This is What’s Trending Today…
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the world. With more than 2,500 flights coming and going each day, it serves over 100 million passengers a year.
So what is the latest offering? A nonstop flight to Wakanda.
If you have not heard of Wakanda, you probably have not seen Black Panther, the new superhero movie from Marvel Comics. The film tells the story of an imaginary African nation called Wakanda. It is the home of the Black Panther himself, Prince T’Challa.
In its opening weekend, Black Panther earned a record-setting $235 million in American theaters. It is the number-one movie in the world.
Black Panther has connections to Atlanta, Georgia; part of it was filmed in the city.
Earlier this week, the Atlanta Airport decided to have some fun. It tweeted a photograph of a departure gate sign that read: “Wakanda. 7:30 p.m.” It also wrote, “The bags are packed! #WakandaForever.”
The bags are packed 😂😩 #WakandaForever pic.twitter.com/X8U554vWxh
— Atlanta Airport (@ATLairport) February 19, 2018
In the film, Wakanda is a developed, technologically advanced country. It is both extremely modern and deeply traditional. It has never belonged to a foreign power.
Many Twitter users seemed extremely excited to book a one-way flight to Wakanda.
Thanks to the Atlanta airport, #BlackPanther fans can now fly direct to Wakanda ✈️ (Vibranium not included) @theblackpanther https://t.co/FDmWldtjq2 pic.twitter.com/rtR0Uue5Lx
— Condé Nast Traveler (@CNTraveler) February 21, 2018
Some people had questions about the trip, including the food and entertainment available. The Atlanta Airport responded to many of their requests.
Even actor Lupita Nyong’o, who stars in Black Panther, wanted to know what films would be shown en route to Wakanda.
Apart from La Femme Nakia, what else is on the in-flight entertainment? T’Challa’s Angels, M’Baku To The Future, Shuri’s Gotta Have It, Killmonger Bill, W’Kabi In The Woods...?
— Lupita Nyong'o (@Lupita_Nyongo) February 20, 2018
Her movie suggestions were a play on real movie titles, but changed to include Black Panther names and characters.
The airport’s idea to announce a fictional flight from Atlanta to Wakanda reportedly came from Atlanta-area chef Darius Williams.
A video on Facebook shows Williams asking an airline employee to help him book a flight from Atlanta to Wakanda. The employee treated him with respect...but was understandably confused!
And that’s What’s Trending Today.
I’m Jonathan Evans.
Ashley Thompson wrote this report based on an Associated Press report and several other sources. George Grow was the editor.
Words in This Story
departure - n. the act of leaving a place especially to start a journey
bag - n. a container made of thin material (such as paper, plastic, or cloth) that opens at the top and is used for holding or carrying things
packed - adj. used to say that you have finished putting things into bags, boxes, etc.
advanced - adj. far along in a course of progress or development
entertainment - n. amusement or pleasure that comes from watching a performer, playing a game, etc.
respond - v. to say or write something as an answer to a question or request
en route - adv. on or along the way when you are going to a place
character - n. a person who appears in a story, book, play, movie, or television show
chef - n. a professional cook who usually is in charge of a kitchen in a restaurant
confused - adj. unable to understand or think clearly
