Now that we are back to our mask-less daily routines and can see the expressions of people walking around the city, it feels good to see them. International travel is also starting to pick up, but there's still a bit of a hurdle to casually pressing the purchase button for an airline ticket.

I want to experience the excitement of traveling abroad without worrying about the prolonged depreciation of the yen. With that thought in mind, I visited "FIRST AIRLINES," which offers flights to destinations around the world from Ikebukuro. Since launching in 2016, it has been the world's first virtual aviation facility, offering a luxurious flight experience to 15 cities around the world.

My heart is filled with an overwhelming sense of anticipation just before traveling abroad.

FIRST AIRLINES is just two minutes away from Ikebukuro Station's C3 exit. In the building opposite Nishi-Ikebukuro Park is Ikebukuro International Airport, which delivers passengers to the world.

Once you open the door, you'll find yourself in a completely different space than you'd imagined. A departure board for planes is displayed above, and you're greeted by the sounds of an international airport, including people talking and airport announcements.

When it's time to board, you can check in. There is no need to check your passport, baggage inspection, or immigration. You are handed a limited edition passport and boarding pass that are only available to passengers, and can head straight to the plane.

The seats used by FIRST AIRLINES are the same ones that were actually used on Airbus 310 and 340. The travel guidebook attached to the seat and the monitor displayed in front of you add to the excitement.

The in-flight announcement came on and we were finally taking off. The seats vibrated, and the sounds of the pilot talking to the control tower and the plane running down the runway could be heard. Our first-class flight from Ikebukuro in the middle of the city to Hawaii, a popular tourist destination, had begun.

We want you to experience the excitement and realism of traveling abroad in a virtual setting.

Public relations officer Abe explains that the background to the creation of FIRST AIRLINES was the desire to make overseas travel more accessible and enjoyable.

"I feel that overseas travel is not something that can be done easily whenever you want, due to issues such as obtaining time off and financial issues. But I thought that if there was a place where people could experience such a trip, even if only in a simulated way, in a more familiar setting, many people would be happy."

▲The safety instructions were also realistically reproduced.

During the flight experience, passengers are enveloped in a sense of realism that makes them feel as if they are actually inside an aircraft. This can also be felt from the attentive service of the flight attendants, who ensure the safety of passengers and support a comfortable flight.

"The quality of service is a very important element of the airplane experience. To ensure that the simulated experience is as accurate as possible, we sometimes have former first-class flight attendants provide training."

An in-flight dining experience that aims to be delicious, special and satisfying

In-flight meals are one of the best parts of traveling abroad. On flights to Hawaii, a traditional Hawaiian appetizer plate, seasonal soup, and a hearty Hawaiian pork are served. After the meal, you can even enjoy Hawaiian pancakes and a drink.

▲While eating, you can digitally explore Hawaii's tourist spots on a tablet device.

First Airlines serves in-flight meals that match the image of each destination city. They not only provide a special dining experience, but also emphasize cost-performance so that passengers can fill their stomachs with quantity and deliciousness.

From reminiscing to preparing for a trip, there are many different uses.

During the flight, you can enjoy a virtual trip using VR technology. The itinerary for the Hawaii flight is supervised by Hawaii Tourism, and is guaranteed to include the best tourist spots.

"You can learn about virtual sightseeing and then go on a real trip, or choose a destination from your past travels and reminisce about your memories. We have experiences that everyone can enjoy."

From Ikebukuro, a city of mixed culture, to the world

▲After boarding, you will be given a stamp inspired by the country you visited.

The deciding factor for FIRST AIRLINES choosing Ikebukuro as its first destination was the city's unique character.

"Ikebukuro is a terminal station for many different lines, and it feels almost like an airport. The town has an appealing atmosphere, with new cultures gathering and new interesting things being born. We thought that a new type of content, a simulated overseas travel experience, would be well received."

Get excited about a country you've never been to, reminisce about a memorable place, celebrate an important anniversary... FIRST AIRLINES continues to bring smiles to many people's faces in Ikebukuro today.

FIRST AIRLINES
電話：03-6914-3353
住所：東京都豊島区西池袋3丁目31-5 パークハイムウエストビル8F
アクセス：
池袋駅C3出口から徒歩2分
池袋駅西口から徒歩6分
HP：https://firstairlines.jp/index.html
SNS：https://www.instagram.com/first_airlines/

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