SIBILLE From Belgium, joined Jun 2005, 451 posts, RR: 3 Posted (11 months 1 day 16 hours ago) and read 19123 times:
I was in North Korea for an aviation tour last week and we talk with Air Koryo's staff about their future fleet as they informed us they plan to withdraw Il-62 from the fleet this year.
It seems Il-96 could join the fleet (no idea if new or second hand) and the An-140 could replace old An-24 and Tu-134.
We noticed the arrival of an ex Cubana Il-62 (Cubana colors on the tail but without Cubana written on the front. We didn't see the registration) but we had no information about this aircraft (spare, new aircraft to replace an Air Koryo older one? Strange as they plan to retire them.........).
Il-96 seems big to me but as both flight from and to Beijing (Il-62 and Tu-204-300) were full (even a second flight to Beijing was needed), it could be possible.
The guide told me tourism was growing in North Korea and the airlines could reopen an european destnation, so Il-96 could help.
PHX787 From Japan, joined Mar 2012, 5106 posts, RR: 14 Reply 2, posted (11 months 1 day 15 hours ago) and read 18897 times:
Quoting SIBILLE (Thread starter): It seems Il-96 could join the fleet (no idea if new or second hand)
Quoting SIBILLE (Thread starter): The guide told me tourism was growing in North Korea and the airlines could reopen an european destnation, so Il-96 could help.
Oh WOW~ That sounds impressive. Can't wait to see an Il-96 in Air Koryo colors.
Maybe they'll order some of the used A340's leaving the fleets these days
Quoting globalflyer (Reply 1): Would LOVE to hear how you all enjoyed that trip! I know a few that were there. Any TR's in the future? Cheers!
acidradio From United States of America, joined Mar 2001, 1855 posts, RR: 10 Reply 3, posted (11 months 1 day 15 hours ago) and read 18834 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW FORUM MODERATOR
Quoting SIBILLE (Thread starter): The guide told me tourism was growing in North Korea and the airlines could reopen an european destnation, so Il-96 could help.
legacyins From United States of America, joined Aug 2003, 1866 posts, RR: 0 Reply 5, posted (11 months 1 day 15 hours ago) and read 18763 times:
Quoting SIBILLE (Thread starter): The guide told me tourism was growing in North Korea and the airlines could reopen an european destnation, so Il-96 could help.
Highly unlikely due to the current situation(s) and sanctions by the West. But who knows, Mickey and Minnie preformed before the great leader a couple of weeks ago.
BreninTW From Taiwan, joined Jul 2006, 1470 posts, RR: 1 Reply 6, posted (11 months 1 day 15 hours ago) and read 18765 times:
Quoting PHX787 (Reply 4): I did hear rumors that the regime is trying to open the country up more. Unfortunately, Americans still can't partake, according to that rumor
However, there's a travel agency -- I believe in Chicago -- that specializes in organizing trips from the US to North Korea.
I'm tired of the A vs. B sniping. Neither make planes that shed wings randomly!
mariner From New Zealand, joined Nov 2001, 22871 posts, RR: 87 Reply 7, posted (11 months 1 day 15 hours ago) and read 18740 times:
Quoting BreninTW (Reply 6): However, there's a travel agency -- I believe in Chicago -- that specializes in organizing trips from the US to North Korea.
This New Zealand travel agency claims to offer North Korea, too, from Beijing.
RWA380 From United States of America, joined Feb 2005, 2221 posts, RR: 4 Reply 9, posted (11 months 1 day 15 hours ago) and read 18628 times:
Quoting BreninTW (Reply 6):
However, there's a travel agency -- I believe in Chicago -- that specializes in organizing trips from the US to North Korea
There was an agency known as I-Explore, in Chicago near Harpo studios, that did lots of off the beaten path custom built trips, I used to do the air arrangements for their travellers and N. Korea was on the menu, but from what I understand they have ceased operations.
Quoting BreninTW (Reply 8): The tours all start in Beijing. One of my colleagues is heading there next month ... she's looking forward to the visit
What people I have sent to N. Korea their side journeys did start in Beijing each time, but that was due to the land operator that was used for the tours we were booking.
Next Flights: AS PDX-SAN-LIH on 739/738 in F, HA LIH-HNL-KOA-OGG on 717 in Y, AS OGG-PDX on 738 in F
PHX787 From Japan, joined Mar 2012, 5106 posts, RR: 14 Reply 11, posted (11 months 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 18384 times:
Quoting imiakhtar (Reply 10): Just to add, there is no issue with Americans visiting N Korea. Only they have to fly in/out and are not permitted on the China-N Korea train service.
Oh wow, sign me up! I hope they're not too crabby about photography, cuz I tend to take quite a few photos
RWA380 From United States of America, joined Feb 2005, 2221 posts, RR: 4 Reply 12, posted (11 months 1 day 13 hours ago) and read 18327 times:
Quoting PHX787 (Reply 11): Oh wow, sign me up! I hope they're not too crabby about photography, cuz I tend to take quite a few photos
Feel free to take photos of anything, they tell you can take photos of I guess. I believe there are some restrictions, just be sure you check out what is cool to photograph before you go, and if possible ask your tour guide if your in any question.
Quoting imiakhtar (Reply 10): Just to add, there is no issue with Americans visiting N Korea. Only they have to fly in/out and are not permitted on the China-N Korea train service.
And you must be on an escorted tour, there is no random tourism in N Korea yet, especially for Americans, I don't know if this changes with those citizens of countries N. Korea has diplomatic relations with, like China.
Next Flights: AS PDX-SAN-LIH on 739/738 in F, HA LIH-HNL-KOA-OGG on 717 in Y, AS OGG-PDX on 738 in F
SIBILLE From Belgium, joined Jun 2005, 451 posts, RR: 3 Reply 13, posted (11 months 1 day 13 hours ago) and read 18254 times:
As my English is far to be perfect, I will let the trip report to one of the other participant (and I'm sure some of them will post) but to help you waiting, here are the two first video I posted this morning
Il-62 and Il-76 flight (the next will follow this week).
Enjoy
Régis
jumpjets From United Kingdom, joined Apr 2012, 490 posts, RR: 0 Reply 16, posted (11 months 1 day 11 hours ago) and read 17755 times:
If anyone has access to the Airliner World magazine there is a very good report in the Aug 2012 edition of a flying enthusiasts visit to North Korea and it seems the guys on the trip had a ball - and little or no restriction on photography at airports.
Burkhard From Germany, joined Nov 2006, 4268 posts, RR: 2 Reply 17, posted (11 months 1 day 11 hours ago) and read 17724 times:
They will depend on models built in China or Russia without usage of any Western parts - this leaves not much choice, even the SuperJet is out. To Beijing there is ome choice, there are enough air worthy Tu154 out there, or a Tu204. But to go further, the Il96 is the only choice.
I guess most of it stems from the attraction of seeing a completely backwards society, closed in on itself where there is no freedom, no uncensored information and a brutal political regime in a very poor country with delusions of grandeur.
They also seem to have found a niche attracting aviation enthusiasts and allowing them to get a taste of soviet era aviation.
I'd go have a look if I could.
Ironically, as the country opens up to the modern world, assuming it does eventually, the interest will wane and the tourists will stop coming...
Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit posting...
TupolevTu154 From UK - England, joined Aug 2004, 2127 posts, RR: 31 Reply 20, posted (11 months 1 day 6 hours ago) and read 16113 times:
Like Imiakhtar already posted, this was from July's aviation tour. Juche Travel Services is running several tours over the course of the year (May and July have already finished. I think there's one in August, I'm going on the September tour, and there are more in October and into 2013). They include flights to Pyongyang from Beijing for a week, including the IL18, 62 and 76, Tu20, 154 and 134, An24 and Mil-17. The IL76, Mil 17 and AN24 are all optional sightseeing flights for a bit extra.
It's an awesome opportunity and at a pretty modest price considering you have a weeks acommodation, excursions, 7 domestic flights and two international on some of the rarest aircraft in the world!
Every time I see North Korea on the news or anything about these tours I get more and more excited for September!
falstaff From United States of America, joined Jun 2006, 5705 posts, RR: 29 Reply 21, posted (11 months 1 day 6 hours ago) and read 15554 times:
Quoting SIBILLE (Thread starter): The guide told me tourism was growing in North Korea and the airlines could reopen an european destnation, so Il-96 could help.
tymnbalewne From United States of America, joined Mar 2005, 913 posts, RR: 1 Reply 22, posted (11 months 1 day 5 hours ago) and read 15299 times:
Quoting PHX787 (Reply 4): I did hear rumors that the regime is trying to open the country up more. Unfortunately, Americans still can't partake, according to that rumor
I'm American and I'm going to the DPRK in Sept. as part of the aviation tour. Cannot wait!
SIBILLE From Belgium, joined Jun 2005, 451 posts, RR: 3 Reply 23, posted (11 months 1 day 5 hours ago) and read 14847 times:
Quoting TupolevTu154 (Reply 20): Like Imiakhtar already posted, this was from July's aviation tour. Juche Travel Services is running several tours over the course of the year (May and July have already finished. I think there's one in August, I'm going on the September tour, and there are more in October and into 2013). They include flights to Pyongyang from Beijing for a week, including the IL18, 62 and 76, Tu20, 154 and 134, An24 and Mil-17. The IL76, Mil 17 and AN24 are all optional sightseeing flights for a bit extra.
TupolevTu154 From UK - England, joined Aug 2004, 2127 posts, RR: 31 Reply 24, posted (11 months 1 day 1 hour ago) and read 12721 times:
Quoting SIBILLE (Reply 23): In fact, it's a MI-8, not a Mi-17
The recent article in airliner world and everywhere else I've looked quotes them as being Mi-17's. Though you've actually been out there and flown on one so I'm more inclined to believe you. They both look identical anyway
Atheists - Winning since 33 A.D.
25 PHX787: WOW! Amazing!!!! Nice! i did read that travel agency website and they did address the touchy points, so in a few years I may add DPRK to my world tou
26 102IAHexpress: Please don't be so stupid as to go on a tour to North Korea. Any tour you go on to North Korea literally funds Kim Jong-un's sadistic crime regime.
27 757MDE: I went to North Korea on May. All nationalities are welcome except South Koreans. There is no random tourism in North Korea, it's always guided tours
28 tonymctigue: This is certainly a topic that I never expected to see discusses on a thread here. Thanks for posting the videos. They really are a rare treat. It is
29 jetblast: Maybe I'm a bit cautious but I would imagine having a North Korean stamp in one's passport would invoke some 'extra questioning' at customs entry poi
30 tymnbalewne: I was given to understand that you receive a card prior to departure from PEK to FNJ that gains you entry into the country which is collected upon de
31 757MDE: That is exactly how it works. If you have a DPRK embassy in your country, you can have a regular visa which will be stamped as usual, but if not, you
32 PHX787: I've heard the same thing and it's for noise, apparently. Can't recover my source, though
33 dennys: I really wish they flew the IL 96 !! This aircraft would suite their fleet .
34 Bralo20: Why should one not be allowed to visit a particular country? For an aviation enthusiast the DPRK is heaven on earth where you can fly types of planes
35 RWA380: Isn't this what Israel and Cuba can, or already do for visitors? I know an Israeli stamp can keep many from entering a myriad of middle eastern count
36 MEA-707: I went on this tour last week and of course I took in consideration if it were immoral. But the small 3 figure sum they keep as net profit on me is m
37 Tupolev160: May i learn from where did you got such a great objective insight on the situation in North Korea if you have never been there neither ever studied i
38 Tupolev160: Sadistic crime regime? Oh, common, how many countries did North Korea invade in the past 60 years and toppled their democractically elected governeme
39 jumpjets: Indeed it does - Some years back I was refused an entry visa to Saudi because I had visited Israel - I was very happy! [My boss slightly less so as h
40 FI642: DOD and State Department Charters often don't get passport stamps. One Charter I was several years ago, U.S. Customs actually were on the aircraft wi
41 dcaviation: This is the dumbest thing that I've read here in a long time.
42 SQ22: Last year there was a thread about JS planning two flights with TU204 to SXF. Air Koryo To Berlin Schönefeld (by something Oct 28 2011 in Civil Aviat
43 102IAHexpress: The country has no economy. Other than trading weapons on the black market, and foreign aid. How do you think they generate revenue? You guessed it.
44 Akiestar: Note: I have NOT yet gone to North Korea. Anyway... I don't think you're generating any more good will by denigrating forumers based on their travel p
45 757MDE: It has economy other than what you say (in case what you say is true, I have no proof myself). That it may have little or no growth or may or not be
46 dcaviation: And bringing 3x 10 people a year for 1600 euros a head will contribute to the economy.
47 PHX787: They only have like 3 or 4 TU204s apparently
48 jumpjets: The North Korean Olympic team left Pyongyang last week - so they should be here in London by now. There is a video clip of them at the airport walking
49 rutankrd: Quick trip down to Beijing and onto Air China connection one expects ,not too many of them in squad with officials and security. Looks like the Tu204
50 rutankrd: Watch that video very carefully and you will also see the Tu134B probably P814 is active- that's probably got the security men on board leaving before
51 RussianJet: That. Looked. Awesome. I'm off to get a cloth to clean the drool from my keyboard......
52 757MDE: Indeed, I flew onboard it in may. It's in top condition, at least apparently.
53 102IAHexpress: You and other posters have the right to travel where you wish and even comment about it. And I have the right to pass judgement.
54 rutankrd: Cultural exchanges are the only way to ease the tensions and move towards a better place on that peninsular The government of the South is not at all
55 elmothehobo: It's hardly a cultural exchange. How many North Koreans, other than handlers and flight attendants do people meet on these trips? Kim Jong Eun may no
56 757MDE: I am not defending the DPRK per se, I am saying that if I spent my money based on not agreeing, liking or condoning a government I would not even pay
57 SIBILLE: This aircraft is still in service. I've flown her last wek. Here is the complete video of that flight. Have fun! http://youtu.be/QrQ7SrtfVkM
58 travelavnut: A bit off topic, but am I the only that has been reloading the Trip Reports section continiously in the hope to see a full-blown trip report of this a
59 cedarjet: There is an article in the current edition of Airliner World, not brilliantly written but it gives an idea of what it was like, and the photos are fa
60 Bralo20: Same here, if Sibille's English isn't to good for a report I think he may also write it in Dutch (if this is his native language?) and I'll be happy
61 SIBILLE: OK I'm uploading the last videos on youtube. It takes time to prepare and upload them. I will write a Trip Report in English (and I'll do me best) wh
62 travelavnut: If you want someone to proof-read it for you I am your man, PM me in that case! It's the least I can do
63 swissgabe: Once again some fellow a.net members are turning aviation and travel topics into political discussions. They do judge people and blame them for having
64 SIBILLE: Just found this on "Skyliner"'s web site Ilyushin 62 M 3749648 P-886P Air Koryo delivery 20-21jul12 HAV-…-FNJ, basic Cubana cs ex CU-T1280 As writte
65 solarflyer22: Is Koryo sanctioned like Mahan Air or the other Iranian airlines? Can they purchase old boeings or Airbus planes via an intermediary? It seems like th
66 rutankrd: Sanctions on DRPK are even more draconian they can buy northing containing US technology. not even a Windows 95 laptop legally. Shared sentiments .[E
68 SIBILLE: The TR is now in the Trip Report section. Régis
69 Jambost: Northern Ireland seems to have a tighter regime for allowing cameras to be used around aircraft compared to North Korea
70 OlafW: Around aircraft that may be true for many countries. However inside the aircraft, the use of cameras is obviously more relaxed on these tours than in
71 cedarjet: The DPRK of 2012 is very laid-back about photography - noone, afaik, had a photo deleted on the May tour. I don't think anyone's pics were even checke
72 covert: This is NOT a factual statement. The United States does not maintain any nuclear stockpile of any sort in South Korea.
73 PHX787: IIRC the entire stockpile is in North Dakota?
74 UK_Dispatcher: If they did not plan to continue IL6 operations, I am sure they would not have gone to the effort of ferrying this aircraft to FNJ. This has to be a
75 sccutler: Interested in what the "divisive agenda on the Korean peninsula" is... ...pray tell!
76 swissgabe: The USA is one of the force but not the only one. Actually every member of the Six-party talks is a destabilising force. The two major forces are of
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