ronerone From Jordan, joined Aug 2004, 1541 posts, RR: 54 Posted (2 years 3 weeks 3 days 6 hours ago) and read 15039 times:
Original picture taken by Sam Chui
I N T R O D U C T I O N Fars Air Qeshm, Fars Air, Qeshm Air, Airline Fars Qeshm, Gheshm Airline, and Air Fars Qeshm all seem to be official names of the very same airline. Perhaps if I also mixed & matched the words in whichever way I desired -such as Gheshm Air Fars or Airline Qeshm Fars- I am sure the company's corporate branding guidelines, if existent, would be liberal enough to permit it. In any case, for today's sake let's just stick to Fars Air Qeshm, which seems to be the most commonly used alias.
A private airline based on Qeshm's Free-Zone Island in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Fars Air Qeshm offers scheduled passenger service in addition to what is supposedly an array of cargo operations across various domestic points such as Ahwaz, Asalouyeh, Chabahar, Mashad, Shiraz, Tehran, and Zahedan, in addition to international flights to and from Dubai. While minimal in quantity, Fars Air Qeshm's singular international route to Dubai is -maybe more so in the not too distant past- the bread and butter of the overall operation, all thanks to the UAE's infamous 'Visa Change' policy.
What really is nothing but an unnecessary wrap of fiery red-tape, this Visa Change policy has also opened the door to a wad of cash for any business that has the correct resources for it. Kish Air -as they are well known for it in this region- is the pioneering leader in this market, and in many cases the airline and its home base at Kish Island are almost instantaneously associated with the term 'Visa Change'. Fars Air Qeshm can easily be next in line on this front.
So what the hell is this 'Visa Change' thing anyways? Well, let's save that for later where it shall be explained in more detail. But for now, we can safely assume it to be some oddball policy that Fars Air Qeshm has capitalized on and turned into something that keeps its cash flowing.
But more importantly, Fars Air Qeshm has three Yak-42D aircraft, and thanks to Sam Chui who more or less invented this trip in the first place, it was discovered that these aircraft are plying this Visa Change shuttle on what seemed to be the most irregular and unpredictable flight schedule. It would be my very first ride on any Russian jet hence, this opportunity was simply a must-be!
Back with another codeshare report for you, watch as Sam Chui and myself attack my first Yak, and venture deeper into the perimeters of mystery. Non-stop to Qeshm Free-Zone; a twilight of its kind where a return back home is more or less unknown…..
CONTINUED BELOW
A Stop Away From One-Stop, Is Non-Stop : Airbus A340-500
ronerone From Jordan, joined Aug 2004, 1541 posts, RR: 54 Reply 1, posted (2 years 3 weeks 3 days 6 hours ago) and read 15240 times:
WELCOME TO MY 32nd TRIP REPORT
This TR will cover the following itinerary which involves flights on Fars Air Qeshm:
A] Dubai to Qeshm on the Yak-42D
B] Qeshm Island overnight stay
C] Qeshm to Dubai on the Yak-42D
Note: All pictures taken by Sam are identified accordingly. Unfortunately, my big camera was inoperable at the time and was in the shop while I embarked on this trip. Instead, my small point n shoot -simply set on an auto setting- did the trick, and coupled with Sam's super-pics, I think this TR is good to go!
B A C K G R O U N D
It was one long-weekend in February where all we needed was a public holiday to signal the strong likelihood of a quick getaway. Normally one could perhaps choose a weekend stay at a five-star resort in Oman, but in our case, it was most likely an aircraft to somewhere and back.
As most of us already know, new opportunities have resulted in Sam calling the UAE his new home. And as fruitful a potential as this is for him, I cannot even begin to describe what a concussive potion of spontaneous trips on aircraft to and from never-ever land this means for the two of us. Today, Sam has more or less settled down amidst the sweltering heat of the Gulf, and it was time well overdue to come out and play.
After countless surveys of a million ideas for a trip, Fars Air Qeshm seemed to be the most ideal one on such short notice. Not only did it offer my first Russian ride -the most important factor- but Qeshm Island's close proximity to Dubai and the fact that it is a visa-free zone made it all the more worthwhile.
Fars Air Qeshm's website provided just the details that we needed; all Dubai flights were operated by the Yak-42D, and there seemed to be a multi-daily schedule between Dubai and Qeshm, whereby only one flight was mysteriously bookable. Of course, just like other sub-par airlines, purchasing a ticket on Fars Air Qeshm requires a visit to the airline's GSA, which in Abu Dhabi's case is Kish Air's office.
Bustling with bookers and travel enquirers amidst the most random Etihad Airways 'B747-200' backdrop, Kish Travels is the heart of Kish Air's sales-force in Abu Dhabi. With a miniscule-weekly operation to and from the UAE capital, if the amount of customers at this office is anything to go by, I would say Kish Air is doing reasonably well here.
A friendly Christine from the Philippines attended to our enquiries and was able to make our bookings and issue our tickets.
"We will only be staying in Qeshm for one night, so we will require a booking on the flight back to Dubai the following day"
"But sir, you do not know when your visa will be issued"
"Oh, no we are not going for visa change. Just for holiday"
"Oh .. you are not going for visa change?"
"No we have our UAE visas .. see?"
"But I cannot book your return flight from here sir. You will have to do it once you reach Qeshm"
"But we need to guarantee that we are back by Saturday"
"Don't worry sir, there are plenty of seats available"
"Oh wait, they just changed the flight timing now. The flight will now leave at 5:50 instead of 8"
"How many flights per day are there to Dubai?"
"Only one flight sir"
"So why is there more than one flight on the schedule?"
"Because they decide on the time from there, and usually it is on the last minute"
We weren't really sure why we could only book our return flights upon arrival at Qeshm, but we didn't really care so long as the flight had seats available. Christine was kind enough to reassure us time and time again that we had no problem. For a return fare of AED585, it was even all the more reason to just go ahead with this and pay the cashier.
"What about hotels? Can we book a hotel room for our stay in Qeshm?"
"You can do all of that at the airport upon arrival"
"Thank you very much"
Tickets in hand, we left the office with a huge smile on our faces. It was time to Yak this Yak!
Ticket cover
Isn't it cool? My Arabic middle name is Osama!
My second paper ticket issued in 2011!
O U T B O U N D
Reaching the airport at 3PM, we parked the car at Dubai International Airport's Terminal 2 car park. Unlike Terminal 1 or 3, this car park is a simple walk across from the terminal building and does not involve any cocktail of elevators, escalators, and/or stairs.
Sam & his new car!
Terminal 2 car park
Dubai's Terminal 2 from a distance
T2 crowds
Sam is ready for his Yak already!
Before proceeding to the departures hall, the crowds gathered at the arrivals side of the building caught our attention. As my first time at this terminal, it was only my curiosity that had us head over there to explore. Expectedly, a plethora of flydubai arrivals along with a few others more on the dodgy off-radar types have arrived and their respective meeters and greeters were already piled up by the dozens at the landside area.
The arrivals curbside
Everyone is waiting!
You could sit and finger your toes while you waited if you liked
And we continued on to the departures hall
Departures entrance
Looking much more sophisticated than I had imagined, the departure hall of Terminal 2 wasn't all that bad. Apart from your typical LCC down-to-earth type of traffic flowing from each direction, the terminal was clean and was neatly setup with a few ticket sales counters and the like, one line of 40 or so counters equally split between flydubai and the unknown, a few vending machines, and seating areas enough for the purpose.
Terminal 2 departures hall
FIDS- Interesting to see DY operate from this terminal!
We looked for our flight on the FIDS, only to find that not only all of Fars Air Qeshm's flights -whether operating or not- were listed, but our flight was listed under the old departure time. Oddly enough, you'd expect the check-in counters to also be allocated on the FIDS too, but that was not the case for Qeshm Air!
Wrong STD!
With all this confusion, we asked a security officer what time Qeshm Air was operating, and he directed us to go to their office to enquire.
At Fars Air Qeshm's airport office
Picture by Sam Chui
Since we were at the airline office, we thought it wouldn’t hurt to try and see if we could get a confirmed booking for the return flight. A young Iranian lady, whom we can refer to as Zubaida (that's not her real name, but she looked like a Zubaida anyways), seemed to be leading things around the office. As it was a Friday afternoon, she definitely looked like she would have preferred to have the day off, but instead, she had no choice but to do her bare minimums and assist with our enquiry.
"Yes?"
"What time is the flight to Qeshm operating today?"
"No, we don't sell ticket here. This is operation office"
"Fair enough, but what time is the flight today? We have ticket!"
"5:50"
"Can you also please assist us with booking our return ticket?"
"We are not going to Qeshm for visa change, only for holiday, and we have to be back by tomorrow"
"No. I cannot do that here. Why you don't do it in town office before?"
"Because they said that we can only do this in Qeshm"
"So you do it in Qeshm!"
"But can you not assist in any way?"
"Sir. I tell you before. This is operation office. I can only check system. I cannot change"
"May I speak with the station manager please?"
"He is off today"
"He has a full flight today with what seems to be oversized baggage piled up outside and he is enjoying the long weekend instead?"
"Look sir. Even if station manager is here, he cannot book return flight for you"
"Can you at least check the load on tomorrow's flight please?"
"Only four seats left"
We almost secretly crapped in our pants when she had informed us that four seats were left. In a matter of a few days the forward bookings for this flight had gone from 'wide open' to 'only four seats left'. We were now faced with an intensely long few moments where we had to make a decision quick-smart. What is the likelihood that these four seats will be gone by tomorrow or whenever we reach a ticket office in Qeshm? We had to make a decision now, do we bite the bullet and proceed, or do we simply ditch the entire trip?
"What happens if the flight is full tomorrow and we don’t have seats?"
"You wait for next flight"
"But we need to return tomorrow"
"What you want me to do? Why you not book your flight at the office?"
"Uff!"
We tried and tried for almost another hour, but Zubaida would not budge one inch. We managed to get her to call the Iranian number listed on our tickets -in our last attempt- but of course, it turned out to be a dump of digits that lead to nowhere!
It was too overwhelming that I couldn’t stop laughing!
Picture by Sam Chui
We left the office dazed and confused, yet we continued to try our best to be as positive about the whole trip as can be. Back at the check-in hall, the FIDS were still a hopeless case as no check-in counters were listed for our flight. However, the security officer told us that we can check-in at counters 308-312.
It took a little more unnecessary time to find Fars Air Qeshm's check-in counters, but that was only because they were the only airline checking in that time that didn’t have their logo up on the overhead screens. Not sure if that would save them any cost on ground handling or what not, but it was just plain odd.
There was a long queue that had formed by the counters, and the DNATA agents were processing this flight ever so slowly, as we seemed like we were standing in line forever.
Checking in for our Fars Air Qeshm flight
Picture by Sam Chui
Picture by Sam Chui
Sam's ready for his millionth Yak!
All different types of passenger profiles were seen to be headed to Qeshm Island. Some returning back home for their first time in months or years, others leaving their beloved families and relatives in Dubai and going back home, some perhaps using Qeshm Air's network connectivity to connect into mainland Iran, and of course there was Sam and I who had not a single intention but to turn this entire scene into some theme park ride.
Back to reality, we really had to make a decision before arriving at the counters. So, it was Sam's idea to tackle this analytically and in a very constructive manner. I on the other hand was in panic mode which did not help very much. Nevertheless, we decided that the make or break point was 100 passengers. If out of the total 115 or so seats, 100 passengers had already checked in at our turn, we would ditch this trip. But if we were under 100 -even if it was 99- we would go ahead with it. Of course, me being in anxiety mode I decided that we should toss a coin during three stages of our queue -beginning, middle, and at the counter- and weigh out the results.
This at least, would give Sam and I an idea of the booking profile for a typical Fars Air Qeshm flight, so we could apply similar rules for the return flight. Whether it was accurate or not, I can at least say that it did take the edge off.
We tossed the coin 3 times!
We stood in line for about an hour and fifteen minutes, and all throughout, Sam kept going back and forth to the counter to enquire about the total load so far. At our turn for check-in, a total of 97 passengers checked in for the flight, and there were about 12 or so people on the standby list.
Shall we go or shall we stay???
Picture by Sam Chui
During the final round of debate, and after three tossed coins that signaled a go-ahead, the DNATA agent cracked a cheeky smile as he heard our conversation. For some reason that brought a little comfort to both Sam and myself, and we looked at each other, shook hands and said "let's just do it!"
Our boarding passes were printed, but Zubaida -like Hurricane Katrina- stormed towards our counter and grabbed the boarding passes from the agent.
"You must pay 30 Dirhams departure tax"
"Okay. So we pay here?"
"No you go to office and show ticket and pay them over there"
We paid and got a receipt
Picture by Sam Chui
Back at the counters where Zubaida handed me our boarding passes
Picture by Sam Chui
My boarding pass!
While we were both mentally drained after all that debacle, we had both stuck to our promise to take the risk and throw all anxiety out the window. It was time to enjoy this trip and our imminent ride on the Yak-42D.
After the routine immigration and security, we had reached the airside section of this terminal at 5:20PM. My first impressions of this area are similar to those of the landside hall. Sure it was crowded, but the singular small building made everything faster and more efficient.
Apart from a reasonably-sized duty free store, two or so cafés, and seating areas all around the gate areas, there wasn’t much in this Terminal. But at the same time, many other main terminals out there do not even come close to this one so I can't really complain.
FIDS
Airside at DXB Terminal 2
Duty Free
Unmanned information booth
A snack bar in the middle of the terminal
Lots of seating
Crowds can make a mess!
While the boarding pass stated that the flight would be operating from Gate 4, nothing was listed on the FIDS however, we could see some familiar faces that checked in with us in the holding area.
By Gate 4
Will we ever come back?
It was almost 5:50PM -at exactly our retimed STD- and there was no sign of anything Qeshm-esque. For all we knew, the flight could have left and we wouldn’t have had a clue. And apart from the final calls coming from our gate for a flydubai flight bound for Baku, there was no sign of Fars Air Qeshm.
Picture by Sam Chui
"Maybe there is little delay?" a friendly agent responded to my query with a question. Of course, how would she know? But further investigation behind the desk did reveal that the flight would be boarding soon, from a gate at an airport somewhere!
Headed to the nearby Costa
Something to keep me cool and alert
Finally at 6:10PM, the doors of Gate 6 had opened and everyone at Gate 4 somehow knew that that it was for Fars Air Qeshm. Like a magnet, everyone flocked towards the gate right around the time the agents began yelling "Air Qeshm, Qeshm Air, boarding, yalla."
As with the check-in counters and the FIDS, nothing relating to Fars Air Qeshm was showing on the gate's overhead monitor. Seriously now, this airline really is off the radar!
This flight is now ready for boarding!
Picture by Sam Chui
Picture by Sam Chui
Let's queue up
With such bare minimums offered for Fars Air Qeshm, the last you'd expect is an "enjoy your flight" by the agents. Surely enough, exactly that happened, and even the pushing and shoving in this disorganized queue was the least of anyone's concern. Frankly, it wasn’t my concern for today either, and I just wanted to get this over with and hop on the bus already!
Inside the bus that will Yak us to our Yak!
After ten or so minutes, the bus doors closed and we began our journey across the apron and towards the aircraft. Sam and I must have really stood out in the crowd as everyone kept a fair share of distance from us. It was quite pleasant as we had a lot of space between us and the grinding crowds inside the bus.
This bus has sliding doors, and their opening revealed a sight for sore eyes!
Arriving at our Yak at 6:20PM, everyone got off the bus and headed to the mobile steps leading to the aircraft. We decided to wait a little for a few photos. However, as soon as the agents spotted our cameras, they began yelling "NO PHOTO SIR" "SIR I SAID NO PHOTO, PLEASE STOP NOW!"
What a cute tri-jet!
Picture by Sam Chui
Up the steps
Picture by Sam Chui
I'm off to Iran!
At Door 1L of this Yak, it was unclear as to who was standing at the door for the welcome as you had to bend over in order to hop into the aircraft. Once inside, I looked up to my left and found a older female cabin crew from Iran with a smiling middle-aged security officer -also from Iran- standing alongside her.
"Yes please, welcome"
It could be my only chance so I had to make it happen and maximize every opportunity. With this sudden rush of confidence, I went straight for the security officer.
"We are here just for this aircraft, I hope we can take pictures during the flight"
"Yes yes, welcome! Please!"
By 6:45PM, we were on board my first -and rather overdue- Russian jet.
CONTINUED BELOW
A Stop Away From One-Stop, Is Non-Stop : Airbus A340-500
Registration: EP-QFA Condition: Only 11 years old. Delivered to Fars Air Qeshm in 2006, and previously operated by Yakovlev Design Bureau, Aerolift, and Pecotox Air.
DUBAI TO QESHM
DXB - GSM Scheduled Departure: 17:50 Actual Departure Time: 18:50 (Pushback)
Scheduled Arrival: 17:55 Actual Arrival Time: 19:00 (Touchdown)
Welcome to Fars Air Qeshm
The cabin was already packed to its gills by the time we boarded. Preliminary glances only reminded me of a typical single aisle aircraft -perhaps an older 737 or so- but paying closer attention you can easily notice what is presumably the Russian flavors. The oddly shaped -but rather wide- windows, the prehistoric overhead controls, the fold-forward seating, and the disco-era tray tables. Studio-64 has risen from the dead!
Though I have been on aircraft that are much older than this one (if it is indeed only 11 years old), apart from the strange but modern mood-ish blue lighting above every other window, everything else was really from an age unknown to me. Many claim that this is the real essence of flight but I am definitely not the one to confirm this.
During my times it was more along the lines of the B747-100,200, and 300, the TriStar, the DC-10, the 727, and trickles of the 707 days as they came to an end. These types are my 70's Disco, but being onboard this Yak-42 I am happy to get a feel of a very significant part of aviation that happened to just skip over me completely. Not to forget, Sam is totally to blame for opening a door that I will never ever shut again as I am already on the hunt for the next Rusky Jet-set.
The cabin
Picture by Sam Chui
Back inside the cabin, Sam and I seemed to have had such an effect on everyone that they stopped whatever it was they were doing to obsessively stare at our every move. It almost felt like we were the main act at a circus, when at the same time, we felt we were the audience of another circus on the opposite side. I guess it only works both ways!
The seat
Sam was considerate enough to give me the window seat in spite of him suffocating in the middle. I wouldn't think that seating comfort (or lack thereof) is a brownie point opportunity for this flight, but the extremely tight legroom is too noticeable. I could not see my colored shoe laces until we arrived Qeshm, let alone find any other place for my backpack, apart from keeping it on my lap.
Surprisingly though, I unexpectedly found a Fars Air Qeshm barf bag and inflight magazine in my seat pocket which immediately found their way into my bag.
Leg space
Window
Last bunch of passengers to board
There were two each of female and male crew on board, all of which were Iranian apart from one lady which was from the CIS. Some crew members were seated amongst the passengers, but at completion of boarding and after the doors were shut, all crew got up to conduct all pre-departure preparations. Welcome service would be expected on any flight but Fars Air Qeshm I suppose, but I was pleasantly surprised that expectations had been exceeded when a basket of candy was passed around before pushback; this is too Alia inside a TriStar to me!
Candy
An announcement was made shortly after the doors were closed, and this was done in both Farsi and English, though I could not understand anything more than "we apologize for the delay."
Pushback occurred at 6:50PM, and initially it could have easily been quieter than an A320. However, a faint and high-pitched howl began from one side of the aircraft, that gradually vibrated through the fuselage as it got louder and louder. This happened a second time from another side, and by the time the aircraft screeched on its third attempt, I was already too high to pay close attention. It was truly an experience like no other! The engine spool was quite loud that I could barely hear the sounds that coordinated the manual safety demonstration that was happening.
The three engines on this Yak continued to faintly howl as we strolled over the taxiway. After holding short for a brief moment, full power was applied to each engine as a cocktail of low and high pitches, along with pounding propeller strums cum rumbling jet blast altogether thundered the aircraft as it gradually pushed itself on the runway. A sudden depth of pure silence followed this as we commenced our takeoff; I expected more noise to be honest, but apparently you’d really need to be seated at the very back in order to absorb the disco sensations.
We lifted off at 6:55PM, in what seemed to be a dangerously low climb into the skies. I was quite surprised at how smooth and quiet this aircraft was, though the flight back was a totally different experience!
Almost instantaneously after takeoff, the crew was released before all heading to the galley in the back. I did not pay attention to the existence of any seatbelt sign, however we assumed that the crew’s release meant we could also get up and raid the cabin.
Holy cow, I’m on Qeshm Air!
Picture by Sam Chui
Seatbelt
Tray table
Inflight magazine and airsickness bag
Seat control
Overhead controls
Picture by Sam Chui
Cabin shots
Picture by Sam Chui
Picture by Sam Chui
Sam is yakking it!
Soon enough, a trolley appeared in the aisle, which was manned by the two male crew. Apparently, there is a meal service!
Meal service
The crew was fast, and smooth sailing at conducting this service, yet they smiled at everyone as they distributed the snack packs. Each pack contained a packet of chicken flavored chips, orange juice, and a chocolate filled cake, all of which were pure Iranian brands. A typical type of prepackaged generic snack, the meal offering was quite generous for this short flight, with no complaints about the taste and quality. Sam wasn’t hungry so we decided to hold on to his snack pack should we need it while on Qeshm Island; and boy did we need it later!
Meal contents
While the crew were collecting the leftovers from the meal service, we began our descent towards Qeshm Free Zone International Airport at 6:45PM Iranian local time.
A R R I V A L
With this short flight, and flying at what seemed to be a really low altitude, the descent to Qeshm lasted only 15 minutes. The moment that EP-QFA touched the runway, power was simply reduced to allow the aircraft to decelerate; no reverse thrust, no thunder, and no dramatic arrival whatsoever.
During the flight, Sam had made fast friends with anyone onboard that mattered; i.e. some of the crew, the security officer, and most definitely the cockpit crew. Thanks to that effort, taking pictures of the cabin, the crew, and the cockpit was just too easy after everyone had deplaned.
Everyone deplaned as we arrived at our parking position and the doors had opened
But we stayed back for the following
Fars Air Qeshm’s male crew seem to love having their picture taken
Picture by Sam Chui
Look at that exit door!
Rusky airplane seats
Picture by Sam Chui
Overhead bin
Exit
Picture by Sam Chui
Next stop, was the cockpit. There were three cockpit crew –still seems to be the norm on Russian Jets- all of which were from the CIS (Ukraine I think). They definitely seemed like they were used to welcoming desperate plane-goers like us, and were happy to pose for a few shots and engage in a quick chat with us. They had informed us that they were to fly to Tehran next, and that they will be flying this same aircraft back the following day to Qeshm and then to Dubai. Normally, a ride on the same aircraft again would almost be a turn-off, but in this case, we needed anything to take us back.
Flight deck crew enjoying Sam's super-photography
Picture by Sam Chui
Picture by Sam Chui
Bidding farewell to the Qeshm Air crew, we were the last to deplane. The apron is within close proximity to the terminal which does not require any mobile transport for passengers. Instead, you simply walk to and from the aircraft at Qeshm. While there were a few security guards and ground staff, no one seemed to mind us taking any pictures. Or perhaps they just didn’t notice.
EP-QFA upon arrival at GSM
Picture by Sam Chui
Me after doing my first Yak
Picture by Sam Chui
Upon entering the main terminal building, we arrived at the main immigration hall stacked with several counters, two of which were manned for processing our arrival. Standing in the long queue that was moving reasonably quick, a gentlemen known as Shams, approached Sam and I –like he knew exactly who we were- and told us to follow him as he will guide us all the way through the arrival process.
I did not understand why he attended only to us while ignoring the rest of the passengers, but in our rather vulnerable state, we did not think twice to hesitate. True to his word, he handed us the arrival cards, helped us fill them out, and even took our passport to a side office for faster clearing. And it did not end here; he also escorted us landside and to the main arrivals curbside where we suddenly found ourselves inside a bus that was to take us somewhere. Looking at the logo on the bus, I assumed we were headed to the Diplomat Hotel. But do we not get a choice?
“Wait a minute. Before anything, can you take us to Qeshm Air’s office? We need to book our flight to Dubai for tomorrow”
“You cannot do that now. No office here. You try in hotel”
“Can we at least check how many seats are open on the flight?”
“The flight is full. No seat available”
“But you have to help us. We need to get back tomorrow”
“Don’t worry. Trust me, even if flight full, I get you on jumpseat”
“What if there are no seats available tomorrow?”
“I am telling you. You will go back to Dubai tomorrow. I will talk to the pilot tomorrow”
“How do I know you will be here tomorrow?”
“My name is Shams, and tomorrow I will be in your hotel from 8am”
And regardless of how much we tried to cure our consciousness, we could not get to a response that we wanted. Shams seemed far too confident about securing two seats for us on an already full flight, that it was too difficult to believe. What scared me even more was that he refused to accept any tip from us, which only made us think that he probably did not care whether we were staying or going, or whatever!
With no solution that night, we hopped inside the bus, along with a fellow Algerian passenger who was also on our flight. I could not understand his North African Arabic, but it was safe to assume that he was a Visa Change raver. Almost not knowing where we were going, we continued to drive through pure darkness. No lights, and not a single living organism in sight. We continued deep into the unknown, with nothing but our fears of not being able to go back home. Zoned in my own thoughts, I turned dead-quiet throughout the bus ride, while Sam even felt a little sick that he needed to lay down.
If this was a horror movie, the next scene would have been when we would be viciously murdered without any sign of foul play leaking out to the outside world.
The next portion of this report details our overnight stay on Qeshm Island.
CONTINUED BELOW
A Stop Away From One-Stop, Is Non-Stop : Airbus A340-500
ronerone From Jordan, joined Aug 2004, 1541 posts, RR: 54 Reply 3, posted (2 years 3 weeks 3 days 6 hours ago) and read 15169 times:
Picture by Sam Chui
QESHM FREE-ZONE
Qeshm Island -located a few kilometers off the Persian Gulf opposite Bandar Abbas and Bandar Khamir- hosts a 300 square kilometer free-zone jurisdiction in the Islamic Republic of Iran. This essentially means that the normal rules that are applicable to Iran, are more lenient in an effort to promote tourism and business in certain parts of the country. The island is barely 130 kilometers away from the UAE, and boasts a 40 kilometer width at its widest point.
Qeshm Island comprises 59 towns and villages, and is famous for its wide range of eco-tourist attractions such as the Hara marine forests. Did you know that 1.5% of the world's birds and 25% of Iran's native birds annually migrate to these forests? Did you also know that Qeshm's geo-park is a UNESCO World Heritage site?
Other Qeshm must-see's include the Portuguese castle, historically-rich mosques, and Bibi Maryam shrines. Not to forget, for us avio-geeks, Iran Air flight 655 was shot down just south of this Island in 1998. One can really bask in history and culture on Qeshm Island!
Of course, Sam and I, being Sam and I, our experience was anything but the above; though it was certainly a memorable one that we know we will remember for a very long time.
THE DIPLOMAT HOTEL
After 45 minutes of driving in pure darkness, we arrived at the hotel, but we drove right past the rather nice looking hotel entrance and were dropped off in a back yard where a large congregation of people -from many parts of the world as it seemed- had formed in anticipation of our arrival. Not sure who they were, but they sure were happy to see us!
We were surrounded by over 20 people, grouped by region, and all of which wanted to know where we were from. What added to our confusion, was that the scene felt like Sam and I were fresh arriving merchandise at a night market. I could hear calls along the lines of "Arab, Arab, I'm looking for Arab. Where you from? China? No, we have room for one more Arab" left and right, and it seemed like people were searching for others from a similar background. But why? We had absolutely no clue.
A young Chinese lady -leading her group of Chinese girls in the background- had approached Sam, and they quickly engaged in a conversation in Mandarin. I on the other hand, had dismissed an offer from a young Egyptian chap to share a room with him and his group. Apparently, and as Sam had learned, these people were all visa change profiles that were waiting for final approval of their new UAE work permits.
Many job seekers arrive the UAE on a visit visa, and those lucky ones that do land a job during their visit, must exit the country temporarily until their work permit is issued by their employer. This is normally done to 'reset the system' so to speak and seems to be the only way it can happen. While many people live far away from the UAE, and a ticket back to their home country is seen to be expensive by the employer for such a purpose, nearby islands like Kish and Qeshm have developed a range of dirt-cheap packages designed for this purpose.
Back in 2002, it was this that lead me to fly Malaysia Airlines' newly launched B777 service between Dubai and Beirut. But of course, for personal reasons I was lucky I had a choice. These people did not, and some were just hanging out here indefinitely not knowing what their fate was going to be; it normally takes a week, but it can go on for months apparently.
As Sam continued conversing with other fellow detainees, a smiling Iranian chap, known as Aziz, approached me to advise me that we needed to check-in soon before he closed the office for the night.
"You find room you want?"
"No, we just arrived. What do you mean we find room?"
"Where are you from?"
"Jordan"
"You can share room with Arabs, there is one group from Egypt that have extra bed"
"No, I am with my friend. We want to have one room to ourselves"
"No problem no problem, come with me"
After the normal check-in processing, we had asked Aziz about booking our return flights. Again, there was no hope and this time we were told to wait until the following morning. However, Aziz did confirm that Shams does make his daily morning rounds at the hotel, and that he will definitely be able to get us on the flight. But of course, there is always that 'what if' factor that drove Sam and I absolutely mad. In any case, we were told to find Shams at 8am the following day, and he will take us to the airport to sort us out.
Aziz took us to our room, which is a mini suite featuring three rooms, three bathrooms, and about 21 beds! One room was already occupied by the Egyptian group, another was empty but the main door leading outside did not lock. So we were left with the inner most room that was already occupied by two people.
"Your room inside there"
"But there are people there"
"Yes, one from Algeria and one from Djibouti"
"We asked for our own room"
"Not available. There is a new wing for Iranians, but its full tonight"
Our room
Picture by Sam Chui
We introduced ourselves to our roommate from Djibouti, and all he could tell us was that we better be ready to stick around here for a very long time. He was mildly surprised to know that we were here for 'holiday' while he was left stranded for two weeks as he waited for his new job opportunity as a bouncer at a club in Dubai. He also strongly warned us about the salty water running from the bathroom tap and shower which was not really suitable for a daily wash. With that in mind, I refrained from using the bathroom in Qeshm; period.
After the orientation session, he resumed watching television, while Sam and I just laid in our beds, looked at each other, and burst into uncontrollable laughter.
Room service
Picture by Sam Chui
Our roommates
We retired for the rest of the night, where Sam had used his shorts to cover the pillow, and his pants as his blanket. I on the other hand made it a little more simple and did not remove a single piece of clothing off me until I arrived back at Dubai. Sam passed out for most of the night, however, I was wide awake and very hungry several hours later.
In terms of features, the hotel has it all. All the rooms lead to a large outdoor patio which has some seating area and facilities such as clothes hangers, drinking water taps, a barbecue station, and what have you. There also is a mini convenience shop within the hotel boundary that sells packaged foods such as chips, biscuits, and instant noodles, and also houses an internet station of two computers. Inside the new-wing, everything is of a better standard, is air-conditioned and looks more like a 2 star hotel rather than a boot camp.
Outside the room
Patio
A cat queendom was around waiting for food
I woke up the next morning at 7:30AM, only to find that Sam had gone off somewhere. Sam has the ability to easily adapt to new surroundings, and similarly, he was casually surfing the web in the convenience store when I found him, as though he had established home around here for quite some time now.
I was still sleepy and groggy that I could only scratch my head with confusion when Sam was in his cheerful morning spirit as he surfed Air Tahiti Nui's website. I don’t know, but the idea of Air Tahiti Nui's A340 fiesta sensations on Qeshm Island was far too much information for my brain to process; I just could not put the two together in any way.
We all know that Sam has been everywhere, and has done everything. Risking his life -and also his health- in order to snag once in a lifetime opportunities is definitely something to write home about, and it would be hard to imagine what else there would be out there that can leave such an impact. However, my telling him that I saw a fox stroll by on the patio last night looking for food, had tipped him over the edge where he could not stop laughing. Apparently, this was something new for Sam!
Sam casually made his home at Qeshm for the day
Our fellow Qeshm-mates seated in the convenience store
Picture by Sam Chui
Hotel views during daylight
Full laundry facilities are available at the Diplomat Hotel
Picture by Sam Chui
Patio
Picture by Sam Chui
The visa change reception
The Iranian part of the hotel
Which we were allowed to access from a back door
Picture by Sam Chui
Many nationalities use the hotel while in Qeshm
And of course, Emirates has to be part of this airline list doesn’t it?
The Filipina gang wanted to have their picture taken with me
Picture by Sam Chui
Before brunch was served
Picture by Sam Chui
Picture by Sam Chui
At 8AM, we collected our things from the room, and headed to find Shams in the hotel. The bus that brought us here the previous night was parked outside so it was safe to assume that he was already within the vicinity. As the UAE was still in a weekend, our fellow Qeshm-mates had no choice but to relax on that day as it was certain they were not going to receive any visa updates on a Saturday. But it was hard not to notice their melancholic expressions when seeing Sam and I bid farewell to everyone with sheer excitement.
"You are leaving already? How come so quick?"
"We are not here for visa change. Just holiday"
"….."
I felt quite bad for them, and we could only hope that they would get on with their lives sooner rather than later. But for now, it was seriously time to find Shams. We proceeded over to the Iranian side of the hotel, where both Aziz and Shams were at the reception desk.
"Salam alaikom"
"Wa alaikom al salam"
"So? We go to airport now yea?"
"No what now? Still 8 clock"
"But you said you will take us to the airport at 8AM"
"Now it's too early. Don't worry, we will go at noon"
After moping around for a few more hours, we headed back to Shams & Co at 11:45AM. Aziz asked us to wait while he fetched Shams, who had apparently gone out to the bank.
Aziz offered us coffee while we waited
Drinking coffee, coupled with the progressing anxiety levels as time approached closer to our scheduled departure, was definitely not a good mix, especially for Sam. He felt sick again and had to go out for some fresh air. I on the other hand, am quite chemical-friendly so I downed the coffee for a mildly distracting caffeine high; just in time for Shams's royal arrival.
It was time to head back to Dubai!
CONTINUED BELOW
A Stop Away From One-Stop, Is Non-Stop : Airbus A340-500
ronerone From Jordan, joined Aug 2004, 1541 posts, RR: 54 Reply 4, posted (2 years 3 weeks 3 days 6 hours ago) and read 15162 times:
I N B O U N D
At 12:30PM, our passports and tickets -which were kept by the hotel staff- were handed back to us. Our passports had a big Diplomat Hotel sticker on them, and our tickets were validated with a stamp; which could only be a positive sign. Our bus was ready, and it was time go head to the airport.
Our passports and tickets were handed back
We hopped on the bus, bound for GSM
Inside the bus
Sam & Shams inside the bus
Scenery along the way
Picture by Sam Chui
Half way to the airport, the driver pulled over next to a small grocery shop, where Shams wanted to fetch something. Surprisingly, he returned with some ice cream for us all so we could cool off in the glistening heat; a very nice and personal touch for sure.
Iranian-branded ice cream. Just like any other known brand!
Eventually arriving at the airport at 1:30PM
Picture by Sam Chui
Qeshm's departure terminal
Picture by Sam Chui
We followed Shams inside the terminal where he took our documents to check us in. The departure terminal at Qeshm Free-Zone was quite confusing and seemingly, nothing was set up according to a typical order of events at any airport. It was arrivals, immigration, departures, baggage claim, and check-in all in one, and all randomly mixed together.
Departure hall
Picture by Sam Chui
Random seating
Apparently this is the only check-in counter, located across the hall
A few moments later, Shams returned with our boarding passes, and with just the seats we had requested; down the very back of the plane. We were finally going home, we knew it, and we were so happy. We sincerely thanked Shams for his help and most importantly for his honesty all along. Though he still refused to accept a tip from us initially, we insisted on it. After all our constant nagging and whining, I think he deserved it.
Look at this boarding pass!
Picture by Sam Chui
At immigration, we joined a small queue where our passports were checked, and a stub was ripped from the boarding pass before proceeding to one of the immigration counters.
In queue for immigration
Picture by Sam Chui
"Al salamu alaikom"
"Wa alaikom al salam wa rahmatu Allah wa barakato"
"Urdon Hashemi?"
"Na'am, from Jordan"
"You Muslim ou Christian?"
"Christian"
Passport stamped, security check cleared, and we were finally airside at 1:50pm. The airside facility at Qeshm's airport is more or less the gate, the holding area, and an L-shaped counter for Duty Free and refreshments, all in one small area.
This is airside at Qeshm
At 2:10PM, the doors to the ramp were opened, and boarding was called for our flight. We rushed towards the gate, and followed everyone else on the ramp and towards the aircraft. I do not get many chances to walk to the aircraft -and in daytime- so I casually strolled and enjoyed it as much as I could.
My Yak is back!
Picture by Sam Chui
Meanwhile, Sam had veered off the pedestrian route to our Yak, probably to find a good spot to take a picture of the aircraft. However, he got caught and was asked to return inside the terminal building where several security officers began to interrogate him. I ran to the rescue when I realized that they were taking their time with Sam, and had a few words with them in Arabic that were basically along the lines of "oh we didn’t know that we aren't allowed to take pictures, we are so sorry and we will never do it again." It seemed to have hit the spot as they let us proceed after that.
But the pictures continued
Picture by Sam Chui
Picture by Sam Chui
Picture by Sam Chui
At the aircraft door, a middle-aged female cabin crew from the CIS was guiding the boarding passengers to their seats.
"Hello .."
"Hi how are you?"
"Fine. Quickly please"
At 2:25pm, we were on board.
CONTINUED BELOW
A Stop Away From One-Stop, Is Non-Stop : Airbus A340-500
Registration: EP-QFA Condition: Only 11 years old. Delivered to Fars Air Qeshm in 2006, and previously operated by Yakovlev Design Bureau, Aerolift, and Pecotox Air.
QESHM TO DUBAI
GSM - DXB Scheduled Departure: N/A Actual Departure Time: 14:35 (Pushback)
Scheduled Arrival: N/A Actual Arrival Time: 15:35 (Touchdown)
Back to Yak
While the cockpit crew operating the flight today were the same as those on the flight from Dubai previously, the cabin crew and security marshals were different. As such, the marshal firmly asked me to stop taking any photos as it wasn't allowed. I obeyed, but only while I walked down the aisle. Being seated in the last row on the aircraft, I can discreetly take all the pictures I wanted anyways; so no issue there at all.
The cabin
As with the flight from Dubai, this one was just as full as everyone was heading back to Dubai after the long weekend. With everyone everywhere all throughout the cabin, our assigned seats seemed to have been occupied by other people. However, there were several empty seats available so that wasn’t much of an issue; though Sam and I were unable to sit next to each other on this flight. Although my seat was unexpectedly window-less, I still wanted to sit right next to the engines.
The seat
The seating arrangement was as uncomfortable as on the previous flight, but the empty seat between me and my seatmate definitely offered a nice breather. A few rows ahead of me, Sam was seated at an aisle seat and halfway through making friends with his seatmate.
Leg-space
Overhead seat controls
Candy was distributed by the crew
Doors were closed at 2:20PM, when an announcement was made by the crew, both in Farsi and in English; again, the English portion was too fast for me to comprehend. This was then followed by the usual manual safety demonstration, again in both Farsi and English.
Engine start-up was just as dramatic as experienced on the prior night, only with a little extra depth to the sound, that can only be heard when seated in the back. After the usual three queues of engine screeches, we taxied out of our parking position at 2:30PM.
A five minute taxi lead us right to the runway and a straight shot for takeoff at 2:35PM. Instead of reiterating the takeoff experience into words, it can be felt loud and clear in the following video:
Not sure whether it was the Yak experience, the window-less seat, the cramped seating area, or perhaps even the entire Qeshm drama, but I began to feel a little nauseated right after we began climbing out of Qeshm. If this is indeed airsickness, it was definitely my first time feeling it. Thankfully though, it did not get any worse than this.
Cabin after takeoff
Picture by Sam Chui
Approximately seven minutes after takeoff, we leveled out slightly and engine power was reduced, which signaled that we may have reached cruising altitude (supposedly 10,000 feet only!). The crew were then released from their seats, and quickly conducted a snack service similar to that on the previous flight.
Service
Two crew rolled a trolley out through the aisle and distributed snack packs to everyone. The packs on today's flight included a prawn flavored savory snack, a chocolate -filled cake, and apple-banana nectar to drink. At that point if I had to see or eat anymore pre-packaged chips, biscuits, or the like I was seriously going to kill someone! So instead, I took the pack and made it a new home in Dubai.
Snack pack on the Yak!
at 3:25PM UAE local time, we commenced our decent towards Dubai International Airport, when a landing announcement was made by crew. Final checks were conducted in the aisle, and after the galley was prepared for arrival.
Cabin before landing
I never thought I'd see this day! Dubai reappears!
A R R I V A L
We touched down on Dubai property at 3:35PM, where the power was simply reduced to allow the aircraft to slow down. After exiting the runway, we taxied for a few moments before arriving at the parking stand and completely powering out.
Deplaning
DIG IN!
After everyone had deplaned, it seemed that we able to take some pictures of the cabin more freely. So we stayed back for a few more moments.
More views of the seat
More of the cabin
Stepping off the aircraft and heading down the steps, we found Zubaida standing close to the bus speaking with the ground staff. Boy did it seem like such a long time ago when it only was 24 hours since we were at her office trying to sort things out.
"Hey remember us? we made it back in time!" as we called for her attention with huge smiles on our faces. Her reaction was simple, she looked at us, rolled her eyes, and continued whatever it was she was doing. She is really something!
Bidding our final Yak to our Yak!
Picture by Sam Chui
C O N C L U S I O N
It was time well overdue for my first Russian jet experience, and I am quite glad that I did it. No one knows until when these jets will remain in service today, especially when the Russian jet era -a significant part of our aviation hobby- can easily pass for an untold story amongst the majority of us. The Yak-42D was definitely a good start for me, and I am almost certain there will be something even more raunchy in the not too distant future.
Having said this, such experiences almost always come with a risk, and in our case it was the uncertainty of whether we were going to return back in time for work. Apparently we discovered that we had purchased the wrong ticket when a more 'touristy' type of package was available that we didn’t know about. If only we had known about this, though in the end it did turn out perfectly positive, albeit with tons of drama. As they say, the higher the risk, the greater the return!
This concludes my Trip Report. I hope that you have enjoyed it; your comments are always welcome!
Regards,
Roni
E Q U I P M E N T
- Nikon D300
- Canon PowerShot G11
- Canon IXUS 110
SpdBrdConcorde From United States of America, joined Jan 2004, 169 posts, RR: 0 Reply 7, posted (2 years 3 weeks 3 days 5 hours ago) and read 14876 times:
Superbly composed report Roni.it was an delight to read.Thanks for sharing.This trip definitely has a very high exotic value and the way you both pulled it off is great.Congrats on the completion on a superb trip.
initious From Singapore, joined Dec 2008, 1011 posts, RR: 16 Reply 8, posted (2 years 3 weeks 3 days ago) and read 14661 times:
Heya Roni,
Did not expect such a unique TR at that moment when I managed to guess that your upcoming TR is on a Russian aircraft. It's great! I enjoyed each and every detail of it. That was sure a lot of drama going on in just a short span of 24 hours! The seat pitch was noticeably tight and I am not sure if I can stand it even for a short flight, but if I get the chance to fly the Yak 42 I guess it'll be worth it! Qeshm is a place that I have never heard before but it seems like the people there are very relaxed and helpful. The hotel is not something I would like to stay even a night in! How much was it for a night? The convenience store is a nice touch as you can purchase snacks anytime, suitable for a peckish person like me!
Your point-and-shoot takes pictures just as good as a DSLR. If you did not mention it, I would not have noticed that you are using a point-and-shoot camera. The snack box on both the flights look interesting. There's this black roll thing I noticed on both flights which I thought it looked quite similar to a Japanese California Roll. Indeed it takes some sort of adventurous spirit, which both you and Sam possess, to fly on an airline like this. I can't imagine myself being stuck in a situation like yours, not knowing when you can return to Dubai or getting stuck in the Diplomat Hotel.
Overall, it was definitely a unique experience that you can remember for the rest of your lives! The pictures of Dubai is making me miss Dubai now, hard to believe I already left Dubai for over a month.
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6190 posts, RR: 79 Reply 9, posted (2 years 3 weeks 3 days ago) and read 14624 times:
Hi Roni,
what a thrilling report, what an adventure! I read straight from beginning to end after discovering it! And, as usual, you posted masses of high-quality pictures! Compliments to Sam, too!
Good to get an impression of Fars Queshm Air and the Yak - however, I wouldn't want to make such a trip myself.
Quoting ronerone (Reply 1): Instead, my small point n shoot -simply set on an auto setting- did the trick, and coupled with Sam's super-pics, I think this TR is good to go!
What an understatement...
Quoting ronerone (Reply 1): For a return fare of AED585, it was even all the more reason to just go ahead with this and pay the cashier.
Very good deal!
Quoting ronerone (Thread starter): You could sit and finger your toes while you waited if you liked
Quoting ronerone (Thread starter):
Since we were at the airline office, we thought it wouldn’t hurt to try and see if we could get a confirmed booking for the return flight. A young Iranian lady, whom we can refer to as Zubaida (that's not her real name, but she looked like a Zubaida anyways), seemed to be leading things around the office. As it was a Friday afternoon, she definitely looked like she would have preferred to have the day off, but instead, she had no choice but to do her bare minimums and assist with our enquiry.
"Yes?"
"What time is the flight to Qeshm operating today?"
"No, we don't sell ticket here. This is operation office"
"Fair enough, but what time is the flight today? We have ticket!"
"5:50"
"Can you also please assist us with booking our return ticket?"
"We are not going to Qeshm for visa change, only for holiday, and we have to be back by tomorrow"
"No. I cannot do that here. Why you don't do it in town office before?"
"Because they said that we can only do this in Qeshm"
"So you do it in Qeshm!"
"But can you not assist in any way?"
"Sir. I tell you before. This is operation office. I can only check system. I cannot change"
"May I speak with the station manager please?"
"He is off today"
"He has a full flight today with what seems to be oversized baggage piled up outside and he is enjoying the long weekend instead?"
"Look sir. Even if station manager is here, he cannot book return flight for you"
"Can you at least check the load on tomorrow's flight please?"
"Only four seats left"
We almost secretly crapped in our pants when she had informed us that four seats were left. In a matter of a few days the forward bookings for this flight had gone from 'wide open' to 'only four seats left'. We were now faced with an intensely long few moments where we had to make a decision quick-smart. What is the likelihood that these four seats will be gone by tomorrow or whenever we reach a ticket office in Qeshm? We had to make a decision now, do we bite the bullet and proceed, or do we simply ditch the entire trip?
"What happens if the flight is full tomorrow and we don’t have seats?"
"You wait for next flight"
"But we need to return tomorrow"
"What you want me to do? Why you not book your flight at the office?"
"Uff!"
We tried and tried for almost another hour, but Zubaida would not budge one inch. We managed to get her to call the Iranian number listed on our tickets -in our last attempt- but of course, it turned out to be a dump of digits that lead to nowhere!
Wow, what a convesation!
Quoting ronerone (Thread starter): It was too overwhelming that I couldn’t stop laughing!
Amazing how you were still able to laugh in that situation...
Well, you could have ended in jail as alleged spies...which would have been a big loss for the aviation community!
Quoting ronerone (Thread starter): However, as soon as the agents spotted our cameras, they began yelling "NO PHOTO SIR" "SIR I SAID NO PHOTO, PLEASE STOP NOW!"
Haha, he wasn't really successfull with his attempts to stop you guys...
Quoting ronerone (Thread starter):
“Wait a minute. Before anything, can you take us to Qeshm Air’s office? We need to book our flight to Dubai for tomorrow”
“You cannot do that now. No office here. You try in hotel”
“Can we at least check how many seats are open on the flight?”
“The flight is full. No seat available”
“But you have to help us. We need to get back tomorrow”
“Don’t worry. Trust me, even if flight full, I get you on jumpseat”
“What if there are no seats available tomorrow?”
“I am telling you. You will go back to Dubai tomorrow. I will talk to the pilot tomorrow”
“How do I know you will be here tomorrow?”
“My name is Shams, and tomorrow I will be in your hotel from 8am”
Another priceless conversation!
Quoting ronerone (Thread starter): "Your room inside there"
"But there are people there"
"Yes, one from Algeria and one from Djibouti"
"We asked for our own room"
"Not available. There is a new wing for Iranians, but its full tonight"
Uh, I would have been very frustrated....
Anyway, thanks again for posting this unique report!
gardermoen From Australia, joined Jul 1999, 1518 posts, RR: 1 Reply 10, posted (2 years 3 weeks 3 days ago) and read 14585 times:
Hi, a cool report and fab pictures with a whole load of drama that I would never put myself through. Not even in the name of aviation!
This is an airlines and a city I have never heard of, so I thouroughly enjoyed this.
I also have never seen pictures of DXB terminal 2, so that was good. Funny how Norwegian use this terminal, the long haul cheapskates!
As for your "hotel room" in Qeshm, I would have cried if I had to spend a night in that place, ha ha!
debonair From Germany, joined Jan 2004, 2098 posts, RR: 4 Reply 12, posted (2 years 3 weeks 2 days 22 hours ago) and read 14393 times:
Fantastic TR- love to read from such exotic airlines...
Quoting ronerone (Reply 1): We weren't really sure why we could only book our return flights upon arrival at Qeshm,
True, travel to and in Iran is just horrible... Having been to Iran and collecting some nice a/c types, like B727 & B707, I know the discussions very well. Showing up at the local ticket desk or sales rep and getting only waitlisted tickets, no informations at all on the a/c type or confirmed departure times. Again, after purchasing tickets you have to call again and again to confirm the flights and fligt times. Very frustrating!
Quoting ronerone (Thread starter): Aziz took us to our room, which is a mini suite featuring three rooms, three bathrooms, and about 21 beds!
How much did you paid for the room?
Maybe we will see more "drama" TR from you soon- what about DJIBOUTI AIR?
SOBHI51 From Saudi Arabia, joined Jun 2003, 3009 posts, RR: 17 Reply 13, posted (2 years 3 weeks 2 days 22 hours ago) and read 14391 times:
Another great report as usual.
But this time i would like to say one word about you and Sam *CRAZY*
Will never go anywhere without a hotel reservation, and in your case a confirmed and reconfirmed return reservation, you could have been stuck there for few days, but lady luck was with you.
Zubaidah, well if she is married i really feel sorry for her husband.
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2332 posts, RR: 53 Reply 15, posted (2 years 3 weeks 2 days 20 hours ago) and read 14240 times:
SaaHib Roni,
I knew it! I knew there would be a sequel of Dancing In The Dark, and how! You got me mesmerized by the amazing thriller of yours!
Roni, you would undoubtedly make a blockbuster. Have you ever considered selling the story to, let say, Hollywood, with you and Sam being the superstars? Just look how you are posing on the photos, you are really talented!
I can tell you, there is no better way to spend the Dutch Queen’s Day like this!
Ehm, where do I start…
Quoting ronerone (Reply 1): Unfortunately, my big camera was inoperable at the time and was in the shop while I embarked on this trip.
Quoting ronerone (Reply 2): I unexpectedly found a Fars Air Qeshm barf bag and inflight magazine in my seat pocket which immediately found their way into my bag.
Quoting ronerone (Reply 3): The Filipina gang wanted to have their picture taken with me
The picture is just priceless!
Quoting ronerone (Reply 4): Though he still refused to accept a tip from us initially, we insisted on it. After all our constant nagging and whining, I think he deserved it.
Please tell me more about the check. Did you have to put the liquids in a transparent bag like many other airports, for example?
Quoting ronerone (Reply 4): I ran to the rescue when I realized that they were taking their time with Sam, and had a few words with them in Arabic that were basically along the lines of "oh we didn’t know that we aren't allowed to take pictures, we are so sorry and we will never do it again
Thank God, you speak Arabic.
Quoting ronerone (Reply 5): "Hey remember us? we made it back in time!" as we called for her attention with huge smiles on our faces. Her reaction was simple, she looked at us, rolled her eyes, and continued whatever it was she was doing. She is really something!
Quoting SOBHI51 (Reply 13): Zubaidah, well if she is married i really feel sorry for her husband.
Roni, you have really made my day! Thank you so much for sharing the uniquely adventurous weekend trip to a place I have never heard before.
Oops, I think I got too carried away. I hope you don’t mind my lengthy comment .
luxair747SP From Germany, joined May 2010, 444 posts, RR: 18 Reply 16, posted (2 years 3 weeks 2 days 20 hours ago) and read 14192 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW FORUM MODERATOR
Hi Roni,
excellent TR of Sam and you.
A very different and interesting read of an airline and destination I never heard of before, but your experience there is surly amazing and very unusual.
The flights on the YAK looked not bad at all, and you can be lucky to have flown on one, before they are gone.
The meal service was still okay, when you compare it, to what you get on such a short flight in Europe.
May I ask how much this flight cost? Because I have no idea about the fare structures of such airlines.
And btw, did you sort out the problems with your DSLR?
Thank you a lot for sharing this outstanding report.
Cheers
Johannes
globetraveller From Germany, joined Apr 2008, 377 posts, RR: 21 Reply 17, posted (2 years 3 weeks 2 days 17 hours ago) and read 14041 times:
Hi Roni!
Wow, this was a real treat to read! I rarely have the time to read TRs in full, but I did not miss a word of this one. Superb pictures and even better detail.
oa260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24906 posts, RR: 60 Reply 18, posted (2 years 3 weeks 2 days 14 hours ago) and read 13798 times:
Hey Roni ,
This is such a brilliant report , what an experience. Loved reading it so much I read it twice. Cool photos you guys had a fab time. Something very unique indeed.
Thanks for sharing the experience.
Regards
Philip
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
signol From United Kingdom, joined Oct 2007, 2948 posts, RR: 7 Reply 19, posted (2 years 3 weeks 2 days 13 hours ago) and read 13735 times:
Hi Roni, Sam
what a crazy trip! Worth it for the Yak, though, but still! Did you get to see anything of the island apart from the road to the airport? How much "baksheesh" was required to get on a "full" flight? And, what do the seats fold all the way forward for - so you can stretch your legs on top of the seat if there are plenty of spaces?
caleb1 From United States of America, joined Nov 2008, 320 posts, RR: 3 Reply 20, posted (2 years 3 weeks 2 days 13 hours ago) and read 13717 times:
What an immensely enjoyable read. I felt as though I was on an Indiana Jones type of adventure. Truly interesting and very off the beaten path. You've created another winner!
ojas From India, joined Mar 2008, 2785 posts, RR: 23 Reply 21, posted (2 years 3 weeks 2 days 12 hours ago) and read 13672 times:
Ahlan Roni, you never fail to surprise me, well job done once again.
Quoting ronerone (Reply 1): After countless surveys of a million ideas for a trip, Fars Air Qeshm seemed to be the most ideal one on such short notice. Not only did it offer my first Russian ride -the most important factor- but Qeshm Island's close proximity to Dubai and the fact that it is a visa-free zone made it all the more worthwhile.
Quoting ronerone (Reply 1): "So why is there more than one flight on the schedule?"
"Because they decide on the time from there, and usually it is on the last minute"
Nothing can be as adenturous as that!
Quoting ronerone (Reply 1): Isn't it cool? My Arabic middle name is Osama!
LOL.
Quoting ronerone (Reply 1): Reaching the airport at 3PM, we parked the car at Dubai International Airport's Terminal 2 car park. Unlike Terminal 1 or 3, this car park is a simple walk across from the terminal building and does not involve any cocktail of elevators, escalators, and/or stairs.
Yes, plain super market entrance types .... boy I miss that.
Quoting ronerone (Reply 1): Looking much more sophisticated than I had imagined, the departure hall of Terminal 2 wasn't all that bad. Apart from your typical LCC down-to-earth type of traffic flowing from each direction, the terminal was clean and was neatly setup with a few ticket sales counters and the like, one line of 40 or so counters equally split between flydubai and the unknown, a few vending machines, and seating areas enough for the purpose.
It is nice, btw I recommend you do some small time non A.net reported Indian airports. It would be fun.
Quoting ronerone (Reply 1): "What happens if the flight is full tomorrow and we don’t have seats?"
"You wait for next flight"
"But we need to return tomorrow"
"What you want me to do? Why you not book your flight at the office?"
"Uff!"
The plane pictures were superb and really takes back me into the retro mode. Overall it was a brilliant adventure I must say and for me this fact rates 10 on 10.
Thanks for sharing.
A lion does not concern himself with the opinions of the sheep
globalflyer From United States of America, joined Dec 2005, 806 posts, RR: 2 Reply 22, posted (2 years 3 weeks 2 days 11 hours ago) and read 13551 times:
Hi Roni. Whilst I love adventure travel, you and Sam take the cake. I would not have the guts to do what all you did! Glad that you all are back safe and sound. That was an awesome TR. Cheers, William
Landing on every Continent almost on an annual basis!
Yirina77 From Czech Republic, joined Aug 2006, 628 posts, RR: 36 Reply 23, posted (2 years 3 weeks 2 days 10 hours ago) and read 13471 times:
Hi Roni and Sam,
finally I read completely this amazing trip report. First of all. It´s something absolutely excellent. I love the way, how is Roni writing (although english is not my native language, his witty style of writing is very very nice for me) and when completed with Sam´s artistic pictures, it´s like a symphony
You both know, I´m admirer of everything Iranian (probably in my past life I was born as Iranian ). I have few remarks and questions to your trip.
I have been in this country 4 times and Qeshm is on my list, where I´d like to go next. I´m very surprised by level of accommodation. I´m not spoiled lady, but when I saw your room, I was shocked. I know, there are some hotels which can not be called luxurious in any case, but where I have been (in Iran), was always a choice. Better hotels (often overpriced), but they was there. I don´t understand well from this report, if there was another hotels on island (except fully booked iranian part of hotel Diplomat)? If I would go there, I´d definitely need something better. Is there no possibility in UAE to book some hotels at Qeshm? No Iranian travel agency, which is able to do this? Or you just didn´t try to pre-arange (except question in Kish Air office)? I have been at Kish 2 times and always stayed in nice and clean hotel...I know, Kish is more tourist based and there is a lot of hotels, but I thought, it´s similar at Qeshm?
I´m also surprised, I see uncovered women on pictures. According Iranian law, all women (including foreigners) must have covered hair. Kish is more relaxed in this religious rules applications, but still every woman must have a minimally scarf over hair. I know, you have been there very shortly, but did you see more ladies without scarf? Is it normal at Qeshm?
Next comment which I have to write, is about Iranian paranoia with taking pictures of planes. I absolutely don´t understand, why they sometimes strictly forbid to take pictures of airplane and on other side, they open big aviation museum in Tehran, where you can freely see and take pics of everything. Every 2 years they hold Iran Air Show on Kish, where they allow everybody to access apron and all planes there...My experience is, sometimes they very very strictly warn before taking pictures and sometimes, they say " no problem, take your pictures as much you want". Very similar to circumstances in Russia. Extreme to extreme. One of sentences in Farsi which I´ve learned first was: "Aya aks bardaree endzhast azad ast?" (Is taking pictures here allowed?). And one of the most used sentences at the airports was: "I´m so sorry, I didnt know taking pictures is not allowed, I´ll never do it again"
My last remarks is related to UAE more than to Qeshm. As you mentioned exchange visa status and people staying at Qeshm for this reason, my thoughts moved to Dubai. I love this city and because actual situation when I´m working for one of gulf airline (although in Europe outstation), I became very close to this city. I had an opportunity to get know this city better than common tourist, I know some people living there, from different backgrounds...My feelings are very mixed up, about how different standards of living can be. At one side very very rich people on other poorest people I´ve ever see. And they are the luckiest ones in their own countries, because they got a work in UAE and may support their families in the countries of third world. When I´m staying in Dubai in appartment provided by company for me, I see from window into building, where poorest workers live. Their room is non-air conditioned, is smaller than my bathroon and there is accommodated more than 10 people...I´m from mid-Europe and of course, there are also rich and poor people as everywhere, but what I see in Dubai, is extreme, which can not let my heart and mind calm. I feel so guilty, when I see those people, living on borders of life, with no chance for education and better life...Of course, their life conditions is not a fault of UAE, contrary this country give them work which they would not get anywhere else...but it´s something what makes me think about very often...And now I feel much worse, when I know how those people are humuliated by exchange visa situation...
This trip report extended my horizons again (as all others before), but this one more. Thank you so much for it, I appreciate you shared with us.
And last thing...you should take me with you! I speak a little farsi, so I could be a bit useful on this trip and of course, I´d love to fly with Yak! So, next time, let me know please
Thanks so much again and I´m looking forward your next trip report!
Yirina
One day can make your life; one day can ruin your life. All life is four or five big days that change everything...
JL418 From Italy, joined Jun 2009, 493 posts, RR: 7 Reply 24, posted (2 years 3 weeks 2 days 10 hours ago) and read 13446 times:
Hi Roni,
congratulations for your Yak ride, I guess that being given the chance of looking out of those round windows was really worth it. And congratulations to Sam for his pictures as well, they were absolutely beautiful and gave an extra touch of perfection to the whole TR.
Your vivid descriptions made me think quite a lot about this new globalized world we're all living in: full of possibilities it might be, as for those Ukrainian pilots, but also with a sad hidden side of the coin, that is the humanity lying waiting at the Diplomat hotel. I read once a book from an Italian journalist, unfortunately not available in English, which explains in detail the whole ordeal that African immigrants go through in order to reach the Med and to get on a boat to Sicily: your description of the hotel at Qeshm island gave me back memories of those people caught between borders. Thanks for sharing, it has been a nice - but also a deeply informative - read.
25 aerdingus: I loved this TR! The hotel experience reminded me of Fawlty towers, but seems you both handled it like pros & even made a few friends. thanks for
26 MIAspotter: Hi Roni! WOW, what an adventure!! everything was just surreal specially the hotel and the whole stuff, luckily you came across some honest people and
27 falstaff: I like that black & white cat, he looks like mine That flag is so cracked it looks like it is about to fall off. I love the TV on top of the bed.
28 Quokka: Hi Roni, What an amazing story. So did you end up paying to stay at the "hotel"? Clearly everyone thought you were only there for the visa change and
29 amax1977: Wow! You really did it, man! This TR was one of a kind!
30 Birdwatching: Thank you so much for the excellent read. So well written and illustrated, for a moment there, I felt like I was there with you. Wonderful trip report
31 BAViscount: A rare and fantastic report that held my attention from start to finish! It sounds like you guys have a lot of fun when you travel together...travel a
32 ryanair!!!: LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!! Gosh you are sounding like me these days huh? Hahahahaha... See what I mean? I hope they were disposables though. Wet farts do leave
33 airbuseric: Hi Roni (&Sam) fantastic report. Well written like it made me feel to be on this trip with you. I can understand the hassle and you being unsure a
34 ronerone: Dear All, Many thanks for all your comments. They are much appreciated Thanks Joe .. Zubaidah needs a new job big time! Hahaha Vivek Kaul? Is that you
35 ronerone: Thank you Eric! Sam has been on them all, but now that the Yak is off my list, i am afraid to know which Russian would be next! haha Cheers, Roni
36 luv2fly: You can't make this stuff up! They say the truth is stranger then fiction. To bad you were in a dry country as I am sure you could have used a drink o
37 capicua: Hi Roni, I knew your conspicuous absence from the forum last week and the one before would lead to something great! What an interesting report with so
38 aflyingkiwi: Hi Roni Fantastic report as always complimented by your's & Sam's amazing pictures. I'm quite surprised that this was your first flight on a Russi
39 ojas: LOL Come on, DEL has a new airport now! Besides, DXB is connected to 17 airports in India (the highest from DXB?) by various airlines. You an totally
40 The777Man: Hi Roni! . Fantastic report with very nice pictures! What an amaizng adventure! Going without knowing if you have a seat on the return is very brave;
41 sultanils: Hi Roni, Your joint venture with fellow a-netter Sam resulted in a wonderful story, thank you for that! Now Fars Air is no longer a stranger to me alt
42 NZ107: Hey Roni! Fantastic report on a rare airline, aircraft and destination! It looks like a place which isn't for the faint hearted! What an adventure.. J
43 ronerone: Hi luv2fly, It would be extremely difficult to make this stuff up haha And several drinks -after a HUGE meal at P.F. Chang's- was exactly what had ha
44 SpdBrdConcorde: With you posting such brilliantly composed T-reports..I could not register.
45 NZ107: Haha, I think I'd rather go to Kish to get it! But then again, I don't think Sam has been questioned upon entering USA? Haha. You keen on a repeat jo
46 Burj: Oh. Em. Ge.... This trip report was AWE! SOME! It is really great that you have a kindred spirit in Sam to share an adventure with! I have to admit th
47 vivekman2006: OMG what a fantastic adventure Roni! The TR was really an enthralling read. Congratulations to Sam and you for succesfully completing this trip and ma
48 ronerone: LOL. Thanks Vivek Well, if you do come visit one day, we will definitely have to show you around Thanks Nicholas. TN will have to begin in AKL for su
49 ba319-131: Hi Roni! What a mad trip, and looking quite dangerous too! It's amazing to think thay YAK is younger than an A320, just goes to show how long producti
50 ojas: Pune - Lohegaon is same as the erstwhile Muscat-Seeb.
51 ronerone: Hi Mark It was a little bit of a let-down somehow. I would have preferred it to be a tad older, but at least it got a new aircraft ticked off me list
52 RvXKaz: Hello Roni! Your latest TR is one of a kind! I got quite apprehensive as I got immersed into your adventure from the start, as I was reading, I was th
53 NDiesel: Great report, put me right there with you! Good luck on your future Russian aircrafts NDiesel
54 SR 103: First off, sorry about the really, really, really late reply. I have no excuses! Absolutely fantastic as always Roni. Looks like you and Sam had quite
55 CARST: BEST ... TRIP-REPORT ... EVER !!! Your trip reports are always great and you have a good writing style, but this one made me laugh more than once. I d
56 something: Dude, it must take balls to embark on such a trip no doubt, but I'm sure the feeling of relief once back in Dubai must be quite amazing. And looking b
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