died from smoking? Oh ..that's right, NOTHING. One city in California they have banned smoking completely. Even in your own condo, apartment, car, stores, parks, anywhere. Now that is justice for all. In N.Y. city we hear they are paying $10. a pack. ..That $10. could help the needy instead. Give the $10. per day, per pack you smoke to the homeless, charities, people who can't afford medical insurance. Don't smoke in our space is all I ask. Yes ..keep your panties on, I use to be a smoker till I could not breathe and was in a coma for two months due to a bad heart from smoking. I would never, never wish this on anyone. Stop now, before you learn too late. It's for your safety, not mine.