EAST FARMINGDALE, New York, May 23 (Reuters) - With this

airline, dogs are ditching the kennels and flying first class.

BARK Air wants to pamper pets and their owners even before

takeoff and will make its initial flight from New York to Los

Angeles on Thursday.

CEO Matt Meeker said the business idea came from struggling

to transport Hugo, his Great Dane.

"I was unable to travel with him long distances and had the

idea that there should be an airline that caters to dogs," said

Meeker, who also founded BarkBox, a subscription service for dog

products owned by Bark Inc. ( BARK )

"We cater everything to the dog, trying to lower their

anxiety and their stress, so they have the most comfortable,

fear-free experience on an airplane."

The dog-first experience starts with a waiting lounge filled

with treats and a speedy check-in.

BARK Air also offers an onboard spa for the pups and a menu

featuring "doggie champagne" and "barkaccinos."

The company aims to sell 10 tickets per flight to make room

for 10 dogs, though the luxury aircraft can accommodate up to 15

people.

Tickets for one person and one dog cost $8,000 for a one-way

international flight or $6,000 for domestic trips.

Meeker says prices could decrease in the future.

"We're operating at a loss today as we start. The idea is

over time, we have a pretty clear pathway to lower the price for

the consumer and lower our costs. And that comes with scale and

more routes."

Currently, BARK Air flies between New York City, Los Angeles

and London.

The company is considering adding flights to Paris, Milan,

Chicago, Seattle, and seasonal destinations in Florida and

Arizona after receiving 15,000 requests for new destinations.

"I hope that we can create an experience that reaches every

family that wants to travel with their entire family like they

do with their children."