" Scotland has long had special ties with Malawi, dating back to the work of Scottish missionary explorer Dr David Livingstone."



Takulandirani fellow A.netters,



Fews years ago, an opportunity arose to work in the "Warm Heart of Africa", and took advantage to visit late last year the result of some projects in Nkhata Bay.

Many pictures were taken but i've never really get the opportunity to write and post it here. This TR is a little overdue as procrastination always stronger than me, thus some details may be missing.

Anyway hope you will enjoy as it will feature in 3 parts:

1 – Lilongwe to London with Kenya Airways (including LLW – NBO and NBO – LHR)
2 – Star Alliance Lounge (up to date) in LHR terminal 1 and London to Edinburgh with BMI
3 – A cliché selection from Malawi showing Lilongwe and Nkhata Bay






Lilongwe City Center: ADL House and Reserve Bank of Malawi


Mozambique coastline on the background


1 – KENYA AIRWAYS to LONDON






Located around 20 miles from the centre of the administrative capital, Lilongwe, is the main gateway for this Southern African country, better known after Madonna visited and adopted the couple of kids: David and Mercy.





Kenya Airways taxiing to runway 14 (taken on arrival)


Watch from this view a KQ heavy taking off: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUk4u9ETroI


My friend dropped me off at Kamuzu International at 8H30, exactly 2h prior the departure. Lilongwe main buiding is very small, and consists in a wide building with on the left hand the departure side (domestic at the far end ) including 8 check-in counters among them 2 exclusively reserved for Air Malawi, a post-office, a newsagent, 2 souvenir shops, a NB bank and one forex. On the far left end, at the arrival hall, 2 tour operators, Malawi Tourism desk and 2 car rental compagnies counters. Reaching the other side of the terminal will take you around 2 mins.


Lilongwe airport internal view.

After a quick search, an officer allowed to line up on the "Premier World" queue, as i was Skyteam gold at this time.
The process was a breeze, thanks to the malawian staff, indeed she assigneted a window seat up to London. Despite she did not mention the access to the lounge, she was a fast chatterbox and friendly.


Check-in counters


Queueing in Premier World lane and FIDS (YKQ=?).

Holding the boarding passes, i made my way to departure tax desk, where i've learnt that, from now this would be part of the fare, oh good news. My finance presented a credit of 4800 malawian Kwacha ( $ 40) that is better to spend before those greedy agents working upstairs. With christmas coming, i've found a bracelet for my brother and a chintege wearing local colours for my mum.

What i thorougly much appreciate at LLW, is undoubtly its landside terrace on the upper level. for a 50 mkw fee you can enjoy a great scenery on the airport activity and the apron traffic, or having your lunch on the smart restaurant, or relaxing with an ice cream. Unfortunately, traffic level is on daily basis pretty disappointing, outside the 10-14h shift. Also i've tried in the past attending at the plane landing, and to go through the rest of the process after, it has been proved really difficult. Hence this video has been recorded during one of my previous flight.

Great landing video of 777 from the terrace : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQHxjZG0Wy8


A spacious terrace for aviation fans, or for dreaming about new horizons...


Allegiance Air EMB-120rt ZS-AAF on its way to DAR and also operating domestic to Blantyre


Anyway, as i wanted to check my mail, after a cup of tea i greeted my friends and went to the immigration on the same upper level. One can be found 2 racket checkpoint in this airport:
The first at the immigration, as some overlanders travellers headed back to Europe, one of the officer noticed their 1 month visa was expired for 2 days, which is not a big deal indeed (as you can usually extend it after 1week in Malawi), those young girls argued the best they could, which was hopeless, of course his colleague were deeply supporting him until, apparently the chief, released a so awaited " i can help you if you need"... As the process was quick on my side i couldn't not figured out how much they brided those officers.

I head straight to the Ndege Lounge, with also a nice view of the apron.


Multi-airlines lounge at Lilongwe.


Deeply comfortable seating


An impressive well stocked bar


Buffet composed of fresh cold sandwiches, (dry) cakes, crips, peanuts, salt, Ketchup and Zabola


Incredible: These computers were internet connected, well slowly indeed.


Waiting for action


Kenya and Kuche Kuche


At 9h50 am, a verbal annoucement was pronounced to board the huge bird, i reached the departure lounge, via a security scan where is located the second racket checkpoint:
Apart from lighters or matches pocketed in the jeans which are variably not allowed on the plane, these inside the ruck sack are, the agents payed more attention on how much local currency you take away than the rest. Hence they stated the limit was $1 to a mzungu kind of rasta who wanted to bring home Kwachas as souvenir. After a fierce negociation he left everything to these guys, as obviously he was not the first "victim" and an easy target. Only god knows how they managed to keep all his spare change and notes.

The bus opened its doors at 10h02 for a quick ride to KQS.



The King of the apron


Greeting future Malawian spotters


Control tower and a warm "Takulandirani" signpost


Wing and tail

we've been welcomed on board by a truly kenyan color smily male who explained the location of the seat


Initial seating 34, or 5 or 6 A or equivalent


Economy cabin was far to be full


KQ722
LLW-NBO via LUN
STD: 10h35 (on time)
STA: 16h25
B777 5Y-KQS
27/11/09



KQS switched on engines at 10h30, and taxied straight forward to runway 14 at 10h35, meanwhile cabin crew perfomed the safety demonstrations. The KQ flagship lift off on time and headed right to the Zambian direction.


Actual flight take-off video from Lilongwe: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1WnJIoAQgg



Current position

20 mins after airborne, flight attendants started the service, which on this short hop consisted on drinks and nuts:


2 famous Kenyan Tuskers were being offered straight, one was kept for the lay over at LUN.


Luangwa River, can be 3x bigger during the rainy season

The approach on Zambia's capital was stunning, as it has allowed a fantastic overview on the airport, moreover as pilots circled back, Lusaka downtown was clearly visible. 20Min after commencing our descent we landed runway 10 at 11H40 local time.

Actual flight video landing at Lusaka: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VCEyEjQFmY


Grass and main runways at Lusaka International Airport


Our next target: runway 10


Cabin crew announced a 45 mins lay over here, on which have been contributed mainly on spotting, while a Zambian cleaning team tidied up KQS. We could not visit the airport but were allowed to walk on the mobile passenger stairs at the front and at the rear of the aircraft.




The Pride of Africa: the "Official" carrier of East African Spotter


Lusaka traffic: a growing airline Zambezi and Proflight Bae Jet-32 wearing old color


In order to embark correctly new passengers an hostess requested to all passengers to return to their assignated seat, followed 10 min after the Zambia bound travellers. Today as the flight would not be full, i asked a female attendant if i could move forward, what she acknowleged and accepted quickly. The new seat would be 14J, even if a rasta man was occupying 14H, he did not bother i took the window. As the rest of the pax rushed in the middle row probably more confortable in a prevision of a future wee nap.


Last customers for boarding: local VIP's


New seat with much better legroom


SA62 operated by B738 ZS-SJU


Routing screen to NBO

A PA from the flight deck announced the usual ritual of taxing, safety video and other infos. While we made our way to Runway 10, passengers were being handed over headsets. In a meantime some Zambian Air Force Eastern birds were stored up on the cargo terminal:

B777 leaving Lusaka: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROnV-U9cSMY



Luggages loading for SAA


Z.A.F.: Harbin Y-12, MiGs-21MF Fishbed J, Mils Mi-17, Yak-40


Z.A.F. Harbin Y16 and El Magal Aviation Ilyushin IL-76TD ST-MGD

Shortly after take off crews handed over hot towels, before offering a 2 lunch choices of fish or chicken. Once meals trays cleared, they offered duty free items on purchase.

I sipped a little Amaruha while exploring the IFE, with a interresting variety of entertainement for a 2h flight. I've ended up watching an American blockbuster at 37 000 ft.


Gorgeous lunch with this prawns and fish option


A wee Amahura while watching a cool comedy


those clouds prevented from seeing Uhuru peak


Screen showing Tanzania Air Space

We began our descent on time with the beautiful dry landscape so typical in Kenyan high plateaus, and 17 min after, the touchdown occured at 16h05 as unsual runway 6.
Once parked up at gate 7 on jetbridge, the F/A allowed me to greet the cockpit team. Great gesture thank you KQ.

Flight landing video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcc9PuAa_pA


Final approach to JKIA


Taxiing to gate: Nairobi downtown in a hazy background


Emirates operates 2 flights daily, any chance to see A380 soon at NBO?


KQS flight deck


Parked up gate 7.

Having 7h30 transit i decided to first visit the Transit restaurant (right off the BA executive Lounge), then going in town and after enjoying a light snack at the lounge. Immigration is always packed at this time, hence enjoy my best spotting hint at NBO by watching this video

Great scenery video of a KQ 737 landing at Nairobi: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EuUyMZE_1A


View from Transit Restaurant: runway 6 threshold


KQ maintenance and former Embakasi terminal


Advert found while strolling in town


KLM crew passing the immigration


FIDS


Premier Lounge reserved for Skyteam Elite Plus frequent travellers


Cold food offer remains identical all day every day.


Seating area in Premier Lounge


It is amusing how many people sleep in front of Simba lounge


KQ102
Nairobi – London
B777-200 5Y-KQU
Dep time: 23h45
Arr. Time: 5h45
27/11/09


KQU preparing for the overnight trip

Hoping to grab the same reg as inbound flight the total darkness could not help for the decision. As the waiting lounge as rather narrow for a wide body, u've used 2 lounges quickly resulting of a lack of seats. Despite having to stood up for a 35 mins awaiting for boarding, the flight KQ102 was not full, maybe 75-80% in Eco, with a majority of British returning from Safaris or sunbathing along the East coast.
Everything went fine when boarding proceed on time. Once settled down, few interresting aircafts appeared.


Airbus A330 Brussels Airline


A couple of local CRJs: Fly540 ant Jetlink Kenya

KQU was airborne at 0h05 under a light drizzle, for an 9h journey to the UK, Onboard service was smooth, thanks to the professionalism of the kenyan cabin crew. As usual they:
handed over hot towels
offered a dinner choice of beef or chicken
cleared the trays
offered duty free item
relaxed and gossiped for the rest of the 6h flight


Routing LHR-NBO: 4250 miles


Beef stew for dinner not so enjoyable


Red mood lighting


Over the Alps: Unlike the KQ's ife whichwas not working


As french point of view: certainly not the best croissant!


Prior to landing

KQU landed around 5h25 for a long taxiing to the Skyteam base at Terminal 4. Disembarking was a breeze and immigration was haslee free due to the several lanes opened so earlier this morning. My luggages yellow-tagged priority arrived rather quickly.
I was inside the Heathrow Express at 6h, meaning 2h50 prior my next flight.

[Edited 2010-12-07 13:11:48]

3 - BACK to my FIRST EXPERIENCE with BMI





Recently matched ST Gold for DC gold, i was impatient to try something new, actually my expectations were rather low, as i've never flown any British airlines beforehand.


Aegan is now a Star Alliance member.

The Business Check-in on terminal 1 can hardly be unseen, with the colourful blue wall. Explaining i did not hold the definitive card, the smiley agent handed over promptly the BP with *gold and accepted my 2 pieces of luggage.


Business check-in




Passport control was fast with few departures this staturday morning, there was a choice between Bmi lounge (before refurbishment) or the Star Alliance’s one, without any hesitation i turn right on to the international departure.

Greeted with nice manner, the hostess warned about the quiet long distance between the UK and ROI departure gatesfrom this lounge, about 20 mins, and granted the access, just by check-in my BP.


Lounge Entrance


Morning buffet, with tasty hot baps cereals and other good stuffs


Quiet seating area


Decoration


Essential lounge equipment Bathroom


Shower

Taking the hostess words for it, refreshed and full-up, i left this convenient lounge at 8h, for a long maze walk to T1 domestic. When finally i arrived at gate 8 c, boarding was about to start.


My ride to Scotland




Special scheme BMI just after touching down


BD52
London Heathrow – Edinburgh
A319 G-DBCC
Dep. time: 8h50
Arr. time: 10h10
28/11/09

Load factor was 60% maybe, enabling a fast boarding, we taxied to runway 27R


Aer Lingus, BA, AA


Huge contrast between BD ERJ145 and South African A340


BMI other colorscheme


BMI A330 wearing a nice livery


the daily morning rush was unavoidable at Heathrow and were forced waiting 15min for the clearance.

Actual flight take off video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bk-pdVnphj4



Emirates now operates A380


Random aircraft just landed on R/w 27R

shortly after taking of CC turned left, and climbed to its cruising Altitude 34 000ft.

One years ago meals were free for DC Gold.


Complimentary warm and tasty panini


Wind turbines, lochs and fog on approach to Edinburgh.

we landed 15min ahead of schedule, like most of the time with BMI, under a really poor visibility.

Actual flight landing video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xy-TsL_vRzY


KLM Fokker in the Mist


Arrival hall

Luggages tagged on the red priority arrived 4th and 5th and was out 10 mins after the official schedule time, well done BMI.


Conclusion

Flying the 777 with KQ on a such short route was really pleasant experience, meals were on average ok, and staff as usual, really helpfull and, i prefer like that, discret.
Star Alliance lounge is definitely convenient, but IMHO, and after experiencing both, slightly below than Skyteam lounge on T4.
BMI took a wise decision to sell food onboard this year as most of the premium passengers have a lounge access or travel on Y+ class. Currently i'm still satisfied flying BMI domestic mainly and sometime to Lyon. Maybe soon in Africa if they are still operating to ADD or FNA.


Thanks for reading, now feel free to comment



East African Spotter

[Edited 2010-12-07 13:23:29]

[Edited 2010-12-07 13:41:34]

3 – A GLIMPSE OF " THE WARM HEART OF AFRICA"



Pictures from Lilongwe:



From the Capitol hill, where all the ministries are located


Mausoleum of the founder of Malawi: H. Kamuzu Banda


Inside Mausoleum


The Memorial of War


Memorial of War again


LWC with my colleague Esther.


Lilongwe Wildlife Center


Don't climb: a valide reason to follow the instructions


The Old Town opposite to the City Centre: a smart shopping mall


Inside the shopping mall


Road junction with Sunbird Lilongwe hotel entrance


Shoprite, can be found in Lusaka too


Handicraft vendors.


Lilongwe River bridge.


Old Town Mosque

Late november 2009, a nationwide shortage of petrol occured in Malawi, we had to fight the last days to find a bus/transport to Lilongwe for an unusually astronomical fare. We've finally reached the capital around 3 am, early morning the day of the flight. The hotel/inn you will see after was my 3rd choice as last hotels visited were full. My previous visits on this place were ok as in a different room, hence i made the wrong decision to back up here. Staff offered us a room in refurbishment...that was appalling, even for a 5h stay, of course there was no way to pay full price thus Management offered us a 75% discount, rather fair:


One of the receptionists


A pleasant read of the rules especially n°3


Despite the state, room equipped with A/C


Not sure about what happened on this ceiling


Bathroom with an undrained sink


Lilongwe bus station: check how the vendors reach their potential customers


Breastfeeding in the bus to Nkhata Bay



Pictures from Nkhata Bay on the shore of Lake Nyassa



Scenery around Chintheche (sorry for the wiring)


Smoke on the water? No flies over the water


Fisherman thinking about ...


The best spot around Nkhata bay: Chikale Beach


Street scene in Nkhata Bay


The idea was good, the viability not, closed down after 8months!


Once the doorstep passed, "You will never walk alone"


Some of my colleagues "bribing" official referee


Mama Referee now corrupted


Lacking of shirts this player is wearing a green "Celtic" jersey


M.V. Illala has been built in the late 40's in Glasgow – Scotland


Fishermen carriyng a dugout at Senga Bay


Catch of the day, they're just selling the whole stock at Senga Bay


Remote village wher the closest road is about 8km, and a town at 24 km.


Staple food in Africa called nsima here


Is he shy or grumpy?


Family ride at Salima


Hey kids how do you rate EAS trip report about your country?



Need more adventures? Click on those stories:


The Blue Bird Amid Gorillas: KLM Inaugural KGL-AMS (by eastafspot Nov 27 2010 in Trip Reports)
Linking Other Great Lakes: Air Uganda + Rwandair (by eastafspot Nov 12 2010 in Trip Reports)
The Ride In Africa: Kenya Airways Business Class (by eastafspot Apr 28 2010 in Trip Reports)
BMI Regional To Lyon Via Man In ERJ145 (by eastafspot Apr 18 2010 in Trip Reports)
A trip to Victoria Falls: Just Plane Smart... (by eastafspot Apr 6 2010 in Trip Reports)
Rwandair And Skyteam Airlines To Scotland (by Eastafspot Dec 10 2009 in Trip Reports)
KLM And Kenya Airways To Rwanda (by Eastafspot Dec 7 2009 in Trip Reports)

[Edited 2010-12-07 13:01:44]

[Edited 2010-12-07 13:47:47]

Good report! Thanks for sharing!

KQ looks pretty good in Y. I'm impressed with the meal service on a pretty short flight .. Great photos from your trip too!

Matthew (767747)

Hi EAS,

great report with many fascinating pictures from Malawi!

Quoting eastafspot (Thread starter): Check-in counters

Interesting to find aircraft types on the screens!

Quoting eastafspot (Thread starter): What i thorougly much appreciate at LLW, is undoubtly its landside terrace on the upper level. for a 50 mkw fee you can enjoy a great scenery on the airport activity and the apron traffic, or having your lunch on the smart restaurant, or relaxing with an ice cream.

Very impressive!

Quoting eastafspot (Thread starter): We could not visit the airport but were allowed to walk on the mobile passenger stairs at the front and at the rear of the aircraft.

Interesting concept.

Quoting eastafspot (Thread starter): M.V. Illala has been built in the late 40's in Glasgow – Scotland

Lovely picture!


PH

Nice report! Always interesting to see reports from Africa, especially on domestic flights.

I like how your B772 morphed into a B763 prior to landing at Lusaka, and back to a B772 upon disembarking the aircraft!  

Hi

Thanks for the trip report. I spent a few weeks in the summer working for a charity in village about 2 hrs down a dirt track from Mangochi. These people had nothing, very basic healthcare, no education (the closest school was a 10 mile walk away). What I found amazing was that they seamed so happy.

We had one day in Lilongwe and one day at Cape MaClear and thats really all I saw of Malawi. Hope to go back next year, maybe I will get to visit a few more places.

Alex

p.s. did you see the kids selling roasted rats on sticks along the road from the airport into town?

Hi everybody,

your replies are much appreciated, thank you  

Quoting 767747 (Reply 3): I'm impressed with the meal service on a pretty short flight

it was still 2.5 hours flight, and actually, LUN-NBO meal service was much better than to LHR.

Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 4): Interesting concept.

especially to get fresh air

Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 4): Interesting to find aircraft types on the screens!

you are right, any idea about the type YQS?

Quoting je89_w (Reply 5): B772 morphed into a B763 prior to landing at Lusaka

very impressive! glad to be correct by an expert. Actually that was the only aerial LUN view that i had.   

Quoting richcandy (Reply 6): Thanks for the trip report

pleased to read you've enjoyed

Quoting richcandy (Reply 6): We had one day in Lilongwe and one day at Cape MaClear

For Lilongwe it is enough, but Cape Mac Clear worths a longer stay for diving

Quoting richcandy (Reply 6): p.s. did you see the kids selling roasted rats on sticks along the road from the airport into town?

Of course, but never been reckless to try one, what about you? also in town in many markets can be found fried flies...

[Edited 2010-12-08 02:47:51]

Hey EAS,

Great report on KQ which I haven't read much about here on A.net. Apart from the meals, the flights looked good and well done on getting that bulkhead seat. No doubt everybody else was looking to get the middle seats to sleep.

Loved the pictures of Africa as well. Makes me want to go there even more than before. But I have to admit that hotel was indeed one of the worst I have ever seen anywhere in the world. I would have strongly had reasons to walk out, unplugged sink is the worst thing to see.

Sandeep (AI151)

Hi EAS, always lovely to see pics of the destination (or departure point in your case). Thanks!!

Quoting eastafspot (Thread starter): A spacious terrace for aviation fans, or for dreaming about new horizons...

Lovely terrace indeed!

Quoting eastafspot (Thread starter): Buffet composed of fresh cold sandwiches, (dry) cakes, crips, peanuts, salt, Ketchup and Zabola

Looks nice enough... what's Zabola though?

Quoting eastafspot (Thread starter): As french point of view: certainly not the best croissant!

It looks bad too, so pale!

Quoting eastafspot (Reply 2): LWC with my colleague Esther.

Lovely colleague  

Quoting eastafspot (Reply 2): Despite the state, room equipped with A/C

The room looks horrible! Especially the sink, and I wouldn't trust that ceiling...

Quoting eastafspot (Reply 2): A pleasant read of the rules especially n°3

I like the second one, you have to pay by hair if you check out late....  

Thanks, all for your comments!

Quoting AI151 (Reply 8): Great report on KQ

glad you've enjoyed  

Quoting AI151 (Reply 8): well done on getting that bulkhead seat

Some luck maybe, Since recently on KQ, these seats cannot be book in advanced

Quoting AI151 (Reply 8): I would have strongly had reasons to walk out

After our 2 first unsuccessfull tries in the darkness at 3.30 am, the priority was to sleep quickly.

Quoting AI151 (Reply 8): Loved the pictures of Africa as well

Thanks, Only the reality can expresses the truly atmosphere and the genuine of the people. it's difficult with pictures though 

Quoting Kappel (Reply 9): Lovely terrace indeed!

How many airports are equipped with this facility? in Europe, Amsterdam has a nice one too

Quoting Kappel (Reply 9): what's Zabola though?

Peri-Peri in Chichewa

Quoting AI151 (Reply 8): I wouldn't trust that ceiling...

It was scary indeed. 


East African Spotter

Nice TR brother. Picture of the Malawi are great, Lilongwe "seems to be like" Kigali City : lots of tree, little skyscrapers, hills,...

Traffic at LUS is quite interesting, i like the Russians aircraft.

Nice report, nice to read that you have got a 777 on such a short flight.  

Lovely report and photos, thanks for sharing something more unusual around here.

Great trip report!

Brings back many memories, as I used to live in Lilongwe for 1 year...2004-2005! The shopping mall you mentioned was same...and you can imagine how boring they get after living for one year! Anyway, Malawi is a beautiful country with very friendly people and nice for tourism too, especially the lake.

edit: can´t believe they used B772 for a relativly short flights!

Regards, Alex

[Edited 2010-12-10 05:43:27]

Dear A.net fans

All your comments are much appreciated!!! Cheers everybody  

Quoting Rukundo (Reply 11): Lilongwe "seems to be like" Kigali City

Lilongwe is quiet spread with lot of green lushes, but less hilly than Kigali.

Quoting Rukundo (Reply 11): i like the Russians aircraft.

Which one do you prefer the Cargo or the fighters?

Quoting MSS658 (Reply 12): nice to read that you have got a 777 on such a short flight

Oh yes, despite 767 is currently still operational on the route, Formely KQ rostered this bird certain days, mainly for the freight capacity more important than passenger between India/China and Zambia/Malawi. a friend who flew recently had a "basic" B737 on the same leg.

Quoting A340600 (Reply 13): thanks for sharing something more unusual around here

Pleased to read you've enjoyed, sorry if It has been posted with a little delay though,

Quoting AlexEU (Reply 14): as I used to live in Lilongwe for 1 year...2004-2005!

Whaou nice, Have you liked over here?

Quoting AlexEU (Reply 14): The shopping mall you mentioned was same...

The Art Gallery inside worths a visit. Now a huge shopping centre has opened opposite to the Shoprite. The same one can be found in SA or USA.

Quoting AlexEU (Reply 14): especially the lake.

You are definitely right, the must to do is undoubtly the cruise onboard this antique ship MV Ilala.


East African Spotter

[Edited 2010-12-11 03:43:35]

[Edited 2010-12-11 03:44:15]

Loved this report (and the others you have posted recently) - thank you for sharing with us. It's also good to see your non aviation pics as well. Looks like your flights on KQ were nice and the 777 is a lovely aircraft to fly on. Thanks again and look forward to more reports in the future! Any travel plans coming up? Cheers P/jet

Quoting eastafspot (Reply 15): Whaou nice, Have you liked over here?

Yep, certainly, although as an European, I didn´t like the place for long-haul stay...holiday would be just fine!

Quoting eastafspot (Reply 15): the must to do is undoubtly the cruise onboard this antique ship MV Ilala.

I haven´t tried that, but I´d love to take MV Ilala to Likoma Island if I ever go back to Malawi...

Hello P/J and A/E,

Quoting Palmjet (Reply 16): Loved this report (and the others you have posted recently)

Many thanks!

Quoting Palmjet (Reply 16): Any travel plans coming up?

more less, wait and see. What about you?

Quoting AlexEU (Reply 17): although as an European, I didn´t like the place for long-haul stay

hey man, this is Africa! what you state is not surprising at all: many touts, relative of relatives, or even sometimes noisy officials...,  

Quoting AlexEU (Reply 17): but I´d love to take MV Ilala to Likoma Island

for a such short hop?


East African Spotter

Very interesting TR

I've often flied from Lubumbashi to ADD via LLW. It's nice to see what the inside of the terminal looks like, especially this terrace, which is not a common concpet in African airports.

Also the 1st meal looks great compared to what ET, the main competitor of KQ offers on similar routes.

I loved your fist pictures witth the flame tree, this is my favorite tree, keep on posting !!

Thomas

Hey Thomas,

Actually, it came up because your flight from FBM  

Quoting fasty (Reply 19): which is not a common concpet in African airports.

true, hope it will change

Quoting fasty (Reply 19): great compared to what ET, the main competitor of KQ offers on similar routes.

Most of the travellers prefer ET, as it offers very competitive fares, about meal quality i thought it was the same


East African Spotter

Hi EAS,

Finally found time to get around to this, quite an enjoyable read, lovely pictures.

Quoting eastafspot (Thread starter): A spacious terrace for aviation fans

- Very nice, just a shame about the lack of traffic.

Quoting eastafspot (Thread starter): Shortly after take off crews handed over hot towels, before offering a 2 lunch choices of fish or chicken. Once meals trays cleared

- Not a bad looking meal, reminds me of my SAA meal on SA333 from JNB-CPT.

Quoting eastafspot (Thread starter): Emirates now operates A380

- The early flight is still a 77W.

Rgds

Mark

Loved the pics and a very thorough report. thanks

Do you remember the routing over north Africa to London? Did the plane fly over Egypt, Libya, Algeria or Morocco? I know you showed a Skymap but usually the routing changes as you go along. Be interesting to know.

Hello

Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 21): quite an enjoyable read, lovely pictures.

Cheers!

Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 21): a shame about the lack of traffic.

Yup this is Malawi 4 airlines max per day

Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 21): reminds me of my SAA meal on SA333 from JNB-CPT.

true for a domestic flight that was a generous portion, lucky you were

Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 21): The early flight is still a 77W.

ah OK thank you for the additional info

Quoting babybus (Reply 22): the routing over north Africa to London?

Quoting babybus (Reply 22): Algeria or Morocco? I

are you serious?   
usually it's over Libya, some islands Malta and Sicily, Italian alps, west Paris. Nevertheless on this TR, : Rwandair And Skyteam Airlines To Scotland (by Eastafspot Dec 10 2009 in Trip Reports) , exceptionally KQ flown over Egypt

That was a great TR that I really enjoyed. My first one that I have read on Kenya Airways!

You have a great variety of photos and, for me, that is what makes a trip report!!!

Thumbs up!!!

Thanks a lot for this wonderful report, and I must commend your excellent memory! I would not have guessed the flight was so long time ago. Your memory is exemplary! LLW seems to be an excellent and calm airport compared to some others in the region. The KQ food on the LUN-NBO segment looks particularly good. Excellent work again, and thank you for sharing.

Saludos,
A.

Quoting wexfordflyer (Reply 24): That was a great TR that I really enjoyed.

thank you

Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 25): LLW seems to be an excellent and calm airport

too quiet tough, it is amusing that FIDS screen shows flight for the wholeday

Welcome back Alex, long time no see you indeed, hope you were flying a bit during this time off. Anyway many thanks for all your support, as more TRs dedicated to you may come up shortly. Easy to guess you will be among the first to report a flight to moon or Mars planet soon hopefully.  

Regards

EAS (Léo)

Hi EAS.

Many thanks for this report. I read it when you first wrote, but have since visited Malawi for a month, and I have to stay it is the most utterly wonderful country full of compassionate and generous people.

Quoting eastafspot (Thread starter): " Scotland has long had special ties with Malawi, dating back to the work of Scottish missionary explorer Dr David Livingstone."

Ties I am proud of. I went to Livingstonia mission. Very cool...

Quoting eastafspot (Thread starter): and took advantage to visit late last year the result of some projects in Nkhata Bay.

May I ask what it is your doing? Does it include the word development? I loved Nkhata Bay.... spent New Year here. The Mama Africa shop seems to be up and running again!

Quoting eastafspot (Thread starter): 3 – A cliché selection from Malawi showing Lilongwe and Nkhata Bay

Not cliche at all... I loved these. It gave a good feel....

Quoting eastafspot (Thread starter): An impressive well stocked bar

It really is... a great selection of beers here. I see you went for Kuche though!

Quoting eastafspot (Thread starter): 2 famous Kenyan Tuskers were being offered straight, one was kept for the lay over at LUN

Did they give 2 automatically. Seems very good...

Quoting eastafspot (Thread starter): Gorgeous lunch with this prawns and fish option

Very impressive. Better than the long haul one...

Quoting eastafspot (Reply 2): Fisherman thinking about ...

Cool photo

Quoting eastafspot (Reply 7): Lacking of shirts this player is wearing a green "Celtic" jersey

Very nice. I often sat and watched the footie here. It is just outside the jail eh?

Quoting eastafspot (Reply 26): M.V. Illala has been built in the late 40's in Glasgow – Scotland

I had the best time so far of my Africa trip on this ship. I befriended the dudey captain.

EAS thanks alot for this photo. When I finally put mine up online I hope you will recognise some of Malawi!

Quoting eastafspot (Reply 26): Welcome back Alex, long time no see you indeed, hope you were flying a bit during this time off. Anyway many thanks for all your support, as more TRs dedicated to you may come up shortly. Easy to guess you will be among the first to report a flight to moon or Mars planet soon hopefully. Regards EAS (Léo)

= Thanks Léo. I have quite a few African reports to write on. Was busy doing all the network planning for a *major* airline merger announced last year - hint hint - close to my home. We were banned from any communication on airline boards ... trust me, it was painful  . Thanks again for the report.

Saludos,
A.

hi,

Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 27): it is the most utterly wonderful country full of compassionate and generous people.

yeah it can be described like this

Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 27): It is just outside the jail eh?

that's right indeed, sometime prisonners were challenging guards or police, unrealistic

Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 27): When I finally put mine up online

Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 28): I have quite a few African reports to write on

Really looking forward... 

Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 28): We were banned from any communication on airline boards ... trust me, it was painful

oh dear, did it remind you North Korea conditions?  


East African Spotter (Léo)

[Edited 2011-02-20 05:04:19]