JULY 1990

Nearly 21 years ago and I was still in high school on the other side of the world. In July 1990, I was madly studying for half year exams in Australia, and at the same time, an ATR42 came off the production line in far away France, and was shortly after delivered to an airline on the other side of the Atlantic - Inter Canadian. Born as C-GITI, the delivery of the ATR42 to Inter Canadian was significant because they were the first airline in Canada to operate the ATR42. Plying the skies above Canada for a number of years doing short hops in Quebec, Atlantic Canada, as well as Ontario, it left the fleet 7 years later to begin a new career by returning to Europe to fly with Cimber Air in Denmark.

Fast foward to June 2011, and I would find myself on this 21 year old aircraft for a short hop down and across to London City (LCY) from the Isle of Man (IOM). Of course, it was no longer operating in the smart blues, reds and greys of Inter Canadian, but now looking a lot worse for wear in green and white colours of Aer Arann (RE). Aer Arann acquired the aircraft in 2009. Prior to Aer Arann, and after Cimber, it had flown with Air Wales - a carrier I remember seeing at LCY before its collapse in 2006.

Some planes have a lot of history and have seen a lot of territory. This little ATR had certainly been around and it was to operate RE807 to LCY on the last Sunday in June 2011.

TRAVELLING FROM MANCHESTER

The story actually begins in Manchester, where I had spent the weekend visiting a good friend and A.net regular. Unfortunately I managed to start coming down with a cold so the timing was not great. Still, it was a great weekend, and I managed to spy the new VS 333 rotating out of MAN on its way to MCO on the Saturday.



And this stubby Airbus 310 from Canada



Travelling from London to Manchester can be undertaken via a number of means, and my usual mode these days happens to be rail. I know this sounds shocking and perhaps not something to confess to in an aviation trip report, but the train services between London and Manchester are now so regular and fast, and cost effective, they have been an increasingly attractive option for me over the past few years. I was however, a big supporter of the VLM F50 flights that used to operate between MAN and LCY - and was sad when these all ceased.

This weekend, I could have just flown back into LHR from MAN on the regular BA shuttle service, or BMI for that matter but where is the fun in that? Also, LCY is the closest airport from my home and I did not relish the thought of schlepping all the way home from LHR on a Sunday night.

Although a slight detour, I decided to route myself via the Isle of Man (IOM). I would fly MAN - IOM on Flybe and then connect with the Aer Arann flight down to LCY.

There’s not much to be said about the Flybe flight. It was a Dash 8 - 400 (G-JECZ) and it lasted 25 minutes. The flight was packed, with a number of Flybe crew deadheading to IOM. The flight was my first on Flybe, and I did not really have enough time to form a proper view of the experience. On the plus side, it was a Dash 8, so that was naturally good (from my perspective). The word “OK” came to mind although I can’t say I was overly enamoured with the unusually loud pop music blasting out of the Flybe “radio” on boarding. Trying too hard to be trendy perhaps? Either that or I am getting too old.

Boarding the “trendy” Dash 8 at a very sunny MAN



The same aircraft after arriving at IOM

Sunday 26 June 2011
Aer Arann
Isle of Man (IOM) - London City (LCY)
RE807
ATR42, EI-EHH
“Fair Lady”/ “Bebhinn”
Seat: 9A

Arriving into the Isle of Man was hassle free, as it tends to be with most smaller regional airports. I wandered outside to see if there were views to be had, but the wind was a little chilly so I decided to head back into the compact departures area to see whether I could check in at Aer Arann.

The desk was deserted so I figured I’d have to wait a bit. I had nearly 2 hours in total on the ground, so there was no rush.

An empty Aer Arann check in area at IOM



Some signs of life soon after, so I proceeded to get rid of my bag. I had used Aer Arann’s OLCI the night before but was unable to print my boarding pass. I hoped I could get a boarding pass when I dropped my bag off.

After the three people in front of me had their boarding passes, it was my turn. A very nice lady took my ID and I explained about the boarding pass situation. She was fine and printed out one for me, although she went to great pains to warn me that some airlines, namely Ryanair, would charge me £40 for the privilege. I then explained to her in great pains that I never fly Ryanair in any case. Wishing me a nice flight, she handed over the boarding pass and I was on my way upstairs to departures.

The airport here, also known as Ronaldsway, has been in use since 1928, with passenger services starting in 1933. In 1998, work commenced to extend the airport and improve the facilities available to passengers. In March 2000 the new extension was opened, providing a new landside catering outlet, arrivals area, baggage hall and departure lounge. The existing part of the airport was refurbished during this time to provide improved check-in facilities and offices, linked to the extension with a new airport entrance. During the extension and renovation period the iconic, “Three Legs of Man” sculpture adorning the airport's façade was also refurbished. I managed to have a quick look at the sculpture before checking in.

From here, Aer Arann provides two services - one to Dublin and the other to London City. In fact, Aer Arann currently provides the only airlink between the Isle of Man and London City. If I remember correctly, VLM historically also operated the route. Flybe operate flights to London too but these all go to Gatwick.

The security was practically empty of passengers, and staff there were very relaxed and friendly. I was through to the “other side” in in next to no time and decided to head to the Executive Lounge, which is located airside, just as you pass through security.

The lounge was empty



The lovely lady, who in no way resembled a lounge dragon, welcomed me into the lounge and immediately struck up conversation. She told me it had been a very quiet day, and to be frank, I think she was pleased just to chat with someone. Showing me where everything was, I then plonked myself down to relax a bit, and try and deal with the cold symptoms, which were getting progressively worse.

However, not before snapping a picture of my aircraft which was conveniently parked right in front of the lounge.



“Fair Lady” had arrived 40 minutes previously from London City and was patiently waiting for another trip south. Taking one look at her, I wondered whether the aircraft should have been renamed “Old Lady”? She clearly looked like she’d seen a few airports in her time.

The only other ramp action while I was in the lounge was the departure of Flybe Dash 8 to Liverpool and the arrival of a fellow Dash 8 from parts unknown..



The Lounge at IOM (there is only one), was like the rest of the airport - compact. However, there was a nice assortment of snacks and drinks available and numerous comfy seats available. In the meantime, I had another chat to the “lounge lady” which helped to pass the time. During the time I was there, 2 other people joined me, so we had a total complement of 3 passengers in the lounge.

I wandered out of the lounge and over to the gate area to see what was going on outside the lounge. The waiting area was surprisingly spacious, although it was quite busy - with a couple of other Flybe flights due to operate. Another angle of EI-EHH, showing her more “worn” side...!



A boarding call was made for RE807 and a handful of passengers meandered toward the gate, including me. I was the third person down the steps and onto the ramp. Getting up close and personal with EI-EHH, I headed for the main passenger door and boarded.



I was greeted at the door by a middle aged lady, who reminded me instantly of Patsy from “Ab Fab” right down to her hair style. She was very friendly and pointed me in the direction of 9A, which was only a few rows forward of the aft door.

Dark blue cloth seats greeted me - ala Wideroe. Leg room was sufficient and thankfully, my window was not covered in sludge or some other type of grime (as the Flybe Dash 8 I had just arrived on had). Not only that, the soothing sounds of Clannad were playing on the aircraft as we boarded. Now this was much more relaxing than the rubbish playing on Flybe and as I am a huge fan of Clannad, it was great to hear them. First time I’ve ever heard Clannad as pre-boarding music! Thumbs up for Aer Arann.

All passengers had boarded by the time I snapped this pic



We had a load of approximately 50% and the seat next to me was vacant - well the whole row was. Good for me, not good for Aer Arann. Two passengers sat behind me in 10A and B, and it seemed like the flight attendant knew them well. In fact, from the nature of the conversation, the lady in 10A could have been an off duty Aer Arann flight attendant. I don’t know why I got that feeling.

A mostly empty forward cabin



A quick peek at seats 9C and 9D



Our flight attendant closed the door and we were soon ready for push back. Safety demonstration began as the aircraft started reversing. It was done manually with an automated voiceover. I paid particular attention to the life jacket instructions, given the first part of the route we would be taking over the Irish Sea.



A welcome message from the first officer was drowned out by the sound of the propellers, which had both now been fired up as we were disconnected from the tug. ATRs can reverse out of the gate themselves without the need for a tug, but sadly not today on Aer Arann.

Ready to start taxiing



Heading for our departure runway, which today was runway 26



Lining up on runway 26



Take off was gentle - we just seemed to float into the air and gradually gain height



Quite slowly



Passing Castletown



Banking left out over the Irish Sea to start our journey south



Everything was lovely and green. The airport is visible in the distance from this shot



The further south we travelled, the better the weather got. Once above the low clouds, it was bright and clear.



Ding. Seatbelt sign was off and cabin service soon commenced. Our cheery flight attendant started from the rear of the aircraft and I was soon offered a drink and either a shortbread or chocolate. Having an extreme sweet tooth, I opted for chocolate, and this then appeared on my tray table.



Quite generous really to get a full sized Kit Kat. Thanks Aer Arann. All served with a smile.

Aer Arann seem to have a dual ATR42/72 emergency safety card.



And from the reverse - “beware of propellers”: Yes indeed!



There was no inflight magazine in my seat pocket or the one next to me, so I assumed that Aer Arann don’t publish one. Perhaps more regular flyers of RE can confirm?

The views outside were quite impressive as we chugged south. The vibration was quite noticeable - certainly compared to the Dash 8 cabins of Wideroe!



The classic legroom shot. The amount of leg room was sufficient for a flight of this length.



Some puffy clouds about 25 minutes into the flight



I love cloud watching from this angle



Some interesting formations today above the skies of England and Wales



Now back over the English mainland. A lovely day down here.



I knew it would not be long before we started getting closer to our destination when was passed over what could have been Coventry. It looks like the airport there - which is to the far right.



Closer up



Not long after and we flew right over Luton Airport. Some orangey planes down there!



I always cross my fingers whenever flying into LCY that we approach from the west. If this happens, the approach takes you right over London, and the views are amazing. It’s not the prevailing direction so it happens rarely (for me in any case). We started making a series of turns as we got closer to London and at this time, I could feel the descent starting.



A perfect day for flying in the South East of the UK this evening



We started heading out east and north of London, which indicated a possible arrival from the east, which dashed my hopes of an arrival over the London itself.



Commencing a gradual right turn north east of London



The Thames comes into view on the left hand side



However instead of heading back directly toward LCY, we seemed to keep making gradual right turns



This continued until I recognised that we were flying over South London



That only meant one thing - arrival was to be from the west. Yay! Sure enough, we started flying over the densely populated parts of central London.

Looking west and down at the old Battersea Power Station. They still have not managed to decide what to do with it, nearly two decades after plans were first drawn up to transform the site



A bit of a glare from the early evening sun, but down there is Hyde Park, the Mall and Buckingham Palace



And now correcting slightly before heading straight into LCY. The final descent into LCY is always fun.



The Olympic site, which in just over 12 months, will host the 2012 Olympic Games. All eyes on London.



The distinctive East London landscape with its mix of old and new, industrial and residential



Passing the ExCel, where several Olympic events will be held next year



Close to our touch down point



Passing the Newham Borough Council building on the other side of the dock from LCY just before we landed



Welcome to London, where it was still a warm 28C after 7pm.



Backtracking and heading toward our stand, at the eastern end of the ramp



Pulling around onto the stand



Props about to be shut down - there’s the Blue Islands ATR42 which operates flights to Jersey, and behind it looked to be a Titan Airways RJ/146. I later heard that BA Cityflyer had an EM190 that had gone tech, and were leasing the Titan aircraft for some BA services.



Soon after, the props were shut down and the passenger door was popped open. Not being in a particular hurry, I waited for the other passengers to out before collecting my things, and getting one last look at the cabin. A friendly thank you and good bye from Patsy and I was out onto the ramp.

One last look at the Old Lady - looking pretty good in the evening sunshine. Still going strong after nearly 21 years.

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

My first flight with Aer Arann was a positive experience, even though the aircraft was ancient. I actually enjoy flying on older aircraft, particularly prop aircraft. Maybe I am getting old(er) but I now crave these kinds of regional flights that allow you walk out on the ramp, to smell the smells and get a feel for the size of the aircraft you’re about to fly on.

From a customer service standpoint, I could not fault Aer Arann - check in was pleasant and stress free. The flight itself was on time and our flight attendant was great. These days my expectations are so low when it comes to onboard catering in short flights in Europe so being offered a free snack was a pleasant surprise. Of course the aircraft was not full, so it was a comfortable ride - however financially this could not have been good for the airline’s balance sheet.

I really hope these flights continue - nobody else is currently flying into LCY from the Isle of Man!

Thanks for reading and please feel free to leave any comments.

Other recent travels include:

Arctic "Dash" With Wideroe: 2 Days, 7 Stops (pics (by Palmjet Jun 22 2011 in Trip Reports)

"888": 8hrs, 8 Segments On An Aussie Dash 8 (pics) (by Palmjet Apr 3 2011 in Trip Reports)

Ballina Boomerang: Coastal Flying With REX (pics) (by Palmjet Apr 10 2011 in Trip Reports)

Keep Climbing & Don't Stop - 48hr DL Marathon (by Palmjet Dec 15 2010 in Trip Reports)

Snow-2-Sun: BA J To Tampa And Beyond (pics) (by Palmjet Dec 22 2010 in Trip Reports)

Iceland Yes, Volcano No, FI451 LHR-KEF (pics) (by Palmjet Oct 9 2010 in Trip Reports)