Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on February 2010

Getting out to Narita airport can be a drag, but not if you go in style. Last September, Mori Building City Air Services Co (MCAS ) launched a new helicopter service that whisks passengers between Akasaka’s Ark Hills and Narita in a luxury chopper for ¥38,000 one-way. As of this month, the service is now available to more travelers: anyone who buys full-fare business or first class roundtrip tickets from American Airlines’ Japan website (www.americanairlines.jp) will get a complimentary helicopter flight to and from the airport. As if that wasn’t good enough, the deal also includes limousine pickup from the customer’s home, office or hotel. MCAS President and CEO Kazuhisa Shin says that there are plans to expand the service to other airlines by April, including ANA , Lufthansa and Alitalia.

To date, the company has been carrying about 100 passengers a month, but Shin says he wants to woo more customers at embassies, hotels and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If you do get to ride in the chopper, you’ll be in good company: last year, Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio and Ken Watanabe were among the high flyers.