OFF BEAT: Airline to let falcons fly in style

An airline’s effort to cater to an elite clientele means that some already high-flying birds will be ascending to new heights.

Lufthansa Technik’s VIP & Executive Jet Solutions Division, a unit of Cologne, Germany based Deutsche Lufthansa AG, said this week that it has developed a platform that enables people to more easily transport their falcons on flights. Dubbed the “Falcon Master,” the dedicated bird stand is adjustable and designed to sit above different seats in Boeing and Airbus planes.

In a statement Lufthansa Technik said it expects the device to be popular with passengers in the Middle East region, where falconry is a popular hobby.

“Working closely with falcon specialists from the Middle East Lufthansa Technik has designed the ‘Falcon Master’ in due consideration of hygienic aspects as well as practical requirements like cleanliness and certification requirements,” the company said in a statement.

So the next time you are stuck in the middle seat in coach, take solace in the fact that these pampered birds of prey and their razor-sharp talons are riding in style.