N178UA From United Arab Emirates, joined Jan 2001, 1565 posts, RR: 73 Posted (1 year 1 month 3 weeks 2 days 3 hours ago) and read 12826 times:
Dear All
It's been almost half a year absence away from the Trip Report forum. Of course, I haven't forgot about flying but just need a bit more motivation to come back sharing trip reports. From time to time, I still keep an eye out for some excellent post and reading on the forum!
I have been long wanted to fly Saudi Arabian Airlines B747 classics. With over a year of planning, finally it happened this January onboard a B747-368 from Jakarta to Riyadh.
There are plenty of mysteries surrounded with this low profile airline. I always have the curiosity of finding how onboard Saudia would be like. Fortunatly, the famous Int'l Trip Reporter Ronerone is able to join me for the adventure!
Please click on the link below to read the Trip Report. It is in a photographic format and with background music playing behind. This will form the basis of my next few trip report format.
Emirates A380 to Jeddah and Air India B747-400 to Hyderabad/Mumbai
30th Birthday onboard Thai Airways
10000 miles Russian/Soviet airplane journey "To the end of the World" trip 2006
thaia345 From Indonesia, joined Oct 2006, 777 posts, RR: 20 Reply 1, posted (1 year 1 month 3 weeks 2 days 1 hour ago) and read 12529 times:
great TR Sam, thoroughly enjoyed it! i just had a killer month if travelling and some of my latest TR are already up. I won't have anything much this mth, but i am taking an Easter break to Bali and in May I will be flying MH all new A333 to BNE .....really looking fwd to that one
how long will u be posted in AUH? need to schedule a trip there soon!
WhereToNext From United States of America, joined Jul 2010, 96 posts, RR: 0 Reply 2, posted (1 year 1 month 3 weeks 2 days 1 hour ago) and read 12403 times:
Sam,
Thanks for the great trip report! It's always nice to get a glimpse of Saudi Arabian Airlines and the terminal in Riyadh. There seemed to be an eclectic mix of good looking food on your flight!
BP1 From United States of America, joined Aug 2007, 572 posts, RR: 1 Reply 3, posted (1 year 1 month 3 weeks 2 days ago) and read 12244 times:
Hi Sam,
Really enjoy the TR and the music you have on it had me enjoying the pictures and feeling the mood even more. Great pictures and nice colorful drinks too.
Thanks,
BP1A
"First To Fly The A-380" / 26 October 2007 SYD-SIN Inaugural
flightsimboy From Canada, joined Sep 2005, 582 posts, RR: 4 Reply 4, posted (1 year 1 month 3 weeks 2 days ago) and read 12137 times:
Ahlan Wa Sahlan, Sam, loved the presentation and the accompanying Middle Eastern music, reflective of your flight! All your reports should have this audio effect as well lol. Not too many International departures of out Jakarta. The meal delivery service is very much like PIA in their premium cabins, served directly from the trolley. You've documented that in another report I recall.
Do the FAs wear two different coloured blouses on board? In the first pic an FA serving the welcome drinks has a yellow/biege blouse, while in the pics where the meals are served it is blue in colour. Finally in the group pic you see the different coloured blouses. Different levels of seniority I presume? Also very light make up, not hot red lipstick, and unpainted nails sans the red colour again like EK's FAs. Also here the head scarf unlike EK, EY etc is worn tightly around the face like it is supposed to be, and not just something thrown in to reflect the cultural significance of the carrier to it's Middle Eastern roots. Of course all this is a far cry from Saudi's uniforms in the 80s when they wore dresses or pants, and no veil or head scarf.
What a surprise to see Roni. This was probably part of his trip back from Noumea.
chepos From Puerto Rico, joined Dec 2000, 5826 posts, RR: 14 Reply 5, posted (1 year 1 month 3 weeks 1 day 22 hours ago) and read 11934 times:
Excellent pictures, very entertaining, and by the way I love the saudia bag. I have been wanting to see a SV trip report for a long time. Saudi Arabian is one of the top 5 airlines on my must fly list, however, it is difficult to get a visa to visit the Kingdom so I guess I wont be flying SV anytime soon.
BAViscount From United Kingdom, joined Mar 2004, 2326 posts, RR: 4 Reply 6, posted (1 year 1 month 3 weeks 1 day 22 hours ago) and read 11727 times:
Fascinating report, thanks for putting it together! I also enjoyed hearing 'Dance Mood' by Husnu Senlendrici again...I have that track on a CD that I bought in Dubai...it certainly invokes memories of the desert and was a perfect accompaniment!
Many thanks.
Andy.
Ladies & gentlemen this is Captain Tobias Wilcock welcoming you aboard Coconut Airways flight 372 to Bridgetown Barb
767747 From United States of America, joined Jan 2005, 1521 posts, RR: 28 Reply 7, posted (1 year 1 month 3 weeks 1 day 21 hours ago) and read 11596 times:
Really nice photos, Sam! Thanks for sharing! I also like the Saudia logo on everything; especially the glassware!
Looks like you guys had a good flight. The food looks pretty good! So does Saudia just have a First cabin and no Business?
N178UA From United Arab Emirates, joined Jan 2001, 1565 posts, RR: 73 Reply 10, posted (1 year 1 month 3 weeks 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 10850 times:
Quoting thaia345 (Reply 1): how long will u be posted in AUH? need to schedule a trip there soon!
Hi Herb, thanks for being the 1st to reply my TR I will be in AUH for a very long time. I am enjoying the lifestyle and tax free status here!
Can I tempt you to hop on EK A380 ex BKK/HKG to come to UAE for a visit. The Atlantis Dubai have great summer offers perfect for the whole family!
Quoting WhereToNext (Reply 2): Thanks for the great trip report! It's always nice to get a glimpse of Saudi Arabian Airlines and the terminal in Riyadh. There seemed to be an eclectic mix of good looking food on your flight!
Quoting BP1 (Reply 3): Really enjoy the TR and the music you have on it had me enjoying the pictures and feeling the mood even more. Great pictures and nice colorful drinks too.
Thanks guys. I love TR with music at the background. Would post this on A.net format if there is music allowed.
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 4): Do the FAs wear two different coloured blouses on board? In the first pic an FA serving the welcome drinks has a yellow/biege blouse, while in the pics where the meals are served it is blue in colour. Finally in the group pic you see the different coloured blouses. Different levels of seniority I presume? Also very light make up, not hot red lipstick, and unpainted nails sans the red colour again like EK's FAs. Also here the head scarf unlike EK, EY etc is worn tightly around the face like it is supposed to be, and not just something thrown in to reflect the cultural significance of the carrier to it's Middle Eastern roots. Of course all this is a far cry from Saudi's uniforms in the 80s when they wore dresses or pants, and no veil or head scarf.
I have seen they wear blue or yellow blouse....not sure there are more variations than that. The whole crew of SV are quite humble and all aware of local culture. The Indonesia based crew told me they are quite happy to serve the Saudi passengers as most of them simply eat, pray and sleep. Most of them are non-aggressive and non-demanding.
Quoting chepos (Reply 5): Saudi Arabian is one of the top 5 airlines on my must fly list, however, it is difficult to get a visa to visit the Kingdom so I guess I wont be flying SV anytime soon.
You can do Saudia transitting Saudi Arabia without visa! Contact me for more details. I recently flown Emirates to Jeddah, connect with Air India to Mumbai without visa.
Quoting BAViscount (Reply 6): I also enjoyed hearing 'Dance Mood' by Husnu Senlendrici again...I have that track on a CD that I bought in Dubai...it certainly invokes memories of the desert and was a perfect accompaniment!
Thanks for the comments. I have a hard time to find a music clip suiting Saudi Arabian Air....as I doubt they don't have theme music.....so I use the Desert Lounge CD and found this track
Quoting 767747 (Reply 7): So does Saudia just have a First cabin and no Business?
On B744 SV have only J and Y (J is on upper deck)
On B743 SV have only F and Y (F is in nose area and second zone, Y is upper deck and the back)
On A330 I think SV only have J and Y.
On B777 mostly are 3 classes except some high density version to the Sub-Continent have 2 classes only.
You can refer to Wikpedia on Saudi Arabian Airlines for seating info.
Burj From United States of America, joined Nov 2007, 763 posts, RR: 4 Reply 11, posted (1 year 1 month 3 weeks 1 day 13 hours ago) and read 10792 times:
Wow thanks for the trip report!
With SV joining SkyTeam I may finally be able to use my Delta SkyPesos to get an award ticket from North America to Pakistan!
Those seats do look kinda dated...and to food didn't really look like anything too special....but Saudia F/J has got to beat any other airlines Y!
debonair From Germany, joined Jan 2004, 1736 posts, RR: 4 Reply 12, posted (1 year 1 month 3 weeks 1 day 12 hours ago) and read 10663 times:
Quoting N178UA (Thread starter): I have been long wanted to fly Saudi Arabian Airlines B747 classics
Hi, fantastic TR, fantastic pictures- as always.
But something is very wrong... According to your excellent report, flights have been done on HS-AIR. "HS" stands for Thailand- or do you mean "HZ"?! Or was a it a sub lease from PHUKET AIRLINES? I am confused...
N178UA From United Arab Emirates, joined Jan 2001, 1565 posts, RR: 73 Reply 13, posted (1 year 1 month 3 weeks 1 day 12 hours ago) and read 10647 times:
Hi debonair
Well spot! I was my mistake. It is indeed HZ-AIR. Nothing to do with Phuket Air, although they did operate for Saudi during the Hajj season taking passenger from Indonesia as well.
RJtraveller From Indonesia, joined Feb 2011, 45 posts, RR: 0 Reply 15, posted (1 year 1 month 3 weeks 1 day 9 hours ago) and read 10298 times:
Hi !
What a nice trip report, with excellent presentation, really gives me some ideas of the Saudi Arabian air B747 which I often spot in CGK, the flight seems, and it seems to have a nice service in business class. Looking forward to fly on it classic B743. I also often use the Premiere lounge in CGK when I usually fly to DXB with EK.
Anyway thanks for the interesting and nice TR, looking forward for you next one's !
Quokka From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 16, posted (1 year 1 month 3 weeks 1 day 9 hours ago) and read 10256 times:
Hi Sam
Congratulations on a very stylish and well-presented trip report. Great photos as usual and I liked the musical background.
The in-flight service appears to be very good, although the entertainment seems delightfully limited when compared other airlines. No chance of fingers poking the back of your seat,
N178UA From United Arab Emirates, joined Jan 2001, 1565 posts, RR: 73 Reply 17, posted (1 year 1 month 3 weeks 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 10195 times:
Quoting Quokka (Reply 16): The in-flight service appears to be very good, although the entertainment seems delightfully limited when compared other airlines. No chance of fingers poking the back of your seat,
Hi Quokka
thanks for the nice words. I spoke to a few Saudi passenger onboard Saudi Arabian Airlines, they don't really care about TV/Music entertainment. Most of them seem at ease with some quiet rest or rolling a chain of balls with their hand (believe that kills lot of time)
One extreme passenger told me he refuse to fly Emirates because of the PTV. When he saw music with girls dancing on the screen, he got off the plane and book himself on Saudia to fly home.......enough said
Quoting RJtraveller (Reply 15): Anyway thanks for the interesting and nice TR, looking forward for you next one's !
ronerone From Jordan, joined Aug 2004, 1468 posts, RR: 55 Reply 18, posted (1 year 1 month 3 weeks 1 day 7 hours ago) and read 10128 times:
Definitely one of the best trips i have taken! .. From the amazing ground staff at CGK that blocked our adjacent seats for more comfort, to the lounge crew, to the staff at the airline office. Even the cabin crew were very good, and the transit at RUH was such a breeze with the helpful staff!
The one thing i wasn't too fond of was the quality of the food. But i am told that the catering out of CGK is generally sub-par to normal airport standard. The colorful non-alcoholic drinks served in wine glasses onboard were quite amusing too
And of course, our fellow passenger that simply covered himself with the blanket for most of the flight was the best IFE for 8.5 hours hahah
Quoting thaia345 (Reply 1): need to schedule a trip there soon!
Hi TGA345! You should definitely come and visit. If on or after 2nd June, you can do so with a Cathay flight nonstop to Abu Dhabi from Hong Kong 4 times a week
Thanks for an excellent report Sam. Now we all know what the SV secrecy is all about ..
Cheers,
Roni
A Stop Away From One-Stop, Is Non-Stop : Airbus A340-500
Quokka From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 20, posted (1 year 1 month 3 weeks 1 day 6 hours ago) and read 10005 times:
Quoting N178UA (Reply 17): they don't really care about TV/Music entertainment. Most of them seem at ease with some quiet rest
I am usually with them, prefering to read a book or just get some sleep - many of my flights out of PER are at night.
Quoting 777way (Reply 19): Quokka Saudia have better IFE with aircraft having PTV fairly good variety catering to all tastes.
Yes, I suppose they must, but this was an older aircraft and the contrast between the two was obvious. Some passengers love the ICE, but I am not all that fussed. To each their own
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 5564 posts, RR: 58 Reply 21, posted (1 year 1 month 3 weeks 1 day 1 hour ago) and read 9452 times:
Very nice report with very nice pictures! Saudi Arabian looks great in First class evne on the old 747-300. I love their colors and logo as well.
I much prefer trip reports posted on the forum rather than linked to a seperate website.
I would love to fly on SV again sometime; flew SV FCO-CDG in 1998 on a 772.
N178UA From United Arab Emirates, joined Jan 2001, 1565 posts, RR: 73 Reply 22, posted (1 year 1 month 3 weeks 14 hours ago) and read 8908 times:
Quoting ronerone (Reply 18): Definitely one of the best trips i have taken! .. From the amazing ground staff at CGK that blocked our adjacent seats for more comfort, to the lounge crew, to the staff at the airline office. Even the cabin crew were very good, and the transit at RUH was such a breeze with the helpful staff!
Hey Roni!
Glad you like the TR and great to have you join the trip to make it extra enjoable!
I think if you look back in a few years, when SV Retire all of their 747 classics, this trip will be so worthwhile!
Quoting The777Man (Reply 21): I would love to fly on SV again sometime; flew SV FCO-CDG in 1998 on a 772.
Lars, you need to fly the SV 777-300/ER , I heard is coming soon in Nov 2011.
ronerone From Jordan, joined Aug 2004, 1468 posts, RR: 55 Reply 23, posted (1 year 1 month 3 weeks 11 hours ago) and read 8756 times:
Quoting N178UA (Reply 22): I think if you look back in a few years, when SV Retire all of their 747 classics, this trip will be so worthwhile!
Definitely! .. We should definitely fly SV's 743 again soon
Quoting N178UA (Reply 22): Lars, you need to fly the SV 777-300/ER , I heard is coming soon in Nov 2011.
Leave it to Lars, and he will definitely be one of the first ones on SV's 777-300ER.
Speaking of which, what equipment code will SV assign to that aircraft, given that they have strangely used pretty much all conventional 777 codes for their own unique purposes.
Cheers,
Roni
A Stop Away From One-Stop, Is Non-Stop : Airbus A340-500
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 5425 posts, RR: 81 Reply 24, posted (1 year 1 month 2 weeks 6 days 23 hours ago) and read 8174 times:
Hi Sam,
awesome report about this rare airline (at least at a.net). Nice to get an impression of SV's 743s with their old-style interior. The catering looks really good. It seems Roni and you had a great time on this flight.
PH
Sriwijaya Air - My Flying Partner
25 qantas077: good stuff Sam, I didn't know you were in AUH...I was in DXB last week and spent a day at SHJ!
26 N178UA: Yes Monty, been here for 3 months now.....Was SHJ worth the 1000AED? Thanks PH, we look forward to see more awesome report from you!
27 The777Man: Hi ! We'll see; I may just do that You guys really need to try Turikish Airlines; they are VERY good! The777Man
28 qantas077: too be honest it was a mixed bag, if you never shoot it before then it was worth it...but, knowing what I know now and given that state of play there
29 oa260: Very nice report and quite rare a great insight into an airline not widely reported. Thanks for the great pics . OA260
30 N178UA: Monty, I think the Centro Hotel at SHJ is opening now (or soon) should command some views of the apron. Photo from there is another question..... Tha
31 NZ107: Hi Sam, Another great episode of the adventures of you and Roni! I'd love to catch a 743 someday.. Had a chance to when QF flew them to AKL but never
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