ANA A380 Flying Honu Inaugural Flight Tokyo Honolulu

ANA All Nippon Airways have started flying their Airbus A380 "Flying Honu" between Tokyo Narita and Honolulu on 24 May 2019. I was among the first passengers to fly on the inaugural flight. There were lot of good celebrations at the boarding gate and on-board.
This is a detail trip report of the first ANA A380 “Flying Honu” themed flight in Business Class. Throughout the video, I also looked into other unique features on this ANA flight including ANA Couchii, economy class and premium economy. In next video, I will review ANA A380 First Class from Honolulu to Tokyo.
See my other videos on the ANA A380 Flying Honu:
ANA A380 Delivery ceremony: • ANA First A380 "FLYING...
ANA A380 Cabin Tour: • ANA A380 Flying Honu C...
Subscribe to my channel, Sam Chui, for more aviation, trip report and flight report videos.
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On 24th May 2019, following on from my video exploring the delivery of All Nippon Airway’s first, brand new Airbus A380 Flying Honu aeroplane, decorated in a spectacular, lively and bright blue sea turtle themed livery, I took the A380 Flying Honu’s first ever, inaugural flight from Narita International Airport, close to Tokyo, Japan in the Chiba district to Honolulu, Hawaii in the United States in ANA business class.
It was a very enjoyable flight and experience and even before I boarded, I had the honour of witnessing the ceremony to mark the inaugural flight of the Flying Honu with music, dancing and a set of very cute, life-sized plush turtles, each one representing one of the blue, green and orange ANA Flying Honu liveries - look out for these guys later in the video, as they feature in what has to be the world’s cutest pre-flight safety video you’ve ever seen!
Before flying, I meet the designer of the blue, sea turtle aeroplane livery and I also meet Yuji Hirako, the CEO and president of ANA, who gives out free gifts to myself and all the passengers, including a special fold up bag and fun, souvenir Honu ANA Hawaii t-shirts!
On board, I have the opportunity to examine the on-board facilities and service. The aeroplane is very geared towards looking after families with young children. Its Couchii section in economy class provides an area for young families where children can lounge and lie across multiple seats - groups of four seats have cushions which, when lifted up, form one long seat to lounge back on as if you were in business class! It’s great for young children to be able to take a nap when they need it and it promotes a more relaxed atmosphere for young families, with children who may find it hard to be restricted to a single seat for the whole flight, especially on a long haul flight from Japan to the United States like this one.
The child friendly facilities don’t end there - I take the chance to assess the nappy changing room on board, which has been designed with baby’s needs in mind from start to finish, and I also look at the dedicated baby food and even baby cutlery provided on board - All Nippon Airways new flying Honu is definitely an aeroplane that you can trust to get you and your children from A to B in comfort and in an environment which is a home from home.
The inaugural flight of the flying Honu is the perfect time for me to check out the on-board catering. I go for the Japanese option which consists of a large number of smaller items including beef, fish, other seafood, rice and fruit - the appetiser, the starter (soup), the main meal and the dessert are all served together on one tray so that you can eat it at your leisure - the service was a little slow, but I’m sure this will improve in time; the quality of the food, however, was excellent.
I have a lie down after my meal - the sleeping arrangements in business class consist of a long bed with plenty of room; just watch that you don’t get your feet stuck!
Throughout the video, I have the chance to discuss this special, maiden flight of the ANA Flying Honu with fellow aviation enthusiasts and people who people who live and breathe the Airbus A380. It’s great to hear other people’s opinions on this maiden flight and I want to hear your opinion too - let me know what you thought of the whole experience down in the comments section below and, as always, thanks for watching!

[@SamChui]

Thank you for your kind support. I've spent the whole night (about 10 hours) in editing (plus hours of filming on the plane) so it's time to sleep now after the content is made. (Who said my life is easy? ;P) Stay tuned next week for the Flying Honu ANA A380 First Class Review!

[@alexrobins5240]

Sam Chui Yeah love your videos from England! Keep up the great work 👍

[@manuelfarias6002]

Enjoy your sleep Sam

[@harrydoherty8299]

Liked like everyone enjoyed this event .video looked new and fresh.I could feel the excitement.

[@BlazedKitten86]

Thanks for all your hard work in editing and putting these videos out. I like to live vicariously through you and travel the world! 😉

[@smartmoneyinstitution9279]

Premium content Sam, many thanks

[@lareehart2758]

That is one of the coolest liveries I’ve ever seen on an A380! Awesome!

[@SamChui]

Indeed. Love the ocean blue and turtle.

[@Oliveira-mm9no]

have you seen the A380 by the portuguese HiFLY? It's pretty beautiful also

[@lareehart2758]

Leonard Andrei because I like delta a lot

[@LeeAviation]

Leonard Andrei He just likes delta 😂

[@LeeAviation]

Leonard Andrei Because why not...and why u so curious? 😂

[@user-mi7hx1iu5g]

Japan is a wonderful country, got a chance to Japan last week to Kansai first and fly back from Haneda.It left a deep impression on me.

[@jazzbarker9514]

Japanese service is world class 😍 Their level of respect is amazing. Bowing to passengers as they board 🙌

[@stapler3063]

That’s probably the cutest Safety vid ever 😍😍

[@SamChui]

Yeah it was so cute!

[@MuhammadArif-ko3fx]

Airbus A380 this is great aircraft

[@Adam-wf7xk]

@@SamChui let's get to New Zealand I have your Instagram

[@kajiuman685]

@@SamChui do the aivacan

[@epicjaxon87]

@@MuhammadArif-ko3fx it is good!

[@paulsolaman4729]

Japan is really above everything when it comes to service

[@truevices]

Yup, I love their hospitality.

[@yourneighborhoodwierdo8349]

they're like a light year ahead of the rest of the world

[@tckrmassa5967]

Sam chui, your the best aviation youtuber I've ever seen. Great job on the videos. I hope I can see you on future flights. Goodluck!!!

[@SamChui]

You're so kind. I am just very passionate when the camera is switched "on"!

[@kajiuman685]

@@SamChui hi sam chui

[@malonvll]

They really went all the way in the Flying Honu theme!! Not only the livery, but all the small details, it is such huge work from ANA. Once again, fantastic video Sam!

[@garciatunion]

wow! President delivering boxes.. Thats passion for your job

[@xhuynh23]

Gonzalo Garcia Tunon It is why ANA is my top fav Airline to fly with.

[@rendratryhermawan8628]

A380 is Quiet aircraft + Japanese people are more Quite than another country. A380 that operated by Japanese airlines = The Most Comfortable Flight EVER...

[@kuriyamatidusflossy]

True, Japanese people are the best behaving people in public

[@user_rhdqntlfgek]

@@kuriyamatidusflossy Ya that's right. I am Korean, but I really want to emulate the Japanese' caring behavior.

[@rendratryhermawan8628]

@@theselinnn yes that right, but i was talking about this video, A380 that operated by ANA.

[@rendratryhermawan8628]

@@kuriyamatidusflossy that's right, japanese is superb

[@paulcharles5128]

Hyung-Woo Kim Ya. Just a pity they forgot their caring behaviour in Nanking.

[@svensaebel4576]

Thank you for all your wonderful contributions. Just flew two weeks ago from HNL to NRT and saw this bird parked in HNL probably for a test run. What I like the most about all your videos is your awesome positive spirit and smile. Thank you and safe travels!

[@jawadsarafraz8629]

YES LETS GOO ANANANAN LIFE I LOVE THE A380 so nice and it deserve what it needs

[@hd-sf9li]

Hold up

[@jawadsarafraz8629]

Mr_Seasons Gaming why ANA deserve it

[@rottweilertom]

Sam, this video was a home run. And your choice music was so awesome. Best video made yet!

[@rodrigovillegasmonsalve6417]

Sam your the only youtuber that really knows how to do aviation videos in conditions for us aviation geeks. THANKS!!!!!

[@CuriousK7]

Loved the video Thank You so much Sam, it really felt like i was a passenger there too. ANA WELL DONE!!

[@BayAreaTraveler]

Wow, what a flight! Such an festive atmosphere!

[@TomGD]

This is one of the most legendary special liveries on an A380, I love to see this. Also AWESOME VIDEO!!! :D

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

Glad the A380 is still somewhat living. ANA is a great airline and Honolulu is a beautiful city. I also like Narita airport, their express train is convenient with a rail pass

[@natewarecki]

Avery The Cuban-American ANA: Great Airline Honolulu: Great city Narita: Convenient Rail Pass😂

[@natewarecki]

Avery The Cuban-American I’m sorry I wasn’t trying to offend you. I don’t see anything wrong with what you said either. I just thought the rail pass thing was funny after you said everything was great.

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

@@natewarecki You didn't, also I like using the rail pass. It's helpful for tourists

[@HipHopCantSaveMe]

@@natewarecki What are you saying??

[@natewarecki]

A Gregs I just thought it was funny that Narita only got a good rail pass

[@shakaib78]

I'm hitting the like button before even watching, REASON: Lightening speed to edit and upload! Hats Off ! Commitment Level Pro

[@SamChui]

I worked the whole night in Hawaii here to get this done. Time to sleep now!

[@shakaib78]

@@SamChui Appreciated 👏👏 Lots of Love

[@stephenraatz2598]

Wow, your video was amazing and uploaded so soon after the flight! Thank you

[@nyashakchirume6334]

I definitely like the blue apron. It makes her stunning. Also, It's always good to see a brand new A-380 fly. Magnificent.

[@alex_theaviation2995]

Wow this is the most incredible video Sam im so happy. Hope you had a great first flight experience.

[@joeyf3256]

Sam Chui, thank you for your amazing content. This is one of your best reports so far. Well done.

[@mustafareghefaoui3939]

I love how you posted this vlog 2 days after you traveled! the dedication is amazing! most aviation vlogs are 6 months after they've flown!

[@nico5179]

I love ANA, the service and staff is just amazing, I would love to fly on their A380 one day. Fly high ANA, and keep on supporting that amazing aircraft that is the Airbus A380!

[@audrey.c1]

Been waiting sooo long for this video! Thanks for uploading it so quick! i cannot get over how cute the plane is!

[@SamChui]

Thanks Audrey, watch out for next week's video, Flying Honu in F Class!

[@vikramparmar8093]

Well done Sam. As a newbie posting on your site, I am happy there exists a collegial relationship with the other aviation enthusiasts rather than an antagonistic relationship. All of you guys appear to genuinely like each other.

[@infiniteflightnzsim8011]

Love this Sam, keep going with the great reviews 👍🏻 👌

[@Saifullah.Q]

you’re such an inspiration for young people . always a big fan of your videos. thank you for this amazing clip ❤️

[@adelibrahim1647]

Congratulations to ANA and all aviation lovers around the globe for this iconic edition to the aviation world. Sam Chui you the best thanks for covering this historical event , i hope someday to be with you on one of your inaugural flights . Love you so much

[@srijansingh2085]

that gotta be the smoothest A380 touch down ever, massive respect for the airline and the pilots and sam great work buddy.

[@sandeshthane8012]

I have not seen so exciting peoples in any plane. ANA is just awesome. Really appreciate your hard work !!

[@vidyashankaremani5138]

Very Glad that A380 is still living... I always fly A380, the quietest aircraft and the most comfortable.

[@RudolfGraspointner]

Still living? it is the most favorite among passengers and pilots. While production will stop in two years, the A380s are expected to fly another 20-30 years!

[@GigachadetteSelene]

@@RudolfGraspointner If there is a cargo version, it would live longer

[@k-viation4015]

They are planning on making on due to covid

[@jamsaddis9313]

Thank you so much for sharing all this with us. Keep up the great work! Have a great time in Hawaii.

[@labourvisionroblox4031]

It amazes me how you're able to publish these videos so quickly, Sam, that a day (or 2, dependant on your timezone) after the flight, you already have your video published! Great video, as always Sam!

[@jerichoadiwarna9473]

Thank you so much for the upload Sam! You’re the best!!

[@user-ne2fv8el8b]

Thank you for making this high quality flight review video. After i saw your video i wanted to board on ANA A380. I'm so excited to wait for next video. please upload your next video as fast you can~~^^ I'm so exciting!!

[@msc216]

Hi Sam! I Really love your vlog and videos. I always watch your videos and i am inspired. Always love your vlog and videos. From Philippines

[@nitziefitzie4982]

Excellent report Sam! I luv the intro and ending with zooming at both airports. The plane spanking brand new! ANA was voted the cleanest airline after all. Thanks Sam and looking forward to the first class edition of ANA

[@orighomisandediare4990]

This is living. Flying with you is fun. Thank you for your dedication to showing the best of what the airlines have to offer.

[@user-qu3zh2gb8o]

ANA gives us perfect service not only in business/first class but also in economy class😍😍 So please review in economy class some day👍👍 good work Sam👏👏🕺

[@calvinsmith7250]

I hope ANA take on more A380s! What a fabulous flight!

[@ravidubey7635]

Feel very excited on seeing your every video the main thing of your video is suspense u create and not boring how much length it have .u r only one whom I never shipped any video and never miss any video .lastly thanks to you.

[@peter.s-yt]

Great job Sam!! I've been wating for this miraculous day!

[@nycflyertravel]

The flying Honu looks amazing!!! I really wish more carriers took on the A380. So sad to see production cease.

[@StMyles]

Amazing video log Sam. Thanks for sharing. Auwe!!!

[@kennygoetz2010]

Congrats Sam, that would have been an amazing experience, I love all that you do, thank you :)

[@Astroboy108]

great video Sam, the quality of your flight reviews is getting better and better.

[@RenJhenVlogs]

Great Livery from ANA! Another superb content you got there Sam! I wish to fly Flying Honu as well anytime soon! :)

[@MrLagonBleu]

Fantastic !!! "The King of The Sky" is so amazing ...thank you Sam ..

[@jbsarmiento9703]

An avid fan here Sam✈️, Your flight reviews and videos are always a treat to watch. Much love and support and cheers!!! The A380 and the Flying Honu of ANA is just perfect! Looking forward to flying it soon. All the best Sam! Ganbatte! Looking forward on the return flight to Narita, Cheers! ✈️🎉🍻

[@christian9365]

Wait wait wait... the ANA CEO just standing there, handing out some presents... Amazing! and the ANA Flight attendants are so cute :)

[@mitchgordon8199]

Outstanding, Beautiful aircraft and people. Thanks!

[@Ephrem58]

Always a good fan of you Sam, from Ethiopia, Thank you. ;-)

[@daithilacha1]

Sam, This was a joy to watch from start to finish. Hands down you are best Airline reviewer on the Planet. Brought back happy memories of my first and only visit to Oahu in 1976 on a 747. That was a first for me too. Greetings from Ireland.

[@cyclonicleo]

Great job, Sam! Knowing ANA, they'll jump on the teething issues and sort them out quickly. I am rather envious and that livery is just amazing.

[@zr1713]

WELL ITS CERTAINLY THE BEST FLIGHT IN THE PRESENT WORLD ! GO ANA 🇯🇵 🌺

[@fahdalghamdi3532]

This is my favourite A380 in the world

[@PAKYUTTT]

This is the best ANA A380 And your vids good job Mr.Sam!

[@rolandwernhart2052]

Great video as always, thank you so much , Sam!

[@christianjomar1]

Omg they went with the Roll Royce aircraft engine 👍🏻👍🏻 awesome!

[@LeeAviation]

I was waiting for this for so long! I was tracking you on Flightradar24!!! And what a fast turtle! 😂

[@user-zo1ib6ub1w]

私は東京在住の日本人です。英語の聞き取りの勉強にあなたの動画を利用しています。あなたの英語はとても聞き取りやすいです。内容も最高に楽しく、毎回わくわくしながら見ています。特に今回は日本の航空会社でしたので、余計におもしろくうれしかった。

[@johnnylaffy7757]

I was watching the flight on Flight Radar 24 and I was like I bet Sam is on that flight and here we are. Great job getting the video edited very quickly and uploading it for us to see.

[@zanem499]

Very humble of ANA president to do that!

[@sylviastephanies1868]

The safety instructions is just too cute! 😍

[@rina4831]

さすがsam chuiさん。 一番に拝見させて貰いました。 great video 😆

[@bryanwu8148]

It’s always been a dream of mine to fly an inaugural flight, and hopefully I will one day! Yet again, another great review! :)

[@stephenkangethe9588]

I love that they ceo is not like some other CEO who would give a speech and live he stayed to hand out the gifts

[@BUSHARAFTRAVELZAD]

What a great flight and experience. I enjoyed watching the whole flight discovering the new plane with you. Thank you.

[@popoffwheel]

Love your videos man, keep them coming.

[@irawanprajogo3122]

Love this episode! Thanks Sam 💕

[@roberttudor455]

Blue apron - of course - much nicer :) Good choice, champagne over orange juice. Great video enjoyed it .. Thanks for sharing.

[@KONS804]

Great job Sam, love the music as well.

[@bindiimoments]

Awesome! Gives me always an insight how to travel today. Thank you Sam great report!

[@VMCAviationVideos]

Thanks for another GREAT video Sam!

[@annettenyakatura6610]

Thanks Sam I always fly A380 with Emlirates very nice

[@beavertown2006]

The best things in all this is the Designer and the A380.

[@beauvoraphol]

Hi!! Ive been watching your videos for years! Just wanna let you know that i love them!

[@jionkubo3800]

I've seen a few videos on the inaugural flight of the ANA A380 done by some Japanese creators. However I find this to the the most informative and thorough. Thanks for the amazing review as always!

[@dwnk4691]

Sam, Good to see the Teletubbies still working in the safety video. I really like your channel! God bless.

[@NeilPrasad_1905]

ANA Flying Honu Airbus A380 Yokoso This video is KICKASS!!!!!

[@davidclaro152]

NeilPrasad 1905 Indeed, it kicks ass! As I see, the only real let down was the kind of lack of breakfast. Oh well!

[@NeilPrasad_1905]

@@davidclaro152 what do you mean lack of breakfast

[@davidclaro152]

There was just a coffee and a light snack upon request.

[@NeilPrasad_1905]

@@davidclaro152 I think they had too much food just after departure

[@davidclaro152]

That’s probably so. It’s not such a long flight and a red eye at that.

[@sylpascale7673]

Sam, thanks for sharing, I love your enthusiasm

[@60frederick]

Thank you, Sam, for sharing another awesome video with us.

[@rebeccawcleung]

Love ANA, love the cute safety video. Love the quiet, considerate Japanese passengers. Love the flowers in the buns of the flight attendants ( who are all smiling).... LOVE ANA... the best airline ever. Sometimes when I fly back to Hong Kong... I am willing to "endure" the shitty United domestic flight within US (becoz UA is the partner of ANA), then fly long haul on ANA to tokyo, then ANA again from tokyo to HK.. ANA is that good..so that I am willing to sacrifice and tolerate UA.

[@abhisekhroy2912]

Its so amazing... ❤❤❤

[@islandboyaiea3330]

Aloha Sam that was an amazing reaction and I really love the hospitality of the flight attendants and spacious seats that the A380 has on their airlines not to include the meals they served even though it took awhile but overall I enjoyed it! Mahalo on anther great reaction

[@wins1222]

Luv your videos, they just keep getting better n better

[@irawanprajogo3122]

The com beep.” Grumpy dude on 16 Delta! “ hahaha…🤣

[@jasoncannell4003]

Hi sam keep up the great work love your videos. One question where do you rate Etihad’s Business class

[@andrewcunnison6975]

How awesome. Love how everything is kept theme to the plane from the livery, in-flight entertainment and the amenities.

[@thomass3769]

Sam this is your best video yet! Very fun and by the way all your videos are great!

[@mattludick8204]

Oh my Gosh I love your videos and u are such a legend would love to meet u one day

[@Jay_Bee1]

Those ASMR sessions are the best haha

[@toshikimaruyama8789]

I watched and enjoyed your video. Thank you for uploading about the first flight of Flying HONU.

[@boraborasands1]

Excellent Video Sam, the A380 under a unique Honu mood and Hawaian souls

[@kahanaandle1220]

スーツ氏もこの中に...

[@user-gv5zi3ir6l]

おのださんも今夜乗るようです。

[@kahanaandle1220]

さいとうまさき エスタ取れたようですねw

[@azusa8388]

スーツくんは1階のエコノミーで 小野田さんはカウチ席でしたね

[@dipakpatel1716]

Kahana Andle fughjbct8

[@fabcio13]

Hi Sam, I was at Narita just last sunday. I love your videos!!!

[@eric777a]

Amazing work Sam, May24 flight, May 25 already published including all the video editing, clever idea of adding other's footage of the landing! It feels like I'm part of this experience! Keep up the good work!

[@kearras.9114]

Great trip, thanks a lot Sam Chui