All Nippon Airways plans to replace its print magazine with a digital version, citing sustainability and hygiene concerns.
Japan’s largest airline said its trilingual “Tsubasa Global Wings” publication will be accessible exclusively through the ANA website and mobile app beginning April 1. By going digital, the carrier expects to slash paper emissions by about 1,540 tons annually and help achieve its sustainability targets.
Additionally, ANA will begin offering digital issues of popular magazine titles 24 hours before and after each flight. By July, the airline plans to extend the feature to a variety of newspapers for premium cabin passengers, as well as ANA Mileage Club elite members travelling in any class.
Hideki Kunugi, Executive Vice President Customer Experience at ANA, commented:
“ANA has always focused on embracing the latest technology and this transition to digital format will increase flexibility for passengers and further supports our commitment to sustainability.
“This is really a win-win for passengers as the move to digital allows us to significantly increase our selection of media while increasing hygiene in lounges and aboard aircraft.”
ANA’s move follows a broader industry trend to scrap or lighten inflight reading material.
Last November, Singaporean budget carrier Scoot announced it would transition to digital menus and inflight magazines, cutting paper usage by 156 metric tons and carbon dioxide emissions by 41 tons. Overall, the airline expects to achieve fuel savings of 13 tons each year through the initiative.
United Airlines also reported in 2018 that by reducing the weight of its inflight magazine by one ounce, it could save $300,000 annually thanks to lower fuel burn.
