All Nippon Airways to serve Japanese sake and traditional alcohol at airport booths

A STOPOVER in Japan demands a sample of the sake. The country's famous alcoholic beverages are a new feature for high-flyers.

Japanese carrier All Nippon Airways will start serving sake and other forms of traditional Japanese alcohol from special airp...

NEED a quick tipple to calm your nerves before taking to the skies?

In heavenly news for both nervous flyers and people who just want to educate their palate while waiting for their plane, All Nippon Airways has announced plans to serve traditional Japanese alcohol in special booths at its lounges in Tokyo's Haneda and Narita airports, and at Kansai Airport in Osaka.

Japanese alcohol will now be served in ANA's airport lounges.

From December 2013 until February 2018, the airline will serve sake, shochu and awamori from a different Japanese prefecture every three months - allowing frequent flyers to sample the indigenous alcoholic delights of each of Japan's 47 prefectures.

Each booth will have a screen displaying images and information on Japanese alcohol so that international travellers can educate themselves while they imbibe.

"ANA has implemented various campaign to promote Japanese culture, traditions and values to international passengers as part of our ambition to provide a bridge between Japan and the rest of the world," ANA president and chief executive Osamu Shinobe said.

"I am delighted to be collaborating with Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association on this exciting project."