(Lufthansa)
Birds of prey in a sealed airline cabin at 30,000 feet might seem like a recipe for sky-high disaster but Lufthansa airlines is willing to take the risk to drum up business in the Middle East.
The German carrier announced Monday that it will now allow falcons in the main cabin with a “specially designed ‘Falcon Master’ tray,” reports the Guardian.
“The Falcon Master ensures maximum hygienic protection of the cabin walls, seats and carpets from soiling by the birds,” the airline said in a statement. The device, which is currently in the design phase, will likely take six to nine months before becoming operational.
The airline is hoping to target new customers from the Middle East as falconry gains in popularity.
Many airlines do allow domesticated animals like cats, dogs and even birds (usually up to 20 pounds), but airlines like United, American and Delta, prohibit the carriage of poultry or birds of prey.
The move comes just a week after an “emotional support pig” was taken off a U.S. Airways plane for causing a loud disturbance mid-flight and defecating in the aisle.
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