Thai Airways has found a way to keep the experience of flying alive despite being grounded by the coronavirus pandemic. The airline is selling time on its flight simulators to wannabe pilots in a creative bid to boost staff morale and bring in a few coins as it juggles preparing to resume international flights while devising a business reorganization plan.

The bankrupt airline’s catering division is also serving guests in a flight-themed restaurant complete with airline seats and attentive cabin crew.

But for those who are nuts about aeronautics, it doesn’t get much better than this: a hands-on half-hour at the controls of an Airbus A380 simulator, yours for 20,000 baht ($844).

Since the pandemic has clipped airlines’ wings, Thai Airways devised the packages to keep its air crew motivated. It offers a four-day “pilot experience” package, of which the simulator is a part, or access can also be bought to the simulator alone.

The only drawback is that one has to be in Bangkok to take part.

So far, almost 100 customers have savoured the thrill of a virtual takeoff and landing at an airport of their choosing. A session last week featured Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, though the pilots say the most popular choice has been Tokyo.

The oldest trainee so far has been 77, the youngest seven.

The cockpit is an exact copy, pilots says, even down to the feel of the buttons.

For aspiring flyer Chawanrut Suttiworrapong, one of a group of 11 booked in recently, it was a tantalizing glimpse of her dream job.

“I am very excited, especially when you get to see something that looks so close to real flying,” said the 25-year-old student from Bangkok. “It makes me realize what a beautiful workspace this profession has. I hope one day I can be in that position.”

The pilot managing the project says it’s the kudos, not the cash, that count.

“The income is secondary. The real objective is to keep the relationship with Thai Airways passengers,” says Capt. Chaisupatt Mulsrikaew. “We miss our passengers, too.”

At the same time, the Royal Orchid Dining Experience opened in September, transforming what was the old staff canteen, into a public venue that hosts up to 800 people a day.

For those who pine to dine above the clouds, it has it all: cabin crew bringing cold drinks on Thai Airways trays and airline food served on Thai Airways tableware to be eaten with Thai Airways cutlery in seating familiar to every aircraft passenger.

There are three classes of food and service: First, Business and walk-in, priced accordingly.

The atmosphere is so festive it’s easy to forget the reason it’s there. Like the simulator access, it engages staff and brings in revenue.

For diners it’s about more than just food: It satisfies a craving for faraway places and happier times.

“This recalls my memory of being on board, on the plane, and I enjoy the time. I feel like even walking the aisle, I feel like I was on the plane and I enjoy so much,” said 58-year-old businesswoman Namphon Rassadanukul.