In the past few years middle eastern carriers have expanded at a rapid rate into the Asia-Pacific region including none other Etihad Airways. With success on their AUH-SYD route they recently started a 3 weekly service from AUH to BNE via SIN with the A330-200 aircraft. To promote their new service Etihad released companion fares from BNE to SIN for a mere $999AUD which was a relative bargain compared to what QF, SQ and BA were offering to fly you directly SIN. So I took the opportunity and booked 2 tickets to SIN for 8 day trip as well tickets to Kuala Lumpur

Date: 04/10/2007
Flight: QF514
Origin: SYD
Destination: BNE
Aircraft: VH-OGD Boeing 767-338ER Maitland
Scheduled departure time: 0935
Actual departure time: 0935
Scheduled arrival time: 1105
Actual arrival time: 1055
Seat: 52A

After being caught in peak hour traffic I was cutting it fine and made check-in 30 seconds before it closed not to mention how chaotic the QF terminal was. After check-in I proceeded straight to security check point and to the gate.

VH-OGD (new c/s) sitting at the gate


Boarding commenced at around 9.15 for all passengers. I was quite eager to see the new QF interiors. My overall impressions of the new J-class covers was why even bother, the white was a terrible choice though I was quite pleased with the new purple Y-class interiors

VH-VXP with QF B743 along side her


QF B744ER


QF B763ER and B738 about to land


QF B763ER taxiing to the gate after arrival from MEL


Push back occurred on time and then had to make the long trek to runway 16L. After a quick takeoff to the south then few left turns were heading up the coast to BNE

BA B772ER - would later see her in SIN


QF B737 lands while EK 418 B77W waits for departure to AKL


JL B744 heading to NRT. Several A330s in the background including GA, CZ, CA and QF


Kurnell refineries


Coastal New South Wales


Shortly after the seat belt sign was extinguished the crew sprung into action and started the refreshments service for this flight.

Refreshment service consisted of Citrus muffin, an apple and a beverage of your choice except alcohol






Spot fire


The Australian Way magazine - fracken Stirling Mortlock on the cover


descending into BNE


Landed into BNE via rwy 01 and arrived at the terminal 10 minutes ahead of schedule. After collecting my baggage I head to the domestic airport train station for the 4 minute ride to the international terminal

Domestic airport station




Upon arrival headed straight to check-in where there was small queue (check-in for EY is conducted by Menzies aviation staff) then through to Customs and security check-point where the usual questions about gels and liquids came up.

Date: 04/10/2007
Flight: EY473
Origin: BNE
Destination: SIN*
Aircraft: A6-EYG Airbus A330-243
Scheduled departure time: 1325
Actual departure time: 1325
Scheduled arrival time: 1905
Actual arrival time: 1845
Seat: 26F

*EY473 would later head to Abu Dhabi


A6-EYG




Ozjet B732


SQ B772ER - 9V-SRH




Boarding commenced on time with frequent flyer elites and pearl zone passenger give priority followed by economy class passengers

pre-takeoff drink



Shortly after takeoff the crew began their inflight service starting.

Distribution of head sets


Small amenity kit consisted of a pair of socks, eye shades and ear plugs


Small snack - several packets of savoury biscuits and drink followed by the main meal


The main meal. There were 3 options available for Y class passengers Lamb with rice and vegetables, Chicken and vegetarian risotto all accompanied with spicy chicken entree (not with the risotto), bread roll, cheese and biscuits, a mango iced cake for dessert along with beverage of your choice (water, soft drinks, fruit juice and alcohol)

The lamb meal - quite tasty


F/As made periodic drinks round throughout the flight with their silver trays  

Etihad IFE - The World of Etihad. A few glitches early made it inoperable for 15 minutes.


Enroute to Singapore


Some cabin shots






window in the toilet. Someone maybe looking