SkyTeam takes yoga to the skies

Launches two yoga tutorials for passengers

Politicians, religious leaders and government officials are gearing up for International Yoga Day celebrations on Sunday but the enthusiasm for the traditional exercise form is not limited to India alone.

While Morgan Stanley organised a yoga session for participants at last week's India summit in Mumbai, foreign airlines too are encouraging passengers to take up Yoga.

SkyTeam, a global airline alliance comprising Air France, KLM, Delta and other carriers, has launched two new yoga tutorials for passengers.

This follows a  pilot yoga program in SkyTeam’s exclusive Lounge at London’s Heathrow Airport. A yoga studio is due to be launched at its Hong Kong airport lounge later this year.

"Recognising customers’ desire to stay fit and healthy on their travels, SkyTeam has teamed up with Amsterdam-based yoga teacher, Asaf Hacmon, who used his own experience as a frequent flyer to develop the tutorials: one for the ground and one that can be followed in-flight," the alliance announced on Tuesday.

Each 15-minute program features a series of yoga stretches and breathing techniques that are easy to follow, regardless of what passengers are wearing or their class of travel. Customers flying on 18 of SkyTeam’s 20 members will find the Yoga in-flight video offered as part of the airline’s Inflight entertainment. The tutorials are also available on the SkyTeam app and can be accessed offline, so passengers can enjoy them at their leisure.

“For passengers using our routine while onboard, just very simple yoga exercises that don’t intrude on other passenger’s space,” said Fatima da Gloria, SkyTeam’s  brand and communications Director. “Offering our customers the chance to relax and stay fit before and during a flight is another way we are contributing to a more seamless and enjoyable travel experience," she said in a statement.