Ronerone From Jordan, joined Aug 2004, 932 posts, RR: 25 Posted (1 year 8 months 3 weeks 1 day 18 hours ago) and read 25690 times:
Special Thanks go out to Hans Resch, Horolsky Alexandr, Lee D. Holden, Olivier Lamoral, Teemu Tuuri – FAP, and Werner Horvath for granting permission to use their respective pictures in the video above.
Syrian Arab Airlines is an airline with a rich history; one which is favored by most aviators such as ourselves, primarily because of certain special aircraft that our age of aviation seems to no longer accommodate. Yes, Syrian Air is our playground!
As they say, time does fly, but perhaps the other way around on Syrian Air. For as we moved forward in-flight, I found myself going back to an era of 1970’s aviation that I have totally missed out on. This I thought, is the true glamour of flight in its purest and most preserved form; forget Kingfisher or Virgin, what do they know?
You probably won’t find any other airline that flies the 747-SP, the Tupolev 134 and the Yak40 altogether on this day and age, and that is precisely why this interesting airline receives frequent business from your ever so obsessed aero-freak.
I invite you to step back in time with me, as we enter this Syrian special performance of what turned out to be the adventure of a lifetime....
Welcome to my 7th Trip Report.
The intention of this TR, was to cover the following flights on Syrian Arab Airlines:
This is a joint-TR which includes a mixture between Sam Chui’s and my pictures. All his photos have been included here with his permission, and are indicated by his name on the bottom-right corner of each picture.
This trip was in the plans for over six months when Sam Chui had invited me to join him. As the sole purpose of this trip was to specifically fly the 74L, TU-134, and YAK-40, there was no doubt that Syrian Air was the the optimal choice. Apart from that, the actual selection was left for the timing of the trip. I had never thought of making it a point to fly such aircraft before, so once the decision was made, I realized that I had entered into a new dimension of ‘Aviator Obsessive Behavior,’ if I may.
After we mapped out our travel plans, we made our bookings on www.syriaair.com to discover that you can only do so much as make a reservation on their website. It is when I went to the RB office in Abu Dhabi that I learned that passport and visa details must be verified by an RB agent prior to issuing any ticket. After all that was cleared, I issued all our tickets, domestic as well as international portions. The roundtrip cost for the DXB-DAM sector was approximately AED 800, while a roundtrip domestic sector cost approximately AED 110.
The next step, which initially proved to be a challenging one, was the hotel selection. There was an Arab Summit that was going on in Damascus during the time we were going to be there, so all hotels were sold out. Furthermore, from the way I understood it, most hotels in Syria are not available for booking outside of Syria and instead, one had to go through the country’s national tourist authority through some means. In any case, the few hotels that were available for booking online were all showing as sold out. Furthermore, I also called a few hotels myself, and also arrived at a negative result. Since we had planned for an overnight stay in Aleppo, a hotel was easily found, however, we decided to take the risk of traveling without securing a room in Damascus, in hopes of finding one while we were there. Who cares? You only live once!
Thursday March 27th, 2008
I woke up around 8:30AM to shower, get dressed, and pack up my clothes, cameras, and other requisites. By 10:30AM I was all set to go, so I bid my goodbyes to my mother, who was so skeptical about my intention to fly with Syrian Air, and headed out to Dubai, where I was to meet Sam and a friend for a quick lunch before going to the airport.
On the way there I got lost for a good 15 minutes when I realized that I had taken the wrong exit. As stupid as I had felt at the time, this was due to the completion of certain construction works on a portion of the highway, that lead to the removal of a detour that I had gotten accustomed to. Nevertheless, I found my way back and by 12:30PM, I had arrived at the Lime Tree Café in Jumeirah, where we had lunch.
For anyone who is interested, the Lime Tree Café has some of the best sandwiches and desserts that I have ever had in my life.
At around 1PM, we had agreed to part ways in order to save time. I was to head straight to the airport to park my car, while Sam went to gather his belongings and catch up with me at DXB.
By 1:40PM, I had arrived at the DXB long-term parking. However, this proved to be one big hassle as it took me about 20 minutes till I actually found a parking spot. This of course, is in typical Dubai fashion!
I proceeded towards the departures entrance, which connects to the main terminal building through a tunnel of moving walkways.
DXB Long-Term Parking
Tunnel Connecting the Parking Garage to the Terminal Building
I arrived at Departure Entrance 3 to find a rather crowded terminal. Most of the passengers at the time happened to be traveling with me on Syrian Air to Damascus. As I had some time to kill, I thought I would wait by the departures area for a while and smoke a few cigarettes outside.
Check-In Area 3
FIDS
Departures Hall
I was suddenly approached by a guy who asked me where he needed to go to check-in for Syrian Air. I told him I was also on the same flight as he, and directed him to proceed to Area 3 for check-in. As seems to be the norm on all flights to Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt, the man asked me if I could carry some of his extra baggage as my own, in an attempt to forego the extra baggage charge. I ‘regretfully’ declined and when he tried to persuade me, I told him that I was airport staff myself, and that this is strictly against the rules. He seemed to have respected my wish, thanked me, and proceeded inside for check-in.
At around 2:15PM, Sam had arrived. We then proceeded through security and into the check-in hall to find a long queue by the Syrian Air counters.
Syrian Arab Airlines Check-In
We stood in line and awaited our turn. As the passengers ahead of us finished checking-in, it was our turn. We handed our tickets and passports to your typical generic DNATA agent who showed little to no emotion as he took our tickets, checked our passports, and typed away at his computer.
The agent then informed us that Sam’s reservation had been cancelled, although he held a booking that has been obsessively reconfirmed time and time again. The Station Manager was then called for help in this situation. After making several phone calls, the RB Station Manager told us that he had reinstated Sam’s booking on this flight, however we would need to check with the local RB office in Damascus regarding the return booking, as that too was cancelled.
As that ordeal was taken care of, I asked the Station Manager if we could pay for an upgrade to Business Class. Unfortunately however he ‘regretfully’ informed me that Business Class on today’s flight is full. On the other hand, the check-in agent told us that Business Class today is ‘wide open’ but in order to get an upgrade, we had to go back out to the departures hall past security, and to the Syrian Air Office.
Next on the agenda was the assignment of seats. We tried our attempts at securing seats in the front row of the 747-SP (i.e. at the nose), but were unsuccessful as the seats were occupied. Our second attempts were at securing seats in the last row of the aircraft, but those too, were occupied. We thought we would then settle for two window seats, only to discover that all window seats have also been occupied. Confused to say the least, as all our backup seating plans have been unsuccessfully exercised, Sam poked his head around the counter next to the agent, to get a view of the seating plan on the monitor.
The flight today had a 100% load factor, so we had to settle for whatever was available. As such, a middle and an aisle seat have been assigned to us. As we had no luggage to check-in, the agent only printed our boarding passes and handed back our passports, and tickets.
My Boarding Pass
Before proceeding through immigration, we decided to go back out to the Syrian Air Office. The Airline offices at DXB are located one level below the main departures hall. We took the elevator to the lower level and began our search for the Syrian Air Office. There were many signs indicating the direction and room number of the RB office, in which we strictly followed. However, when it seemed like were just going around in circles, we realized that this office did not exist, and in fact, it was actually occupied by China Southern.
Giving up, we then headed back upstairs through security and straight to immigration and security again. After a long trek to the main terminal building, we arrived at the gate by 3:45PM. As we had little time till boarding, we decided to go inside the holding area. We handed our boarding passes to another DNATA lady who tore off the large portions of our boarding passes and handed back our stubs. Finally, the SP was in sight!
Syrian Arab Airlines B747-SP
Holding Area
While we waited in the holding area, we spotted a group of three guys taking pictures of the SP, and after taking one look at Sam, they instantly recognized him. Two of which are definite a.net members, Airsicknessbag and Johannes, and the third, I am unsure, but should not disclose any real names.
From Another Angle
By 4:15PM, five minutes after our scheduled departure time, we had not boarded the plane yet, let alone departed. As we waited for boarding, I watched out the window for any celebrity sightings.
China Airlines B762ER (B-2556) Arriving from Athens (I think)
Emirates B77W (A6-EBP)
At 4:40PM an announcement was made that our flight was delayed, and that the new departure time was 4:50PM. I’m not sure who would be daft enough to believe that they have yet to call for a full load of passengers to board a 747-SP through one aerobridge, have everyone seated and ready, close the door, get clearance to depart, pushback, taxi, and takeoff in only ten minutes. So, we decided to just watch out for more celebrity sightings.
Royal Jordanian Cargo A310-F
EK A345 & SV 772, Alongside the 74L
By 5:15PM, another announcement was made that there was to be a further delay. While no reason was specified, nor was a rescheduled departure time, we were invited to proceed to the food court for a free meal which consisted of juice and a sandwich. As such, passengers were allowed to leave the holding area but had to leave their boarding pass stubs with the DNATA staff.
Passengers Leaving the Holding Area
Shortly afterwards, I decided to go outside the holding area to smoke a cigarette. I arrived at the podium to find the DNATA agents extremely frustrated with the passengers who honestly were calmly requesting for more information on the status of the flight. I was actually surprised with this because if this was a flight to Amman for example, hell would have broken loose as passengers will not tolerate a situation like this. I left my boarding pass stub with the agent and was free to go.
Internet Kiosk at DXB
Moving Walkway
What A Lovely Surprise, The SQ Girls!
I returned back to the gate and tried to get my boarding pass stub back, however the rude DNATA staff were unwilling to give it to me because they were ‘busy’ sorting out the passengers who wanted to go out. I managed to squeeze my way through the crowd and pushed my way inside the holding area.
Drama At The Podium
What’s wrong with this picture?
That Same CA Aircraft, Turned Around & On Its Way To PEK
Sam and I then decided to go to the food court for a bite to eat. It was then when I overheard the Station Manager inform a group of passengers that there was a technical problem with the aircraft and that a part has been ordered from Emirates Engineering. I was surprised to know that EK Engineering had parts for the 74L.
Some more celebrity sightings from the food court:
Our Aircraft Again
One Of My Favorite Liveries: SV 772ER (HZ-AKE)
TNT B747-4HAF/ER/SCD (OO-THB)
When we finished eating, we thought we would go back to the gate to see if there was any update on our flight. When we reached the podium we found that the DNATA agents had given up altogether and left the gate with our boarding passes with them. There was absolutely no staff on site, with no information on our flight available anywhere.
With the entrance to the holding area no longer manned nor restricted for entry, we walked inside and sat inside for an hour or so. At around 8PM, the aircraft was pushed back, and towed somewhere, presumably at the time, to a remote stand. As this was happening, all the passengers gathered by the window and calmly watched as their plane left them stranded. By that time, rumor had it that the needed spare part for the aircraft, along with two Syrian Arab Airlines Engineers were due to arrive from Damascus in three hours.
Shortly after, a Saudi Arabian Airlines 777 docked at our aerobridge. This was followed by an announcement requesting all passengers to exit the holding area in order to make way for the departing passengers on SV. Again, no other information was given. So we left the gate, and Sam wanted to check out the Airport Hotel’s spa facilities for a possible shower/massage etc.
DXB Duty Free
Airport Hotel
Apart from showers, all spa facilities at the hotel were fully booked for the evening, so Sam and I decided to go to the Marhaba Lounge to relax until whenever! On our way we stopped by the Information Desk to check on our flight, however they had no information or any update.
Marhaba Lounge
Royal Brunei B767, from LHR With Continued Service to Bandar Seri Begawan
We were completely famished, so we helped ourselves at the buffet, which had a decent selection of hot and cold items. I especially liked the Sweet & Sour Chicken.
Food Offerings in The Lounge
CONTINUED BELOW
A Stop Away From One-Stop, Is Non-Stop : Airbus A340-500
1 Ronerone: Friday March 28th, 2008 At exactly midnight, I randomly thought to take a look at the FIDS to see what activity was on at the time. Finally, the scree
2 Ronerone: Sheraton Hotel Aleppo View Outside The Hotel Room Syrian Air Ticket Office St. Simeon Citadel This concludes my trip report. Thank you for reading it,
3 Piskoto: Excellent trip Report! Well done, nice pictures! Weird airline, while others try to modernize their fleet and cabins, Syrian seems to follow some 'tra
4 TANS: Great report! I actually suggested Syria as the place for our vacation this year, but my suggestion was met with such a ferocious "no" from my girlfri
5 BAViscount: Their breakfasts are great too, I ate there one morning when I was in Dubai back in January...fantastic!! Excellent trip report! Sounds as though it
6 Ryanair!!!: Wow... I so agree with you that these lengthy delays make a good trip report! I was once flying from Bali-Jakarta, short flight of 90 mins but the rad
7 9VSIO: What a splendid read! Love how they have their marshal on board to question you!
8 SQ772: An excellent report once again, and truly a walk back in time. Those tray sets that fitted snugly into the holes in your armrest were so common in fir
9 Semsem: I flew on a Pan Am SP about 25 years ago. I really enjoyed reading your report. What an adventure. The pictures of Aleppo were wonderful. I hear it's
10 Rogerbcn: Hola Roni i Sam! Excellent TR giving an insight in what seems to be an airlines still anchored in the glory days of aviation. My God! I I would love t
11 SXDFC: Great pictures!!! Any shots of the cockpit by any chance?
12 Airlinefreak1: As usual . thanks for an excellent and informative trip report. ( mashkoor ) I agree with Lime tre cafe , the desert there is amazing !! this trip rep
13 CO7e7: Excellent Report Roni and fantastic pictures (yours and Sams) ... Shukran kteer! Salam Zaki
14 SOBHI51: Wow what a trip.Excellent trip report.Very surprised that the captain flew that plain he must have exceeded hid allowed time.Still he seems like a nic
15 MSYYZ: Speaking about Sam Chui , what happened to his trip report on Egyptair's first class posted about a week ago ? It just disappeared along with all the
16 United_Fan: Nice report! I love the -SP! Are the palm, trees in DXB's terminal real?
17 Ronerone: Dear All, Thanks for all your comments! Hi TANS, Syria is a great country. Damascus is my favorite Middle Eastern city. Let's put it this way, it is a
18 NorthstarBoy: wow, great report, i'm so envious! i want a 74L! it's the only kind of 747 i haven't flown on, alas, i guess i'll have to hope that either politics ch
19 BA319-131: Roni, Sam - fantastic! What a read and great pictures, just superb, wish I'd been there! - So true! - The confusion is interesting. - Such a small wor
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 3252 posts, RR: 70 Reply 20, posted (1 year 8 months 3 weeks 22 hours ago) and read 23562 times:
Superb report with great pics, enjoyed reading a lot!
Quoting Ronerone (Thread starter): He proceeded to tell us that the required spare part was secured from Sharjah in which we presumably believed was from one of the grounded planes in SHJ (Kinshasa Airways maybe?).
It should be J2-SHF (allegedly once destined for Daallo Airlines), previously registered 9Q-CWY with Kinshasa Airways.
ClipperBerlin From Germany, joined Feb 2008, 86 posts, RR: 0 Reply 21, posted (1 year 8 months 3 weeks 18 hours ago) and read 23335 times:
Hi Roni,
once again great stuff by you and Sam. I myself flew with RB in March and April from DAM to LTK (Yak40, Yak40K), ALP (Tu134) and DXB (747SP). When looking at the fantastic pictures you guys took I remember that for me it really was a hazard taking any pictures at all on the planes or on ground. The FA on the SP leg to DXB (I was travelling in C) told me that is forbidden to take pictures on RBs planes and that (I quote) "it´s forbidden in DXB as well so don´t embarrass yourself". Of course I took some pictures and vids (when the security guy next to me fell asleep) but I haven´t had the time to do it properly nor did I have the leisure to take as much time as I needed for the right angle etc. Is it because of my lack of Arabic (I try my best though) or what is the story here. How do you guys approach the FAs? Same goes for pictures on Sahas 707. TUGMASTER started a threat about Sahas 707 the other day and attached a very nice shot of the tail of the 707. There are also some nice pictures taken by Sam in the database. When I flew with Saha I of course did communicate with the FAs but taking pictures was another story. They looked away a few times but in general referred to the security in front of the cabin and said NO. For future trips in such rather "photo unfriendly environments" I would really appreciate any suggestions of you guys.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 17531 posts, RR: 54 Reply 22, posted (1 year 8 months 3 weeks 18 hours ago) and read 23323 times:
What can I say !!! The best Trip report I have read in a long time. Amazing ... I would love to do such a trip. The delay would not bother me at all. More time on the SP. All the photos were excellent. I just love the interior of the RB SP. Soon the days will be gone when we will see such interiors. History !!
Thanks for an amazing report and it looked so much fun.
N178UA From Australia, joined Jan 2001, 1422 posts, RR: 74 Reply 23, posted (1 year 8 months 3 weeks 17 hours ago) and read 23279 times:
Hi all...
What a great read and writing by Roni, I knew this TR will be very HOT Thanks for all your generous feedback and thanks Rone for making this trip possible by purchasing ticket in advance and co-ordinate everything from the beginning to the end.
Quoting SXDFC (Reply 11): Any shots of the cockpit by any chance?
Unfortunately, I didn't get a photo from Syrian Air SP cockpit. I do have other SP cockpit photo (alas Iran Air)...
Quoting BA319-131 (Reply 19): Loved the pictures at the end, are they all from Aleppo?
Hi Mark, thanks for your generous remark. All photos at the end are from Aleppo. We didn't make it to Damascus.....
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 20): It should be J2-SHF (allegedly once destined for Daallo Airlines), previously registered 9Q-CWY with Kinshasa Airways.
I believe this is the source where the spare part is located.
Quoting ClipperBerlin (Reply 21): How do you guys approach the FAs? Same goes for pictures on Sahas 707.
Well, I think with a combined luck and low profile, you can achieve more than you think. On some occasion, I just take the photo first, didn't bother to ask. On Saha, the security personnel became very friendly with me , and even suggested taking photos for them, and a visit to the cockpit during flight and engine start. On Syrian Air, they didn't let me take pic of cockpit and I was slightly disappointed....it can be better....but I am happy of what I've got.
Quoting MSYYZ (Reply 15): Speaking about Sam Chui , what happened to his trip report on Egyptair's first class posted about a week ago ? It just disappeared along with all the posts!!!!!
Hi MSYYZ
You can see the report from the link in my profile. It was removed due to linkage to my commercial website.
UK_Dispatcher From United Kingdom, joined Dec 2001, 2269 posts, RR: 35 Reply 24, posted (1 year 8 months 3 weeks 15 hours ago) and read 23198 times:
Great report - looks like you guys had an interesting experience.
As much as I love the SP I think the delay and pi**ed off passengers would have been a bit too much for me!
Quoting Ronerone (Thread starter): We achieved take-off roll in such a short time compared with other aircraft, due to what seemed like quite the powerful 74L. It was in fact, noticeably more powerful than its more recent family members.
I flew aboard an Iran Air 'SP a couple of weeks ago and the take-off roll lasted 30 seconds - it is an amazingly overpowered machine when there are hardly any passengers on it. Did any of you ascertain from the crew how long the 747s will remain in service? It seems they still are, but rumour has it that they'll be gone later this year - no doubt joining their many old RB fleetmates in the Damascus Airport boneyard.
MH017 From Netherlands, joined Apr 2005, 1115 posts, RR: 24 Reply 26, posted (1 year 8 months 3 weeks 10 hours ago) and read 23066 times:
Roni,
What a wonderful TR again !!!
It was like flying the trip myself - very well done, including the great shots taken by Sam and you...
Too bad, you had to skip the YAK40 and TU134 flights, due to the 12 hour delay
Was able to make a trip to Syria in March and flew the YAK40K and TU134B3...excellent flights (on time !!!), and Florian: I was able to make some pictures INSIDE the cabin of both planes (approved by security-guy) but NOT from the plane...
Also both on the YAK40 and TU134, I was able to visit the cockpit, but again NO pictures
I found the people extremely friendly and helpful and can highly recommend a trip to Syria, both for flying 'exclusive' aircraft and seeing the great- and ancient sights of DAM and ALP.
United_Fan From United States of America, joined Nov 2000, 5846 posts, RR: 11 Reply 27, posted (1 year 8 months 3 weeks 9 hours ago) and read 23036 times:
ThereAndBack From Turkey, joined Aug 2005, 657 posts, RR: 5 Reply 30, posted (1 year 8 months 2 weeks 6 days 22 hours ago) and read 22768 times:
Great report!
DXB should be ashamed of those screens I see the actual Syrian info displayed with the the BA and EK symbol, and an Emaar advertisement all in one screen. The airport itself look great but it kind of gives me shopping center vibes.
Ronerone From Jordan, joined Aug 2004, 932 posts, RR: 25 Reply 31, posted (1 year 8 months 2 weeks 6 days 18 hours ago) and read 22683 times:
Quoting UK_Dispatcher (Reply 24): Did any of you ascertain from the crew how long the 747s will remain in service?
Hi UK_Dispatcher,
When we were traveling, we did not learn of anything related to the SP being pulled out of service with RB. It was only a week after our trip where a couple of threads on this topic were running on a.net, in addition to a few articles stating the same.
However, it was still vague, as even though it was supposed to be pulled out of service, there have been several RB SP sightings.
As Sam mentioned above, RB decided to bring back the SP during the summer months during the high peak season. Too bad DAM-SHJ-DEL is no longer operated with the SP. An interesting 5th freedom route as that would suit the SP so well
Quoting Semsem (Reply 25): How long does it take by car / bus from Aleppo to Damas? I am guessing at least 5 hours?
I believe it should take about 5 hours. I cannot imagine having to take that bus ride after an 11 hours delay and a 3.5 hour flight. I'm so glad we were 'dumped' right outside our hotel's doorstep
Quoting MH017 (Reply 26): So, Roni, when will you re-try the "Russians" ?
Hi MH017,
Thanks for reading!
I want to do the Russian flying soon. I must get on that lovely YAK
Quoting ThereAndBack (Reply 30): DXB should be ashamed of those screens I see the actual Syrian info displayed with the the BA and EK symbol, and an Emaar advertisement all in one screen.
Hi ThereAndBack,
I think those screen displays are just burned out or something. It looks ugly actually as the colors of the displayed screen fade into the previous display.
Thanks all for your comments!
Regards,
Roni
A Stop Away From One-Stop, Is Non-Stop : Airbus A340-500
ClipperBerlin From Germany, joined Feb 2008, 86 posts, RR: 0 Reply 32, posted (1 year 8 months 2 weeks 6 days 15 hours ago) and read 22566 times:
Quoting MH017 (Reply 26): I was able to make some pictures INSIDE the cabin of both planes (approved by security-guy) but NOT from the plane...
Also both on the YAK40 and TU134, I was able to visit the cockpit, but again NO pictures
I agree with you that it was no problem taking pics of the cabin of the Yak and the Tu, whereas taking pictures on ground was almost impossible. I took one picture of the Yak in LTK when a tree gave me some shelter but didn´t risk anymore. To some extend nobody seems to care (if you don´t ask !) and as you pointed out correctly, Syrians are very friendly, but the flight deck and the plane seems to be another story. When taking a picture of the terminal in LTK security walked up to me and told me to stop it. As soon as the guy found out that I am German he started chatting in German to me as he has studied in East-Germany. But further pictures still were forbidden. On the SP I took some nice shots of the engines and nice take-off video but found it very difficult to take pictures of the cabin, as Sam did. But than again it was my fault to ask the rather impolite FA. I guess you need to have some kind of luck and the right people (FAs and security) on board.
Ronerone From Jordan, joined Aug 2004, 932 posts, RR: 25 Reply 34, posted (1 year 8 months 2 weeks 6 days 12 hours ago) and read 22490 times:
Hi ClipperBerlin,
Regarding the photo-taking, as stated above, it is basically your luck at taking pictures. Just be persistent, but very subtle and careful, and you will get all the pictures u want.
When we were taking pictures during our trip, it didnt really annoy the staff however, i noticed it caused a little bit of friction amongst the passengers actually. The reason for this, is that they thought we were reporters and they didnt feel comfortable with us taking pictures that showed all the chaos and commotion. I kept overhearing passengers say things like "Now the whole world will think that this is how our airline operates everyday" etc. in Arabic.
During boarding, DNATA staff tried to stop Sam from clicking a few pictures, but we didn't care, and evidently, they didnt either because they really didnt try hard enough to stop us.
I think the best way, is to just take pictures when u think people aren't looking, and just do not make any eye contact with anyone. Unless u are told to stop, just simply carry on. It's very touch-n-go.
Regards,
Roni
A Stop Away From One-Stop, Is Non-Stop : Airbus A340-500
CityofAthens From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 35, posted (1 year 6 months 3 weeks 2 days 9 hours ago) and read 20851 times:
Well I was just wasting some time on the forum and I believe this was the last report at the bottom of the page ... and it's the first time I've seen it - goodness knows how I managed to miss it ... I must have been flying somewhere and away from any internet access.
Fantastic report and photos ... I love the old Boeing SPs, and like others here I feel it's a shame the golden days of flying are behind us ... The wallpaper in the cabins was a little kitsch (I really don't know what other word to use) but I loved it nonetheless Good old Syrian Air.
The velvet seats upstairs also made me laugh ... jesus, have they changed ANYTHING since that plane rolled out of the factory!?
I also love the Middle East and have been fortunate enough to have visited Damascus - compared to Dubai, it has much more character and of course, history.
5YKQW From Kenya, joined Feb 2007, 44 posts, RR: 0 Reply 36, posted (1 year 6 months 3 weeks 1 day 22 hours ago) and read 20619 times:
Craaaaaaaaazy trip report especially the unexplained portion of the eventually more than 10 hour delay and the 'souk'-like scene before departure with the angry passenger. For you and your friend it may have seemed surreal given that you really wanted to fly the SP but I'm sure it was not for the Damascus bound passengers. How far from Aleppo to Damascus by bus? That fish looked too good to be true by the way.
Beaucaire From Syria, joined Sep 2003, 5252 posts, RR: 39 Reply 38, posted (1 year 6 months 2 weeks 4 days 16 hours ago) and read 19871 times:
Roni- what a wonderful and explicit TR - I will travel back to Syria with my wife in October (there are direct flight from Marseille to Damascus on Syrian Air )
The delays and problems you experienced are part of travels in the ME- I'm used to it ,but for for the "newcommer" to the region that might look like a no-go event,since usually people plan their trips very sharp without taking into account the Middle East factor ..
To me the Levent remains my preferred travel-destination,although the political impacts can change situations nearly from one day until the other (..just today there were still fightings going on in Tripoli ,Northern Lebanon,between Sh'ija and Sunni fractions..)
But those who have spent some time in Syria,Jordan or Lebanon usually want to return for always the same reasons-that's the attitude of people is much more positive than portrayed in media reports despite the conflicts.
Trip-reoports like yours make a.net such a great place to spent time and learn..
Thanks a million and mabrouk,mabrouk ...
ThaiA345 From Indonesia, joined Oct 2006, 559 posts, RR: 5 Reply 39, posted (1 year 6 months 2 weeks 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 19436 times:
Hi Roni!
Hmm for some reason I just manage to 'stumble' upon this TR of yours. A really great and interesting read from you as usual and great to see that you thouroughly enjoyed your trip, although with the tons of delays! I for one am not so brave like you and rarely venture out of the normal airlines ahahahahha
Anyway I also just posted my TR to Seville in Spain and I also just got back from Osaka with MH in J, will post that one soon. Anyway, here is the link to my current latest TR. Long Haul! Jakarta-Seville TG-F, MH/LH-J (Pics) (by ThaiA345 Jul 25 2008 in Trip Reports)
Ronerone From Jordan, joined Aug 2004, 932 posts, RR: 25 Reply 40, posted (1 year 6 months 1 week 6 days 11 hours ago) and read 19047 times:
Quoting Beaucaire (Reply 38): The delays and problems you experienced are part of travels in the ME- I'm used to it
You are right. I am used to them too, especially during the days when RJ was notorious for its marathon delays.
As for Syria, well i would hope to go back there again (and again) real soon.
Quoting ThaiA345 (Reply 39): I for one am not so brave like you and rarely venture out of the normal airlines ahahahahha
Hi Herbert!
I am usually the same, as i prefer to stick with the few airlines that im used to. However, i get the occasional 'must-try' airline, or 'must-fly' aircraft hehe.
Thanks guys for your comments!
Regards,
Roni
A Stop Away From One-Stop, Is Non-Stop : Airbus A340-500
Quoting Ronerone (Thread starter): For as we moved forward in-flight, I found myself going back to an era of 1970’s aviation that I have totally missed out on.
Those were the days, but let's face it, it is not bad today ,too.
What I really like in RB planes is how they present the beauties of their country. It might be outdated by some standards, but I like it.
I also like the photos from Aleppo and RB office. It reminded me of their office in Budapest, which was closed and deserted, but all the stuff were still inside, so I spent quite some time watching in.
Not to forget, lovely video and music. I really love Arabic music.
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 3847 posts, RR: 54 Reply 43, posted (1 year 4 months 3 days 23 hours ago) and read 15814 times:
Very nice report! That's a very long delay and very unfortunate that you missed out on the Tu-134 and Yak-40 as well.
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Thanks for all your generous feedback and thanks Rone for making this trip possible by purchasing ticket in advance and co-ordinate everything from the beginning to the end.
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Good old Syrian Air.
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