Greetings. Iran Air are operating a special sightseeing charter from Cologne / Bonn on Sunday September 5 on one of their lovely old 747SPs. The fare is great: 45 mins in the air, 79 Euros for a middle seat, 149 Euros in Homa (J) Class. I've just booked up (economy window seat), with a very well-timed flight from Stansted in the morning on Germanwings, who will also take me home that evening. Could this be the best day out EVER? I'm sure at least some of you will book up. (Hey, an added thrill for Americans - how often would you normally get to fly on Iran Air?)

Book now: http://www.airevents.com I'll do another post closer to the date so if there are any other a.netters taking this unique flight (and I will be amazed if I'm the only one), we can hook up beforehand or something.

View Large View Medium Photo © Eugene Wu

View Large View Medium Photo © Sam Chui

View Large View Medium Photo © EDDL Photography

View Large View Medium Photo © EDDL Photography

I´ll be on that flight, same seat category as you.
See you then. I´ll come back on your promised repeat topic shortly before the flight.

Sounds good! I hope it's okay for US citizen to take this flight without being considered aiding a axis of evil state.
Are all the flight crew Iranian? Are you sure they still have enough 747SP left to make this charter flight that day.?

As it is a flight departing and arriving in Cologne there is only an identity check but no trace in your passports. The crew wouldn't care if you are American, Israeli etc.
I will be there as well and know about some other Airliner.netters that they go as well.

Na and MEA-707, I look forward to meeting you. This is going to be a great day!

Warren747sp, with a username like that, I don't see how you have a choice. And since it's a domestic flight, your nationality is virtually irrelevant. You'l probably need some kind of photo ID to get on, but no special travel documents. Why not drop a line to www.airevents.de to make sure? I don't think Iran has a ban on US nationals visiting their country, so I'm sure they won't have a problem carrying a US national through some German airspace. And yes, the pilots and cabin crew are all Iranian.

[Edited 2004-08-09 16:40:29]

Wow, I find this a great idea! I'd love to go but I can't on that day. I hope they'll repeat that sometime soon. Starting at 79 Euros it really is a fair price for a 45 min flight. I'll keep that website in mind for possible future trips.

@Warren: I am sure that you won't have any trouble at all going on that flight, after all you are not actually going to Iran. I do believe almost all the crew hired by Iran Air are Iranian. They might have some Japanese for the NRT flight, too, but for most part they are Iranian. As far as I know, the Iranians are welcoming people and will be happy to have you onboard. They are very interested in America and keen on meeting Americans as well. There was a great article on Airways magazine about Iran Air a few years back. I remember how the American reporter was overwhelmed by how friendly he was treated on his trip to Tehran...

Iran Air has 4 B747 SP left in their fleet from what I read.

All you guys have fun and enjoy the ride, that is a great unique opportunity.

  PA

Edit: Cedarjet, I think Warren was more refering to the embargo that is enforced by the US government, and rightly so if you ask me. I don't think we should do any business with the Mullah-regime there. Well, anyhow it is a fact that US citizens are not "allowed" to visit Iran or Cuba, but of course they can with an examption status from the Department of Treasury.
Since he is not visitng there anyway, this rule does not concern him.

[Edited 2004-08-09 16:49:14]

Thanks, everyone,
I will just have to make a plan!

Ahhhh crap - the one weekend I'm away with work in MIA  

I still get a 747 though - although it is only a BA 744!

Noel.

Same category!
I'm with you!

Cheers,

Kjell

Just booked my seat.....What an opportunity
will be flying LHR - CGN on BA926 @ 0830 and CGN- LHR on BA929 @ 1855
Looking forwards to meeting some more A Nutters.

Tugmaster

By the way, they have a seat map of their SP here:
http://www.iranair.com/s.do;jsessionid=a0301680481092072475546?p=/abtIrnAir/fleet/boeing747-sp.jsp
Just in case you're interested.

  PA

For those of you who have never been on an SP, look forward to climb performance most others can only dream of, especially as this flight will have no cargo and probably minimal fuel!

There are no problems for US citizens flying Iran Air or flying to Iran. I am one and have flown the IR 747SP's three time so far. Great plane. I am sorry that I won't be in CGN for the flight.
Yes, the crew are entirely Iranian. Service is actually quite good, sans alcohol of course.

I've booked a Y class economy seat as well, and will be flying in on 4U from MUC (and back the same day). Looking forward to meeting fellow a.netters!  

Federico

No!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't do that day!! 

How about every a.netter carries a tennis ball in his right hand!
Just kidding....

Oh boy. I don't know why, but I am SERIOUSLY excited about this trip. I've actually been on an SP once before, Mandarin / China Air Lines from Taipei to Sydney in June 1994 (always wondered if it was the same one that went out of control near San Francisco in the 80s). Anyway, the exotic nature of the airline and the unusual flight pattern (where are we going to fly to? how low?) is getting me wound up big time.

Second question: my new best friends, www.airevents.de, have a Tu154 positioning flight from Zweibrücken to Liège advertised. It looks like Zweibrücken is near Saarbrucken, is this correct? And if so, how could I get from London to Zweibrücken? Liège is easier to get FROM. Anyone know? Anyone else interested in the Tu154 flight? It's quite soon (Aug 26) and almost free (55 Euros!), it's getting to this very obscure part of Germany that's a problem. Anyone got any ideas?

I´ve never been to Zweibruecken and it is indeed located off the beaten track.

Zweibruecken is about 2 1/2 -3 hours with a train (less than 2 hours with car) from Frankfurt-airport. I found one connection for you, on the evening of the 25th. The train leaves FRA at 6:38 pm and reaches Zweibruecken at 9.55 pm with one train-change inbetween. There are other connections who are 1/2 hour faster but they require two changes. Price for the train is 29 Euro one way.

I might do the SP flight as well, not sure yet though.

@Cedarjet: Zweibrücken is not far from Saarbrücken. Check out German rails's website www.bahn.de and you will see that there is a train every hour that takes 36min and costs 5.70EUR. Alternatively, depending where you are coming from, you could also fly to HHN and hire a car there.

Cheers,
Thomas

You know, I'm seriously pissed I can't be on that flight. A 74L has been kind of a lifetime dream - to think that I could fly on one for 79 EUR about 100 km from home, but I'm stuck in Honduras drives me nuts...


>>>I'd love to go but I can't on that day. I hope they'll repeat that sometime soon

Nope, no chance, PanAmerican. They say organising one flight was already rather complicated, plus there'd never be enough pax for two flights.
I guess our only chance is a change in dates, but that's rather slim too...

 

Daniel 

P.S.: Where are IR's 74L actually flying to?

Airsicknessbag > Well at least Honduras is about the only place in the world where you can score Fairchild F-27 and Nord 262 passenger flights ! Did you manage that already or not interested in the old props?

I am seriously considering this. But it would mean flying from Austin, Texas for the weekend! Fares are about $490 usd+tax to BNJ from AUS. Hmm. Could be my only chance to fly on a SP.

err, guess i should try CGN.

THIS IS NUTS! I guess you only live once.

I could not find anything reasonable out of AUS, or to GCN, but I did get on NW from DFW-FRA for $571 total. It can't take that long on the train to get to CGN. Best part, I am flying on several variants I have never been on before! Oh yeah and that SP. Gotta have it.

Friday, September 3, 2004
Northwest Airlines Flight #3444 depart 4:05pm
afternoon Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW)
Dallas/Fort Worth

operated by
MESABA AVIATION-JET SERV/NW AIRLINK arrive 5:43pm
evening Memphis International Airport (MEM)
Memphis

Seat(s): Not Assigned
Meal: none
On Time: N/A
Cabin: Economy
Equipment: Avro RJ85 Avroliner (AR8) (yay, never been on one of those!)
Duration: 1hr 38min
Approximate Distance: 427 miles

Plane Change
(1hr 37min - ground time)

Northwest Airlines Flight #58
depart 7:20pm
evening Memphis International Airport (MEM)
Memphis
Saturday, September 4, 2004
arrive 11:05am
morning Amsterdam-Schiphol (AMS)
Amsterdam

Seat(s): Not Assigned
Meal: Dinner
On Time: N/A
Cabin: Economy
Equipment: Douglas DC 10-30 (DY1) (big yay, never on a DC10)
Duration: 8hr 45min
Approximate Distance: 4534 miles

Plane Change
(2hr 45min - ground time)

Northwest Airlines Flight #8215
depart 1:50pm
afternoon Amsterdam-Schiphol (AMS)
Amsterdam

operated by
KLM CITYHOPPER/KLM -- KL 1767 arrive 3:05pm
afternoon Frankfurt International (FRA)
Frankfurt

Seat(s): Not Assigned
Meal: none
On Time: N/A
Cabin: Economy
Equipment: Fokker 70 (F70) (never been on one of those)
Duration: 1hr 15min
Approximate Distance: 228 miles

Total Duration: 16hr 0min
Total Distance: 5189 miles
Returning Flight(s)
Monday, September 6, 2004
Northwest Airlines Flight #51
depart 10:40am
morning Frankfurt International (FRA)
Frankfurt

arrive 1:55pm
afternoon Detroit Wayne County Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
Detroit

Seat(s): Not Assigned
Meal: Dinner
On Time: N/A
Cabin: Economy
Equipment: Airbus Industrie A330-300 (333) (have been on a 332, not a 333)
Duration: 9hr 15min
Approximate Distance: 4140 miles

Plane Change
(1hr 21min - ground time)

Northwest Airlines Flight #765
depart 3:16pm
afternoon Detroit Wayne County Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
Detroit

arrive 4:07pm
afternoon Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
Minneapolis/St. Paul

Seat(s): Not Assigned
Meal: none
On Time: 50%
Cabin: Economy
Equipment: McDonnell Douglas DC-9-50 Passenger (D95) (never been on a -50)
Duration: 1hr 51min
Approximate Distance: 532 miles

Plane Change
(2hr 57min - ground time)

Northwest Airlines Flight #1020
depart 7:04pm
evening Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
Minneapolis/St. Paul

arrive 9:27pm
evening Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW)
Dallas/Fort Worth

Seat(s): Not Assigned
Meal: none
On Time: 40%
Cabin: Economy
Equipment: Airbus Industrie A319 (319) (never been on an A32x)
Duration: 2hr 23min
Approximate Distance: 854 miles

Total Duration: 17hr 47min
Total Distance: 5526 miles

Brons2 - I take my hat off to you. That's serious commitment if you ask me. Good luck, hope all goes to plan and you get on all those new types.

I have to say I am very impressed at the effort some of you are making to get on this flight. In the good old days when SAA had 6 SPs it was almost routine to fly one on some of the routes, but my best was sitting in the flight deck for a flight JNB-DUR, not even a 50 minute flight and we went up to FL410, on another flight CPT-JNB which is scheduled at around 2 hours we did it in under 90 minutes on one of these true classics.

Don't even hesitate, do it. In a year or two there will be no SPs flying and you will kick yourselves forever if you don't.

Well I tried to book the airevents trip on the SP, this is all the response that I got:

"Thank you for your booking!

We will check the availability and send you a confirmation by post or e-Mail in the next couple of days.

Your airevents Team "

Hum, a bit more certainty would be nice.

Oh well, if I can't get on, I'll just sightsee for the weekend.

Brons2, you'll be fine. That's the same response everyone has had, if it was sold out or not happening they'd update the site. I am seriously impressed by your commitment (nice to get a couple of final DC10s across the pond as well), I almost feel guilty for posting the topic, seeing the expense and mileage you're putting in. Hey, it's going to be worth it. As I said in the opener, how many Americans get to fly Iran Air these days, for god's sake?! Good on you sir.

Come on guys, book up now! The first a.net meeting to take place in flight! And on a 747SP in the year 2004...hurrah.

Brons2,
hat off from me too. I hope for you and us all Iran Air doesn´t cancel it on the last minute. Or change equipment.
Well, I read you´re booked through to Frankfurt, that´s about a two hours drive to Cologne. As I´m from Frankfurt I can probably take you with me to Cologne or back to Frankfurt (only one way because I´ll visit relatives and friends either before or after the flight). I have a fine car, so no worries. Just lets contact in 2 or 3 weeks time if this really going to happen.

It can't take that long on the train to get to CGN.

Brons,
it takes some 90 minutes to get from FRA to CGN by ICE train. Cost: 50 EUR one-way. There are 4 trains per hour around the time of your arrival to FRA.

DB Timetable:

http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en

I could purchase travel insurance, through a sister company of NW, but when I called them they were very vague about what they would cover and what they would not cover. If the SP sightseeing is cancelled for some reason, I could not get a definite answer as to whether they would cover the NW flight or not.

Myself and Chris78cpr are booked and ready to go! In HOMA Business Class though!

This is going to be one awesome experience! Look forward to seeing you all before, during and after the flight!

This will be our first flight on an SP, and what a way to do it!

I cannot wait!! 

Cheers,

Justin  

OH YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ROCK ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I cannot wait!!!! I have been wanting to fly on one of these for ages!!!! Look forward to seeing you there!!!

Chris

OK, if all goes well I will join Justin and Chris in the Homa cabin  

Cheers,
Thomas

To anyone who booked online,

When you hit the send button did it just reroute you to the top of the page without any confirmation or anything??? I got that, called the guy and he told me to send the details via fax.

Anyone else get that???

Chris

I don't remember that. I thought it said I should expect an email in a couple of days. Can't remember exactly but I do remember I went straight onto Germanwings' site to book flights I thought were connecting to a solid booking on the SP. No doubt. Anyway if nothing materialises in the next couple of days I'll give them a call.

OK, if all goes well I will join Justin and Chris in the Homa cabin

I look forward to it very much! 

Chris, don't give me a heart attack, hopefully your great fluent German should sort out the problems (Ahem  )

Hopefully there shouldn't be a problem with ours!

Tugmaster, me and chris are on your flight home buddy! (As it's the only one to LHR!!!!)  

Cheers,

Justin  

Cedar, after i clicked send there was a box in german that popped up and it only had "ok" to clcik"

I hope it works out, i'll call them tomorrow!

Chris

TRIP CONFIRMATION RECEIVED!!! (via email)

Yay!

SP, here I come!

Well, for me it's a question of econmy as always if you are a student. Will hopefully get some more money at the end of the month but we'll see.

SASA330300,

I'm a student to and JKW is 18!!! We just both know this is our last ever chance to expeiriance the SP probs and the extra 40quid or so is worth it we figure!!!

Chris

Yeah, just got my confirmation as well. All is right with the world. And by the way, £40 is not much extra for business class. That said, I've gone for economy, to really get a feel for the bird (window seat behind the engines please guv).

I bought an a.net shoulder bag off www.cafepress.com a few years ago, if I can find it I'll wear it; it's bright yellow, we'll find each other no worries.

Hey guys,

just saw this topic... Well I've already book an economy windows seat, too... Located near the "Prayroom", its an A-Seat.

See ya

Tobi

For people all interested on this flight, the Upper deck is all Economy class seat but feels very exclusive there.

I can't wait to see Chris Sharps and Justin plugging their photos in their trip report  

Is time for me to upload a few more of Iran Air SP  

Sam

Lol, how well do you know us Sam!!! I cant wait to finally get on one of the things!!
Sam, you should come over for it! Would be good to meet the legend that is Sam Chui!

Cheers, Chris

Someone want to sponsor my trip on it? Its the only way I'll be able to afford it unfortunately. I'm not a rich student like you Chris :P


Jamo

Hi all sightflyers

After having postponed my planed DAM-LHR flight on RB I guess this would be a good way to secure a B747SP flight.

Managed to combine it with a short visit to my dear girlfriend (always nice).

My schedule will be:

03SEP
1640-2235 LH0687/4684 Tel Aviv-Amsterdam (B744/A320)

05SEP
0700-0755 KL1853 Amsterdam-Dusseldorf (F50)*
1330 IR sightseeing flight from Cologne (B747SP)*
1940-0350 LH5065/0690 Cologne-Tel Aviv (B735/A332)

*first flight on type....

Will be wearing a red Interflug t-shirt, so if anyone want to say hello you are welcome  

See you there


PS. Great move Brons2

Jamo,

Im not that rich, just got a very understanding girlfriend and i am working all hours of the day to save up!!! Booked my LHR-CGN-LHR ticket on airmiles!!! Only cost me £25 or so for the taxes!!!

Anyway, i'm still yet to find out if my reservation went through. I wish i could read german and i would of knowm what the little german pop-up box ment after i hit "send"!

Grrrrrrrr.

Anyway, it's good to see some real dedication for this trip! Tel aviv and The usa now!!! It will be good to meet you all!!!

Cheers, Chris

It's a terrific idea and I'm sure it will be very enjoyable, but what about security and more to the point, security guards ... and cameras? We're talking middle eastern airline here and lots of aviation enthusiasts wanting to take lots of photos. I haven't seen any reference to this and if this isn't clarified, you could end up with a pretty ugly situation!

What happens if Iranian security guards start to intimidate people trying to take photos. Hopefully, they'll be sensible, but it would be wise to clarify this with Air Events in advance.

Be careful of the guy dressed in a gray suit. He is part of the Iranian Revolutionary Gaurds (IRIRCG) Aviation Security. He may look obese and disheveled but his armed and usually in a bad mood.
Otherwise, there should be no problems with taking pictures.
As we say in Persian "Safar be kheyr", roughly Bon Voyage.

Kaitak wrote,

We're talking middle eastern airline here and lots of aviation enthusiasts wanting to take lots of photos.

Why should this be a problem? I have never had problems taking pictures on the Middle Eastern airlines (in the airports, yes, but not onboard), I have flown (RJ, MS, LY, IZ) and my colleague didn't have any problem on RB, ME and EK either. I only heard of some American FA's trying to prevent people from taking photos  


Na wrote,

I hope for you and us all Iran Air doesn't cancel it on the last minute. Or change equipment.

Don't worry after a couple of hours when GSG9 arrives things will calm down again  


/Michael

[Edited 2004-08-11 13:45:18]

Sam,

Plugging? What is that?!    

This is a very unique opportunity for me and Chris for sure. So expected masses of pics!

Chris, let me know when you have given Herman the German a call won't you. Ta.

Cheers all,

Can't wait!!

Justin  

What happens if Iranian security guards start to intimidate people trying to take photos.

I am 6'7" and 250-260 lbs or so. I intimidate security guards, not the other way around

     

Seriously though, I'm sure there won't be any problems, what would a sightseeing trip be without pictures?

This is an absolute awesome opportunity,everybody has just got to beg/steal or borrow the 79 euros (and then find a way to CGN).The chances of most of us flying on a SP are getting more and more limited (RB/IR) and soon people will only be remembering these magnificent beasts.
Brons2.....I take my hat off to you, I gonna shake your hand and buy you a cold beer.
Justin & Chirs....Look forward to meeting you on the SP flight and the BA flight back to LHR.

Cheers

Tugmaster.

Still no confirmation!!! Ahhhhhhhhh!!! Anyone know what that little german box said??? After clicking send!

Chris

Just got the info that Homa Class is full since yesterday afternoon (So I guess Justin and Chris just filled it up   ) But I got an Eco window seat. Well, also fine with me. I just didn't want to sit on the upper deck as my last dozen or so 747 flights were all upstairs (no, not Business Class, but freighter aircraft   )

Cheers,
Tom

There's nothing much to sight see in cologne, so the interesting sights are all on the aircraft, presumably.

I'll go if SQ organizes something like this on one of their aircrafts. At least you can sight see the F/A's ! You'll only get bearded male ones on Iran Air....

DIJKKIJK, are you saying that Iran Air only has male FAs?
Are you for real? I can't believe that, that would be terrible....

  PA

Iranair are funny about photos being taken of its aircraft, illustrated by it being one of the very few airlines that still do not permit photos of its aircraft at SHJ. It'd be good to have written confirmation (ie permission)!

DIJKKIJK and PanAmerican, Iran Air have women F/As, in fact over 80% of their F/As are female...and beautiful ones at that...you'll see

Horus

I better have business seats booked as it's full up!!! I'll be pissed if they are not!!!

Chris

I can't make it, but I'm looking into the possibility to take the RB flight from MAN-DAM, currently operated by the SP. Fare is about GBP330.00 return inc taxes but this necessitates a stop-over of 1 or 3 nights in DAM! Anyone got any good ideas about hotels and spotting / photography over there? Come to that has anyone been there for vacation, sight-seeing or any other reason?
I'd be interested to know if there's any other member(s) out there that may have any experience..

"There's nothing much to sight see in cologne"

The cathedral ranks among the top ten of impressive churches of the world and is ranked a "world heritage" by Unesco. Cologne is quite famous for its restaurant/bar scene and art scene as well and around Cologne there are many places worth visiting. The city itself I agree is not that pretty as it was really smashed in the war and rebuilt in the tasteless Fifties and Sixties. If you´re not from London or Paris Cologne is also a good shopping city.

I've got to agree with Na re the above...
Cologne is a fascinating city, lots to see. The cathederal is well worth a visit.
and theres lots of great places to eat & drink and enjoy..

HI people,
i have just book a window seat and wait to meet you on board
Alberto

Hi all,

I can't believe the date of this flight, I am away in Cyprus almost any other date I would have done. Germanwings LGW-CGN then the SP although it looks like its not to be  

Oh well, enjoy your flight you guys

Cheers

Ben Pritchard

Hey people,
only one question: the confirmation of the booking arrives via e-mail?
Alberto

Hi guys!

What a great opportunity! Just booked my outer section economy class seat for 99€ (Window seat would be better, but I`m a poor student...). I`m soooo excited! First time for me with Iran Air! First time ever on a 747SP (first flight on a 747 of any kind to be honest - shame on me   ).
Just waiting for my confirmation e-mail... Hope we`ll meet on board!

Can`t stop smiling!!!
See ya soon!


Regards
PositiveClimb

Depending at what time I´ll come back from Belgium this Sunday evening, are you guys going to have a beer somewhere in CGN?

Jan (Your resident CGN maintenance man)

Hi guys,

what about starting a list to see all the a.netters who have a confirmed seat on that flight? Well, as mentioned above, could probably the first a.net inflight meeting 

I'll make a start:

Paulianer / Tobias Rose - Eco Window seat (A)

Greetings
Tobi

NEXtime > Damascus is a nice mid east place, friendly people, not expensive. But don't think about (airplane/airport) photography there as it has a suspective secret service.
Taking photos on board the Iran Air flight shouldn't be that much a problem, I guess they have to relax on their rules a bit with 280 spotters on board.

I added myself to the list of on-board Airliners.netters (I guess we rather have to meet and chat before or after the flight)

Paulianer / Tobias Rose - Eco Window seat (A)
MEA-707 / Servaas - Eco aisle/middle seat in windowblock

And how you're getting to and from Cologne?

Paulianer / Tobias Rose - Eco Window seat (A)
MEA-707 / Servaas - Eco aisle/middle seat in windowblock
Cedarjet / Charlie - Y class window / 4U 331 STN 08:05 CGN 1020; and home on 4U 338 CGN 19:35 STN 19:50

Paulianer / Tobias Rose - Eco Window seat (A) / from HAM by car, between 09:00 - 10:00
MEA-707 / Servaas - Eco aisle/middle seat in windowblock
Cedarjet / Charlie - Y class window / 4U 331 STN 08:05 CGN 1020; and home on 4U 338 CGN 19:35 STN 19:50

Paulianer / Tobias Rose - Eco Window seat (A) / from HAM by car, between 09:00 - 10:00
MEA-707 / Servaas - Eco aisle/middle seat in windowblock
Cedarjet / Charlie - Y class window / 4U 331 STN 08:05 CGN 1020; and home on 4U 338 CGN 19:35 STN 19:50
Airdolomiti / Federico - Eco Window seat / 4U 81 MUC 08:30 CGN 09:40; 4U 88 CGN 18:40 MUC 19:50

Looking forward to meeting fellow a.netters  

Federico

Depending at what time I´ll come back from Belgium this Sunday evening, are you guys going to have a beer somewhere in CGN?

we damn well better be going for a beer somewhere, after all is said and done I'll probably be dropping over 1000 usd on this trip, lol.

as for my itenerary, flight information is posted in reply 23. In addition, I will be driving my 2000 Ford F-150 from AUS to DFW at an altitude of roughly 4 feet above the ground. Then, when I arrive in FRA, I will be taking a train (or maybe a car if catching a ride works out) from FRA to CGN at an altitude of roughly 5 feet.

As for my seat number, since I am 6'7" (200cm for you metric folks) I emailed Airevents and asked for an exit row. They were very kind to accomodate me in 31A, an economy window exit.

Some were talking about things do to in CGN. I was wondering, when I arrive at FRA on Saturday, should I arrange to go to CGN that day or stay the night in FRA somewhere? Which city has more nightlife? I would assume FRA. Which is less expensive?

Paulianer / Tobias Rose - Eco Window seat (A)
MEA-707 / Servaas - Eco aisle/middle seat in windowblock
Cedarjet / Charlie - Y class window /
Airdolomiti / Federico - Eco Window seat /
Aerosol / Kjell - Eco Window Seat - DUS-CGN VW Polo (still window seats free in eco or even jump seat  )

>>>Airsicknessbag > Well at least Honduras is about the only place in the world where you can score Fairchild F-27 and Nord 262 passenger flights ! Did you manage that already or not interested in the old props?

MEA-707, don´t forget the HS748.

Sosa´s N262 is stored, pity, and it´s difficult to get on the FH227 or HS748: They´re almost never at TGU, and if they are, always on very short notice.

Daniel 

Paulianer / Tobias Rose - Eco Window seat (A)
MEA-707 / Servaas - Eco aisle/middle seat in windowblock
Cedarjet / Charlie - Y class window /
Airdolomiti / Federico - Eco Window seat /
Aerosol / Kjell - Eco Window Seat - DUS-CGN VW Polo
Patroni / Thomas - Eco Window Seat - Trier-CGN by Turbodiesel  

Paulianer / Tobias Rose - Eco Window seat (A)
MEA-707 / Servaas - Eco aisle/middle seat in windowblock
Cedarjet / Charlie - Y class window /
Airdolomiti / Federico - Eco Window seat /
Aerosol / Kjell - Eco Window Seat - DUS-CGN VW Polo
Patroni / Thomas - Eco Window Seat - Trier-CGN by Turbodiesel
Jkw777 / Justin Wood - Eco Window Seat - LHR-CGN BA A319
Chris78cpr / Chris Sharps - Eco Window Seat - LHR-CGN BA A319

Well it seems they never got our first application for the HOMA Buiness Seats, but we got the last two window seats in economy! Can't wait to see you all there!

Cheers,

Justin  

This is me:
Mxp/ Jori Alberto Economy seat window
regards to all
Alberto

@Brons2:

They were very kind to accomodate me in 31A, an economy window exit

Ah... so I will sit right behind you in 32A. Don't even think of reclining the seat too much   Joking aside, it will be a pleasure for me to meet you, hats of for the hassle you take to do that flight!

Cheers,
Thomas

Paulianer / Tobias Rose - Eco Window seat (A)
MEA-707 / Servaas - Eco aisle/middle seat in windowblock
Cedarjet / Charlie - Y class window /
Airdolomiti / Federico - Eco Window seat /
Aerosol / Kjell - Eco Window Seat - DUS-CGN VW Polo
Patroni / Thomas - Eco Window Seat - Trier-CGN by Turbodiesel
Jkw777 / Justin Wood - Eco Window Seat - LHR-CGN BA A319
Chris78cpr / Chris Sharps - Eco Window Seat - LHR-CGN BA A319
Brons2 / Jim - Eco Window - AUS-DFW, F150, DFW-MEM RJ85, MEM-AMS DC-10-30, AMS-FRA F70, FRA-CGN car/train

Patroni:

I'll take it easy on the recline since I should have lots of room in front of me due to the exit row 

Hi guys!

Just got my confirmation e-mail, so I`m happy to add my name to the list:

Paulianer / Tobias Rose - Eco Window seat (A)
MEA-707 / Servaas - Eco aisle/middle seat in windowblock
Cedarjet / Charlie - Y class window /
Airdolomiti / Federico - Eco Window seat /
Aerosol / Kjell - Eco Window Seat - DUS-CGN VW Polo
Patroni / Thomas - Eco Window Seat - Trier-CGN by Turbodiesel
Jkw777 / Justin Wood - Eco Window Seat - LHR-CGN BA A319
Chris78cpr / Chris Sharps - Eco Window Seat - LHR-CGN BA A319
Brons2 / Jim - Eco Window - AUS-DFW, F150, DFW-MEM RJ85, MEM-AMS DC-10-30, AMS-FRA F70, FRA-CGN car/train
PositiveClimb / Fabian - Eco outer section seat - Bremen-CGN by car/train

Looking forward to meet you on board! 

Greetings
PositiveClimb

Nice to see more people will be attending!

Who is up for some shooting/spotting afterwards? Me and Chris have a few hours spare afterwards, so we might as well use them up with something worth while! Any takers?

Cheers,

Justin  

Maybe I'm missing something here, but what exactly is the point of such a flight? Why would Iran Air offer such a thing?

Justin,

I spent some time at CGN last month, I would say 3 options, jump on the train to DUS, jump on the train to FRA or if you don't have time for those just find a bar and sample the fine German beers  

Oh and as for the Cologne catherdral being good, I don't think so, it's dirty and also dissapointing

Cheers

Ben Pritchard

Maybe I'm missing something here, but what exactly is the point of such a flight? Why would Iran Air offer such a thing?

Do you not have no imagination?

Ben,

Is it really that bad? Yikes! Guess we'll give it a big miss!  

Cheers,

Justin  

Actually CGN is much busier at night than during day time. It is Germany´s second biggest cargo airport, having hubs of both UPS and DHL.

The only problem for spotters would be to get access to the cargo ramp, because all fences are within the outer security area, or there are buildings in the way.

Jan

@ PlaneviewNYC:
Maybe I'm missing something here, but what exactly is the point of such a flight?

Only 44 or so 747SP were ever built, with only a handful in commercial operation in 2004. Why is it strange that aviation fans wish to fly on one of these birds before they are all out of service? 12 years ago I had the chance to fly on the Dassault Mercure, the Caravelle and the IL-18 and I didn' do it. Today I could hit myself for missing that chance!

Why would Iran Air offer such a thing?
Because they get paid for the flying time... so why shouldn't they do it?

Cheers,
Tom

Paulianer / Tobias Rose - Eco Window seat (A)
MEA-707 / Servaas - Eco aisle/middle seat in windowblock
Cedarjet / Charlie - Y class window /
Airdolomiti / Federico - Eco Window seat /
Aerosol / Kjell - Eco Window Seat - DUS-CGN VW Polo
Patroni / Thomas - Eco Window Seat - Trier-CGN by Turbodiesel
Jkw777 / Justin Wood - Eco Window Seat - LHR-CGN BA A319
Chris78cpr / Chris Sharps - Eco Window Seat - LHR-CGN BA A319
Brons2 / Jim - Eco Window - AUS-DFW, F150, DFW-MEM RJ85, MEM-AMS DC-10-30, AMS-FRA F70, FRA-CGN car/train
PositiveClimb / Fabian - Eco outer section seat - Bremen-CGN by car/train
Tugmaster / Dave - 17H Eco Aisle Seat - LHR-CGN BA 319 & v.v.

Chris and Justin,
As for something to do afterwards, i think we should all be drinking beer.(especially one with Brons2/Jim)

Planeview : Simple, Airevents.de or other airplane fans notice an interesting airplane they want to take a flight on, has a few hours on the ground on an airport which is convenient for them. They approach the airline and figure out a price for which in this case Iran Air makes a profit (covering crew costs, fuel, taxes etc) and for which they can sell reasonable priced tickets for the pleasure flights and everybody is happy.

Chris and Justin,
As for something to do afterwards, i think we should all be drinking beer.(especially one with Brons2/Jim)

Good idea! Seems so Brons2 is coming all the way from the US! Not too many, as we seem to do some crazy shit when we have had a few too many!!   Note: MAN Meet - July 2004    

Cheers,

Justin  

Makes sense, I guess. Are there ever such events in the US?

Wow! guys I didn't know people are that much interested in SPs. For me, there is nothing especial! As an Iranian, I've been 1000 times on a 747SP! But I wish you a very pleasant flight with Iran Air's SP. Have fun guys. I hope you get the chance to have sexy F/As.  

Yeah there is not much chance for me to fly an SP in the UK! This was a very convenient way of doing it I felt! So I went for it!

Lucky you flying on 1000 SP's!

Cheers,

Justin  

Topic has been getting lost in the archives, just thought i'd refresh it a little.

T

Hi all,

Got my confirmation as well and managed to book KLM Cityhopper F50 AMS-DUS with points.

Aerosol are there still any window seats left in the Polo? If yes I will be happy to book a oneway DUS-CGN  I will be happy to share costs 

I have a flight out of CGN again at 1940 so I am in for beers, spotting or what ever after our SP flight  Look for the red Interflug T-shirt and say hello!

Added myself to the list, Michael


Paulianer / Tobias Rose - Eco Window seat (A)
MEA-707 / Servaas - Eco aisle/middle seat in windowblock
Cedarjet / Charlie - Y class window /
Airdolomiti / Federico - Eco Window seat /
Aerosol / Kjell - Eco Window Seat - DUS-CGN VW Polo
Patroni / Thomas - Eco Window Seat - Trier-CGN by Turbodiesel
Jkw777 / Justin Wood - Eco Window Seat - LHR-CGN BA A319
Chris78cpr / Chris Sharps - Eco Window Seat - LHR-CGN BA A319
Brons2 / Jim - Eco Window - AUS-DFW, F150, DFW-MEM RJ85, MEM-AMS DC-10-30, AMS-FRA F70, FRA-CGN car/train
PositiveClimb / Fabian - Eco outer section seat - Bremen-CGN by car/train
Tugmaster / Dave - 17H Eco Aisle Seat - LHR-CGN BA 319 & v.v.
Canberra / Michael - Eco Window Seat - TLV-FRA B744, FRA-AMS A320, AMS-DUS F50, DUS-CGN car/train

Aerosol please contact me regarding windowseats in the Pole  Can't contact you direct as you left out that option in your profile.

BTW, how is sun (if any ) for photos in DUS the morning. Best to stay at the terminal terrace or go to the train station?

TIA Michael

Jkw777 / Justin Wood & Chris78cpr / Chris Sharps,
Get in contact if possible, and we'll meet at LHR Sunday Morning.

Tugmaster

People,
is it right that i booked from 8 days and i have not still received a confirmation by e-mail?
Alberto

Makes sense, I guess. Are there ever such events in the US?

The final revenue Delta L-1011 flight ATL-MCO-ATL had several a.netters on board.

http://www.l1011.homestead.com/Orlando.html

Freshening up this a little; anyone else want to fly on an SP? Come on! Plus, I'm the only one flying in from Stansted on Germanwings (why didn't I book BA from LHR?!) so I need someone from north of the river to book up.

@Mxp

Hi Alberto!
Just read your posting concerning the confirmation e-mail. Sounds a little strange to me. Booked my flight the same day you did and received the confirmation two days later. I would suggest you just try to get in contact with airevents.com to tell your problem.
Hope everything works out well!

Looking forward to meet you and all the others on board!  

Greetings
Fabian

hi all

i am also in on the 747SP flight

gonna drive up in the car from LUX to CGN

Paulianer / Tobias Rose - Eco Window seat (A)
MEA-707 / Servaas - Eco aisle/middle seat in windowblock
Cedarjet / Charlie - Y class window /
Airdolomiti / Federico - Eco Window seat /
Aerosol / Kjell - Eco Window Seat - DUS-CGN VW Polo
Patroni / Thomas - Eco Window Seat - Trier-CGN by Turbodiesel
Jkw777 / Justin Wood - Eco Window Seat - LHR-CGN BA A319
Chris78cpr / Chris Sharps - Eco Window Seat - LHR-CGN BA A319
Brons2 / Jim - Eco Window - AUS-DFW, F150, DFW-MEM RJ85, MEM-AMS DC-10-30, AMS-FRA F70, FRA-CGN car/train
PositiveClimb / Fabian - Eco outer section seat - Bremen-CGN by car/train
Tugmaster / Dave - 17H Eco Aisle Seat - LHR-CGN BA 319 & v.v.
Canberra / Michael - Eco Window Seat - TLV-FRA B744, FRA-AMS A320, AMS-DUS F50, DUS-CGN car/train
Luxair_ca / Marc Muller - Eco Aisle Seat - LUX-CGN by car

Hi!

Just also received the confirmation email. Had been thinking quite a while about it, and couldn't resist booking the flight  
Quite some Dutch spotters aboard I think, at least I know of a few non-a.netters who will also be there. Looking forward to meeting you all!


David

DavidEHAM good call. Just heard from that the Il62 flight that was planned to go from some unpronouncable town in the Czech Rep is now not happening cos Kras Air are retiring the type, but they're going to see if they can find an aircraft from somewhere else. Still, this SP flight is going to be hard to beat.

*bump*!

I just changed my return flight from Monday to Thursday so I can have some more time to drink beer...err I mean sightsee...in Germany. I took the whole week off from work. Why stay only a few days if you are already flying across the pond?

Ironically, I could have stayed longer, but I leave on another trip on Saturday the 11th, lol!

Brons2, re. beer, err sightseeing: The no.1 for local beerdrinking in Cologne is called "Früh", 3 minutes walk from the cathedral.

Paulianer / Tobias Rose - Eco Window seat (A)
MEA-707 / Servaas - Eco aisle/middle seat in windowblock
Cedarjet / Charlie - Y class window /
Airdolomiti / Federico - Eco Window seat /
Aerosol / Kjell - Eco Window Seat - DUS-CGN VW Polo
Patroni / Thomas - Eco Window Seat - Trier-CGN by Turbodiesel
Jkw777 / Justin Wood - Eco Window Seat - LHR-CGN BA A319
Chris78cpr / Chris Sharps - Eco Window Seat - LHR-CGN BA A319
Brons2 / Jim - Eco Window - AUS-DFW, F150, DFW-MEM RJ85, MEM-AMS DC-10-30, AMS-FRA F70, FRA-CGN car/train
PositiveClimb / Fabian - Eco outer section seat - Bremen-CGN by car/train
Tugmaster / Dave - 17H Eco Aisle Seat - LHR-CGN BA 319 & v.v.
Canberra / Michael - Eco Window Seat - TLV-FRA B744, FRA-AMS A320, AMS-DUS F50, DUS-CGN car/train
Luxair_ca / Marc Muller - Eco Aisle Seat - LUX-CGN by car
NA/Norbert - Eco window - Frag-CGN by AR166.

Hello A.netters,

are you going to meet after the flight in order to drink a few beer? I am not flying as it is certainly too late to book now. By the way I do not have too much money because I am just a poor student (sigh). However, I would probably join for a beer or ten. You won't have so many A.netters together at one place for a long time. If yes where do you all meet?

Greetings

Frederik

If the weather is good I propose to meet after landing at the viewing deck, reachable by stairs in the corner between the two terminals.
If the weather is bad we might go to the Burger King.

If the weather is bad we might go to the Burger King.

I seriously doubt Burger King sell Beer..........however this is Germany and i could be wrong.

Tugmaster

Noooooooooo!

Why on September 5th???  

I´m off to MCO on the 4th and I guess I won´t have the opportunity to fly on a 747SP anytime soon. Damn!

Do Burger King serve beer?

I know McDonalds sells beer in European countries. Sagres and Super Bock in Spain and Portugal...

Get a McBuzzzzzzzzzzzz!

AA777jr

If I'm not completely wrong, they do in Germany - it's Millers :-(( what a pity, would think of better alternatives here......would have loved to join the flight, but did not get any good transportation from MUC....however looking forward to some comments and hopefully pics. Enjoy, Guys!

So how do we know who is A.netter and who is not? For the future it would be cool to have something like T-Shirts with the nicknames on it. What do you think?

Frederik

Well this come along quickly, 4 days to go now!  

Look forward to meeting some of you! I think we should make a point of grabbing a few beers before/after!?  

Cheers,

Justin  

I'm definitely up for a few beers after the flight!

We will indeed have to work out ways to recognize each other...maybe someone could make a large "A.NETTERS MEETING" sign, or bring along a disturbingly bright pink or green umbrella, and we can meet the tourist way  

I'll probably be wearing an A340 t-shirt, BTW.

Federico

According to the extended forecast, the weather should be excellent.

Do you think there is still a chance of getting on this flight? It already seems like the world and his dog are going to be on it! However the website doesn't say its completely sold out. Tried booking last night, but have had no confirmation yet.

Hey Bruspotter,

I send them an email and they say you can still book seats for 79€(rest) and 99€(plenty). They also say you can pay cash at the check in on sunday. They will probably send the confirmations out on Friday evening via email. Should I join, too?

Greetings

Bruspotter

Anyone who wants to come still can. The flight is NOT sold out, so please, book up now. Or come on down on Sunday and buy a ticket. An a.net meeting in the departure lounge of a flight on a 747SP should not be missed by anyone. I have an a.net shoulder bag that is bright yellow, we'll find each other.

Good news; just got my confirmation! So I'll be driving to Köln from Brussels on the morning of the 5th. Can't believe my luck.

I'm too lazy to read the 123 replies above, but FYI I'm gonna be on this flight also. I was too late to get a window seat, but if anyone here is seated in 35K, be prepared for me and my camera in your lap for the whole flight.  

I still haven't reserved tickets there or back, but I'm going to be (spotting) in Germany for the whole weekend. I'll probably travel via Frankfurt and Düsseldorf, possibly Hamburg also. I'm not really a known person here, but if anyone is interested in meeting up, email me.

Hey NA are you out there? Shoot me an email, I'm interested in the car ride from FRA-CGN. I have a German sim card from T-Mobile D, I'll put it in my phone when I get there.

All of you who are taking this flight, have a wonderful day!!! The SP is a grande dame, I know you will enjoy the ride and the experience.

I look forward to all the pictures, the trip reports, and the get togethers!

Regards
(and envious),

Jack

Had a look at http://www.amadeus.net for the IR flight.

There is obviously some thing that is not right! I can't find the THR-CGN flight and the CGN-THR flight IR728 leaves already at 12:00 (before your flight). The worst thing is that aircraft type is listed as Airbus A310-300? Should we worry?

/Michael

Hi ,
this is Sven from airevents.com. I have been reading your comments and postings concerning our B747 flight for a while. We are happy that cederjet has started this topic because we really received lots of additional bookings after that date.

Michael, don't worry! On Sunday 5th, there will be two IR flights in CGN. One, the regular, scheduled flight, which is listed in amadeus.net, with an A310, and one extra flight with B747SP. This extra flight arrives in CGN at about 12:20 with passengers from Teheran. It is a booked out charter flight and therefore not listened in amadeus.net. Before it will be ferried back to THR at 4pm, it is going to operate our sightseeing flight.

We are nearly booked out, about 25 seats still being available mainly in the outer section (for 99€), so if you know someone who would still like to join us bring him with you as the last seats will be sold on Sunday morning. (Of course, reservations can still be made on our website).

Iran Air has informed us that one has received all necessary permissions to operate the flight, but the authorities reserve the right to revoke their permissions even in the very last minute. But we hope they won't do so, and in the past they haven't so we are very optimistic.

Looking forward to seeing you all aboard on Sep 5,

Sven
airevents.com

Hi Sven,

Thanks for the update!   Will you be present for this one?!  

Myself and Chris Sharps are looking forward to this flight like you couldn't believe!

Also, what are the plans for Airevents in the future? I see you done a CO DC-10 and CO 777 in the past two years or so!

Are there any other flights like this to watch out for? As I'm sure I would like to make flights like these in the future!

Cheers,

Justin Wood  

Thanks Sven,

I am know sitting in the airport in Tel Aviv waiting for my flight to Frankfurt (as expected a B744 ). I am glad that I don`t have to sit and worry the hole flight now 

See you all there, Michael

Canberra,
what´s so bad of a 744 to FRA? Can´t think of a better aircraft on this route.

OK my friends, I'll be away from computers from now til I write the trip report. So I guess we'll hook up at the gate? If I can find it, I'll have a bright yellow airliners.net shoulder bag. If I can't find it, I'm sure we'll find each other anyway (the group in the corner shouting at the top of their lungs about the merits of Airbus v Boeing). This is going to be an awesome voyage, can't wait to see what IR have planned (a few low level circuits; or a return trip to FL410?). Really looking forward to meeting you guys as well, and having a few beers afterwards before we have to head home (my Germanwings flight back to STN leaves at 1930).

See you at the gate. Charlie.

hey guys


it s gonna be big fun tomorrow i guess

hope to see you all together there...

i ll be wearing a Margaritaville (by Jimmy Buffet) with a big Grumman Albatross on the back

take care and happy flight

Marc

Hi Marc,

Look forward to seeing you about mate!

Anyone got any regs for tomorrow yet?

Cheers,

Justin 

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH SPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP

I am excited!!! lol

See you tomorrow guys!

Do i need to bring anything other than the word file confirmation???

Chris

Can you not MSN/AOL?!  

You need your BA flight confirmation as I have printed all the SP stuff... But better make sure you have a copy too!  

If you can mate, IM me.

Justin 

Sorry i missed you dude, got acaught up! Will have it all, see you ina few hrs!!! Later!

Chris

It's stupidly early in the morning, I'm just about to leave for LHR. In 20 mins Chris is gonna get a nice wake up call from me!  

See you all there folks!!!

Justin  

I'd have loved to have gone on that trip. Best wishes to all A.Nutters going over to CGN for the ride, and let's see plenty of pics and reports in the trip report forum!

   Have a great day    

Guys I wish you have a great day and a pleasant flight! And as we say in Persian ''Safar Bekheyr!'' (have a nice trip)

View Large View Medium

Photo © Tobias Rose

Hey,
just got back to LHR from CGN..............F***Ing awesome trip & worth every euro. Good to meet fellow A.Nutters. especially Cedarjet/Brons2/Canberra/Chris78cpr/jkw777/Na/AirDolomiti .....and guys, thanks fof the beers.
AWESOME

Take care

Tugmaster/Dave

Hi all,

What a fantastic experience. Was just wonderful to be there, beatiful plane!

Congratulations to the organisators, the people from Iran Air and Cologne airport, thank you for such a nice day.

Lima  

Hi guys,

just came back from CGN (by car back to HAM)... It was a really nice trip, unfortunately I didn't met the above mentioned members... but it was still worth every euro, and a very nice flight and cabin crew...

Ah, thanks for plugging my shot Pouyazad 

Actually we were travelling with EP-IAB  

Tobi

Hello,
the "Luxembourgish Delegation" also arrived back home (after dinner and some more photography). I think Iranair, its crew and the organisers of this trip did an amazingly good job. Thanks a lot for that, it was an absolutely enjoyable day and I was very happy to meet some of you for the first time in real life rather than just via the forum or email.

Greetings from seat 32A,

Thomas

What a fantastic flight. Nice wheather, aircraft and crew. Many thanx for the organisators of this flight. My seat was 22K.

http://www.nlspot.com

[Edited 2004-09-05 23:10:51]

So who'll be first with a trip report?

I'm still buzzin' even after driving 500km round trip from Brussels and back! What struck me was how friendly and genuine the flight attendants were; despite having us lot running amock on their plane and raiding their trollies; blocking the isles etc. It was a fantastic experience that I'll never forget. The framed picture that we all got compliments of Iranair was also really nice and is already positioned in our conservatory! Thanks a million to everyone that helped organise it. I loved it.

I am really happy for you guys to see you've had a good trip. I can't wait for your reports and pictures. Tell me about everything, flight, crew, service, food,...

Hi all,

After getting up at 3 a.m. GMT for this day trip, I have to saw what a bloody awesome day it was!!!

Thanks to everyone who attended, and to all of those who I met:

Brons2
Cedarjet
Tugmaster
Na
AirDolomiti
Chris78cpr - good to see you again after a couple of months  

Anyone I missed out, I'm very sorry!

I was seated in 20A on the SP. What amazed me the most was the In Flight cockpit visits they were allowing!! Iran Air provided great service, and the crew managed well when everyone climbed straight out of their seats to take shots from every possible angle! 

I look forward to seeing some of the pics taken by everyone else, and hearing from some of you again very soon!

Many thanks to all!

Regards,

Justin 

Hi Justin,

too bad we didn't talk to each other, I was on 19A 

Yeah, and nearly everybody took shots of the flight attendants as well.. I really thought that this isn't allowed, but hey... nice souvenir  

The legroom in econonmy was just incredible... far more than on Lufthansa A340's...

Greetings from HAM
Tobi

It was a great day indeed. I'll never forget... some impressions; the prayers on the moviescreens, the friendly crew, the good condition of the aircraft, the climb to 20000 ft before turning back on this 50 minutes flight, the late selection of the flaps which made us wonder if we would do a low pass before actually landing, but no acrobatics today  . Iran had a great PR day, as the 260 passengers now probably more consider it a nice and welcoming country.
Pity I only could briefly speak to some of you, folks, I had to leave early and couldn't join for beers afterwards. More luck next time !
Servaas (29J)

Helle to everyone who has joined our Boeing 747SP flight yesterday!

Also in the name of my colleagues Peter and Sebastian, I would like to thank all of you for participating and making the flight possible. Of course a big "Thank you" also goes to everyone at Iran Air, especially the crew and the representatives in Germany, and to the marketing department of Cologne/Bonn Airport.

We look forward to seeing you again on one of our future flights, and of course don't hesitate to contact us if you have any ideas of which aircraft to charter next time.

Best wishes

Sven Maertens
www.airevents.com

hi there

wow, what a day, it was great pleasure of meeting some of you guys, Brons2, Tugmaster, well actually even patroni, which i know since 4 years, still never met...

hope you had a great flight all, thanks to IranAir and CGN airport for everything, and of course thanks to air events

take care

Marc
2nd member of the luxembourgish delegation  

Hi!

Well, what can I say? It was a really great flight, nice crew, an aircraft in good condition... That was a really good experience... I would do the same again anytime...

Greetings to Cedarjet! It was really nice talking to you and getting to know you a bit...

Christian
EDDF
(Seat 12B)

Great trip yesterday, had such a great time, was definatly worth being woken up at 3:49AM by jkw! 

It was really good to meet a load of you yesterday,

Tugmaster, Ceaderjet, Brons2, Na, AirDolomiti and everyone else!

I look forward to meeting you all again on another crazy flight!

Chris

Oh and a big thank you to airevents and iran air for making the trip possible! It must have taken a lot of organizing but i know it was very much appriciated!!!

Now if only you can find a way of making my want of a flight on a 707 come true! lol

HEEEEEEY!! How cool was that?! What a great day. Fantastic to meet you guys, should have brought a sign or something to round up the a.netters that went astray. But it was wicked to meet Air Dolomiti, Tugmaster (geezer!), Brons2, Chris78cpr, jkw777, ChrisEDDL, Na, MEA-707, Canberra, LuxairCA and the rest.

I'll do a trip report tonight, but for now here are my best bits: (1) getting onto the flightdeck in flight was a fantastic surprise, wow. You can't even have a piss on USAirways. The Axis Of Evil ROCKS! (2) I think this is the first time Iran Air have flown a planeload of drunks since the days of the Shah. (3) What a beautiful day to go flying. (4) What a nice airport - love the circular bar next to the gate, and you could smoke there too. Germany is such a civilised country. (5) Once again, it was great to meet you guys, feel like I made a few new friends yesterday.

Thank you Air Events and Iran Air, you guys made a lot of people's dreams come true. See y'all for the 707 (if we can persuade Saha to bring one to Europe, and the JAA to allow it).

[Edited 2004-09-06 14:01:38]

Tobias,

Hi there!

I tell you what I did do though, I sat in your seat accidentally after I had walked about for a bit. I got a bit confused (I had been up since 3 a.m. GMT) when I reached forward to get my bag it seemed to of aged and my 100-400 was gone I kinda realised I was in the wrong place!   So I kinda met your bag!!!!

If only I knew it was you, I would of said hello! But now I know your face, watch out!  

Thanks to Air Events for this trip, you were great. Keep us posted if any more do come along, I'm sure there would be plenty of people who will be keen to take these sorts of flights.

Cheers,

Justin Wood  

Hi people,
just arrived from mxp at home after some other spotting in dus this morning.
I would like to thanx airevents and Iran air for this wonderful flight and all the people on board.
Regards from 22B
Alberto

That was really worth it.
I can only underline what all other participants have written already by now.
Thanks to airevents, thanks to Iran Air, and thanks for the beer (well, not inflight)!

And ´til the next special flight, listen to this website with rather special music:
http://rareaviation.com/spaiso.html

Just got back home, what a great day indeed! The people, the weather, the aircraft, the crew - everything was as good as could be.

It was great to meet lots of a.netters, especially Cedarjet, Chris78cpr, jkw777, MEA-707, Patroni, Luxair CA and anyone else I might have forgotten (quite a few probably) 

Many thanks to everyone at Air Events for this splendid opportunity, and I do second the motion for a 707 flight some day 

I've just downloaded all the piccies on my computer, should have a trip report ready by tonight!  

Federico

Thanks to Iran Air and airevents.

Great day, great people, great weather...it was fun. The only thing that sucked was the bar at the gate.

Special thanks to Canberra who came with me from DUS.

Kjell (Seat 31K)

Do you also have a polo game on the present of Iran Air?

[Edited 2004-09-06 18:21:13]

It was really amazing yesterday. I hope I can see the first pictures of our trip on A.net soon. There must exist lots of pictures because right five minutes after take off everyone ran around in the aircraft taking photos. I have never seen such a busy flight.

Despite all this the cabin crew was excellent and very friendly. The even allowed us to have a look at the cockpit during the flight and afterwards. It was certainly a unique experience.

But we shouldn't forget our little A.netter meeting at the bar in the arrival area after the flight. I think it is cool to know who's behind all these names in the posts. Unfortunately most had to leave too early (except Brons2 who drank beer until 1am with me). So if there is any similar event or meeting in the future please post it.

Greetings

Frederik

Trip report up NOW in the trip reports forum! Have a look and tell me what you think!

Now it's everyone else's turn to post their impressions  

Federico

Great report, Air Dolomiti. At risk of basically rephrasing what you wrote, I've written my own one which is now up in Trip Reports as well. I think Air Dolomiti's is better than mine. But hey, maybe I should learn how to post pictures from other sites etc. Enjoy.

well I must say, thanks for the beers guys. good excuse to come back to Europe again. I am posting from Berlin now, fun times! Maybe I extend my trip again for another $200 on NW.....lol. scheduled to go back Thursday.

was very nice to meet you all....not even going to attempt to make a list. DTmaniac, you are nuts! I thought i was going to throw up right before we got on the train. ah well. good times.

from Berlin,
Brons2.

Sounds like you guys had a great trip; too bad I couldn't join you. My best friend flew all the way from LAX to take part in the event and he sat on the upper deck. I flew on a 747SP in Oct92 on UA from LHR to LAX on N144UA so I had already flown on a SP although not a sightseeing flight.

I also second the motion for a 707 flight. I think it would be a HUGE success since a lot of people have not been on a 707. I would definatly fly to Europe for a sightseeing flight on a 707.

The777Man

Hey Brons,

I didn't want you to feel bad, but you wanted to try the "Gedeck" which consisted of a glass of beer and a "Schnaps". At least now you know what it is. It was a pleasure to meet you for me anyway.

Have a nice time in Berlin,

Frederik