Airline to give falcons a lift: German national carrier says it will ensure 'maximum hygienic protection of the cabin walls, seats and carpets from soiling by the birds'

London - Lufthansa is to install special cages in some of its aircraft to allow Middle Eastern owners to bring their falcons into the main cabin.

The Falcon Master tray, which can be attached to a folded seat, includes a cage and a feeding station.

The German national carrier says it will ensure “maximum hygienic protection of the cabin walls, seats and carpets from soiling by the birds”.

“The target group would be customers from the Middle East, where falconry is very popular,” the airline said.

Some Middle Eastern airlines already allow hooded and chained falcons to fly with their masters.

Falconry has a long tradition in Arab culture, but with wildlife under pressure, hunting has been restricted, and many affluent Gulf Arabs now travel as far as far as Morocco, Pakistan and Central Asia to indulge their passion. - Daily Mail