Similar, a UK-based smokeless cigarette company with product that is currently available on a number of European carriers, has announced that it is now in talks with its first group of long haul carriers to stock the company’s popular range of smokeless cigarettes. Nick Korpal, head of business development at Similar, says that El Al Israel Airlines, Gulf Air, and Air Astranus are showing interest in carrying the company’s products.
The interest from the carriers is due in part to Similar’s budding relationship with in-flight powerhouse DFASS. Similar is hoping that this development will open up business in the Middle East and Asia.
“We’re not in the travel retail sector to simply sell product,” says Korpal. “We view the airlines with which we deal as partners; we offer crew training and incentives on a worldwide basis as a means of creating a cooperative partnership. I can tell you that our trainers are very excited about the idea of letting long haul crews in on the numerous benefits that our product offers and the high returns that have been seen by numerous carriers in other parts of the world.”
Similar smokeless cigarettes have been hailed by many as a viable solution for traveling smokers. The product does not emit any harmful smoke, vapor, or carcinogens into the air. In fact, Korpal told PAX International that Europe’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has told Similar that they have no objection to the company selling the smokeless cigarettes aboard carriers in the region. While this decision carries no real weight in the Middle East, it can be said that this development speaks volumes about Similar’s product to prospective partners.
In related news on the ground, Similar has just inked a deal with Overseas Trading Co., a supplier out of Antwerp, Belgium. The agreement will see Similar’s smokeless cigarettes become available in Sky Shops’ stores in Brussels and Charleroi Airports.
“We’re very happy about the way the business has progressed of late,” says Korpal. “More and more people are seeing the benefits of offering our smokeless cigarettes in flight, and we’re hoping that the interest shown by DFASS, Al El, Gulf Air, Air Astranus, Overseas Trading Co., and Sky Shops will help us continue to offer smokers a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes.”
— Ryan White
