Background
My friend Satchmo and I had been planning to go on a short spotting trip to Istanbul for a long time. ln late February we decided to go in mid-April - right at the beginning of the busy Easter vacation period, but we couldn't find alternative travel dates suitable for both of us. Of course we wanted to get some new airlines, so we had a look at Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air and Turkish Airlines. I'd have preferred to fly Munich-Istanbul on Turkish Airlines, but one-way flights were too expensive. So we decided to fly SunExpress to Istanbul-SAW for a reasonable price. I had already flown SunExpress in January, but I didn't mind too much about a second trip on that carrier. Then we added an Istanbul-Athens flight on Olympic Air and an Athens-Munich flight on Aegean Airlines, so I would get two new airlines in the end. The Aegean flight wasn't cheap, but the fare was still acceptable. Finally, we booked a room at an Istanbul city hotel and a room at an Istanbul airport hotel.
Monday, April 2011
Munich (MUC) - Istanbul (SAW)
SunExpress XQ877
Scheduled times: 14:15-17:45
Actual times: 14:20-17:49
Flight duration: 02:12 (hrs)
Distance: 1002 miles
Economy Class, seat 26C
Boeing 737-8HC
TC-SNO (s/n 3273)
Delivered in 05/2010
The weather at MUC was beautiful on departure day, so Satchmo and I met at a spot near Terminal 1 where you have good views of planes taxiing to/from runway 08L/26R. I logged a few registrations and Satchmo took some pictures. Air France A320-212 F-GFKS in Skyteam colors:
Picture by Satchmo
SunExpress doesn't offer online check-in and we hadn't pre-reserved seats, so went back to Terminal 1 soon. Unfortunately, a long queue had already formed and we were stuck for the next 30 minutes. Finally, it was our turn. There were still plenty of seats in the rear section available and we chose row 26. After buying some more stuff, we lined up at passport control and security. We were stuck there for a while, but the situation was better than in January when I was heading to Adana: Mountains, Meals & More: SunExpress Vs. Pegasus
Satchmo had already found out some hours earlier that our flight would be operated by TC-SNO, one of a batch of six Boeing 737-800s delivered factory fresh in 2010. I had been hoping to get one of these birds after flying on a much older sister ship in January:
Picture by Satchmo
TC-SNO is one of 25 737-800s in the SunExpress fleet:
Picture by Satchmo
A friendly female flight attendant welcomed us at the door, but two younger colleagues didn't consider it necessary to greet. The plane was equipped with new style leather seats which weren't more comfortable than the airline's older models:
Picture by Satchmo
Seat pitch was just as tight:
German and Turkish lifestyle and fashion magazines as well as tabloid papers had been placed on the seats throughout the cabin, but my favorite reading material was the inflight magazine. Here's the most interesting page:
New generation airshow:
There were only nine open seats on the flight, according to the check-in agent - and one of them was the aisle seat in our row, so we could stretch out.
We left the gate five minutes behind schedule and taxied to runway 08R. Royal Jordanian A320 behind us:
Picture by Satchmo
Goodbye MUC, goodbye good weather...
Picture by Satchmo
This is Lufthansa territory:
Picture by Satchmo
Beautiful Austrian scenery:
Picture by Satchmo
All those without a window could at least enjoy the 3D airshow:
Picture by Satchmo
Half an hour after takeoff, non-alcoholic drinks and snack boxes were offered free of charge. The latter ones contained a warm bread roll, a slice of spice cake...
...as well as pasta, chicken pieces and vegetable sauce:
Unlike the curry chicken on my MUC-Adana flight, the main course was served cold this time, but it tasted very good, nevertheless. And the dessert tasted fine, too. Well done, SunExpress!
The cabin was packed:
Picture by Satchmo
As forecasted, thick clouds were hanging over Turkey:
Picture by Satchmo
The weather was really nasty:
Picture by Satchmo
We touched down after a flying time of 2 hours and 12 minutes and many passengers started clapping...
Picture by Satchmo
20 minutes after leaving the plane, we took a bus to Taksim Square in the heart of Istanbul. The ride usually takes 60 to 90 minutes, but due to heavy traffic we were stuck in the bus for more than two hours. It was still raining strongly when we got off and took a taxi to our hotel. The driver wasn't able to find it at first, but we finally arrived after he had asked a few people. The Adora Hotel is quite small, but the rooms were clean and the staff was very friendly and helpful.
Istanbul Spotting
After checking out on the next morning, we took a train to a station near Atatürk Airport. It was still raining, so we didn't try to find a spot under the approach path and instead took a taxi to the Fly Inn shopping mall where you have excellent views of landing and departing aircraft. However, the mall hadn't opened yet, so we went to the Tarkim Flight Academy where we were granted access to a kind of break room with terrace:
Students, teachers and other employees permanently walked in and out in order to smoke, but I didn't mind considering that I could log one registration after the other:
One of the newer Turkish Airlines Boeing 777-300ERs accelerating on runway 35L - magnificent plane, awesome sound:
At midday we walked back to the Fly Inn Mall where you find a nice terrace - unfortunately, it was too cold outside:
Picture by Satchmo
Let's zoom in a bit:
We sat down at a table inside - next to the glass front of course - and had lunch. Numerous self-service restaurants offer something for every taste. Here's my dessert - raspberry chocolate cake:
The weather remained quite bad all day, but Satchmo still managed to take many great pictures. Turkish Airlines Boeing 777-3F2ER TC-JJI waiting for takeoff clearance:
Picture by Satchmo
Turkish Airlines A330-343E TC-JNH - well known to fellow trip reporter 717Flyer:
Picture by Satchmo
Turkish Airlines Boeing 737-8F2 TC-JHF in FIBA 2010 colors:
Picture by Satchmo
Atlasjet A321-131 TC-ETN:
Picture by Satchmo
Azerbaijan Airlines A320-214 4K-AZ79, formerly operated by Air Berlin as D-ABDJ:
Picture by Satchmo
LOT (Charters) Boeing 737-4Q8 SP-LLL:
Picture by Satchmo
Qatar Airways A321-231 A7-AIB:
Picture by Satchmo
I logged a total of 113 new registrations until sunset (71 ones belonging to Turkish Airlines) which was a very good result. After having dinner, we took a taxi to the (average) WOW Airport Hotel.
Wednesday, April 2011
Istanbul (IST) - Athens (ATH)
Olympic Air OA316
Scheduled times: 10:35-11:55
Actual times: 10:28-11:49
Flight duration: 00:54 (hrs)
Distance: 334 miles
Economy Class, seat 27A
Airbus A320-214
SX-OAU (MSN 4193)
Delivered in 02/2010
One the next morning we took the hotel shuttle to the airport about 2.5 hours before departure. After our luggage had been screened, we found out that the Olympic Air counters were still closed, so we took a seat in a corner of the check-in hall. While waiting there, we noticed a large, high quality backpack which someone had apparently left unattended. We asked all the people around us, but nobody turned out to be the owner. That was strange - and after a short discussion we decided to report it to somebody. Even though all bags get screened at the terminal entrance, you can never be sure, can you?
We didn't see a police officer or other officials anywhere around us, so I went to the nearest ticket counter. I told a male sales agent about the unattended backpack, but he didn't show any interest and just suggested that we should go to an information desk. So we started walking to the other side of the building and soon passed some of the entrance security checkpoints. A young female screener was watching the proceedings at a checkpoint and I took this opportunity to tell her about the situation. However, she didn't show any interest either and just said that we should go to an information desk. Two minutes later, we finally arrived at such a desk. It was Satchmo's turn this time, but guess what! Both ladies gave the impression that they really couldn't care less and just suggested that we should go to a police office on the other side of the terminal. Well, honestly, we were pissed off now. "This is the third time that we are sent away!", Satchmo said and I added: "This is a security issue!" Finally, one of the ladies called somewhere and then she said: "It's okay, the police will check." Of course we offered to wait for the officers so that they would be able to find the backpack immediately, but the lady declined and said that this wasn't necessary. Anyway, we decided to wait for the police near the backpack.
So what did happen? Nothing at first. When we came back to the seating area, the backpack still hadn't been removed and police officers hadn't shown up either. The Olympic Air counters had meanwhile opened and we decided to line up, because we would be able to watch the seating area from there. Some minutes later, a man quickly approached the backpack, grabbed it and disappeared. I guess he was the owner and I can only wonder why he had left his belongings there. Shortly afterwards, about 15 minutes after the phone call, two police officers showed up, slowly walked around the seating area and disappeared again soon.
Luckily, it turned out to be false alarm, but all these airport employees and the police have reacted absolutely unprofessionally. Turkey has been facing terrorism for a long time, so unattended bags at public places should be taken serious at any time. Relying on the security checkpoints at the terminal entrance is not enough, in my opinion.
Anyway, only few people had lined up in front of us, so a friendly male agent soon handed out our boarding passes. We had asked for seats in the second last row and got 26A and 26B. Unfortunately, airside spotting options are limited because only passengers of the very flights have access to the individual gates. Shortly after our gate had been opened, SX-OAU arrived from Athens:
Picture by Satchmo
SX-OAU, delivered factory fresh in February 2010, is one of five A320s in the fleet:
A female flight attendant in the 30s, apparently the purser, received us at the door with a warm smile. "Hello, welcome aboard, sir!", she said and I was impressed.
The gray fabric seats already looked a bit worn, but they were quite comfortable:
Picture by Satchmo
Legroom was sufficient, too:
Inflight magazine:
After all passengers had taken their seats, another friendly female flight attendant walked down the aisle with a basket and offered candies. I asked her if boarding had been completed and if I could move to the window seat in the empty last row. "Yes, of course!", she replied with a smile.
The captain made a short announcement which included a "warm welcome". Btw, if I have understood correctly, his name was Metaxa.
SX-OAU left the gate seven minutes ahead of schedule, taxied to runway 17R...
Picture by Satchmo
...and climbed out into a gray, rainy sky:
Unlike the purser, the other flight attendants didn't wear a jacket. Interestingly, their dresses were sleeveless - I had never seen a uniform like that. Actually it looks quite sexy:
The friendliest flight attendants in the team (the one in the picture above) soon handed out a tray with a nice cold meal and even said "Enjoy!" I hadn't expected to get so much on that short flight:
The salad (with dressing) and the chicken and cheese sandwiches tasted good, even though I found a piece of chicken bone. However, the (very sweet) dessert consisting of chopped and caramelized nuts wasn't to my taste.
I asked for a beer and the same flight attendant (the one in the picture above) offered two different ones. After I had failed to understand the brand names for the second time, she quickly grabbed two cans from the trolley and showed them to me. Amstel or Fischer? I chose the latter:
French beer on a flight between Istanbul and Athens on a Greek carrier? Well, the Fischer brewery was taken over by Heineken in 1996 which helps to explain the brand's distribution. It tasted okay, but I'd have preferred a Greek beer.
Descent commenced shortly after the flight attendants had finished their service:
Here you can see the former Ellinikon International Airport:
Hillside mine near Koropi:
Koropi is one of many suburbs in the Athens metropolitan area:
We touched down after a flying time of 54 minutes and quickly taxied to the terminal. Just like during boarding, pleasant pop music was played again. Parked next to us was SX-OAG, one of three remaining A319s in the fleet:
Even though the plane had been parked in front of the terminal, we had to deboard via stairs - I didn’t mind, of course. Goodbye, SX-OAU!
Wednesday, April 2011
Athens (ATH) - Munich (MUC)
Aegean Airlines A3 806
Scheduled times: 15:20-17:00
Actual times: 15:31-17:04
Flight duration: 02:11 (hrs)
Distance: 944 miles
Economy Class, seat 28F
Airbus A320-232
SX-DVY (MSN 3850)
Delivered in 04/2009
We walked straight to the check-in hall, entered our data into a kiosk, chose seats in row 28 and printed our boarding passes. Landside spotting options are limited at ATH, so we passed security and took seats in an area from where we had a limited view of runway 03R and parts of the apron. Taking pictures was difficult, but I managed to log 34 new registrations in a few hours (mostly Aegean and Olympic).
Boarding commenced on time and a bus brought us to SX-DVY, delivered factory fresh in April 2009:
I would have preferred a plane with a name, but SX-DVY was still better than one of a few ex-Olympic Air A320s recently transferred to Aegean.
The welcome on board was not as warm and friendly as on Olympic Air and the classic boarding music wasn't as pleasant as OA's pop music. Last but not least, Aegean's leather seats were quite hard, definitely less comfortable than OA's fabric seats:
Legroom was identical:
Inflight magazine:
Can you find the mistake here?
Despite the high load factor (85 to 90 percent), the aisle seat in our row remained empty, so we could stretch out again. The captain made a short welcome speech and announced a flying time of 2 hours and 25 minutes.
We left the gate 11 minutes behind schedule and started taxiing to runway 03L. The 3D airshow had already been activated before takeoff:
Rain in Istanbul, rain in Athens...time to fly back to sunny Bavaria, let's go!
Here you can see a Hellenic Imperial Boeing 747-200, one stored ex-Olympic Airlines A340-300 and an ex-Olympic Airlines Boeing 737-200 which is used as a fire trainer:
Two more Hellenic Imperial Boeing 747-200s and the rest of the former Olympic Airlines A340-300 fleet:
Will these A343s ever fly again? I can only hope so.
The whole terminal complex:
Last shot of ATH:
I was really glad that Aegean didn't show anything else but the airshow throughout the whole flight:
Satchmo took a cabin picture shortly after the flight attendants had started their service. And what can you see in the distance?
Picture by Satchmo
Yes, sleeveless dresses again - those seem to be popular among Greek carriers. Here's a close-up:
The flight attendants weren't as friendly as on Olympic - the slim blond one in the middle even appeared to be quite stressed - but their dresses were nice, nevertheless.
I was quite hungry and glad to see that hot meals were handed out - but I was irritated when I got this tray without any question and further comments:
Well, I eat fish of any kind, but seeing pieces of octopus tentacles in my meal wasn't a great experience in the first moment...actually I had never tried it and I decided that it would be a good opportunity now. So how did it taste? Average, I would say - not too bad, but not really good either. However, the noodles and the spice bun tasted okay. My favorite was the delicious (nut-based) halva bar.
Of course I'd have preferred a different main course, but probably they had run out of the alternative. The worst part of the catering was Aegean's coffee - it tasted burned, just awful.
The remaining flight was uneventful - on approach to MUC:
I have already taken many pictures on approach to MUC, so I mostly kept my camera off this time. However, I made an exception to get a decent shot of the Allianz Arena:
We touched down on runway 08R earlier as originally announced, exactly 2 hours and 11 minutes after takeoff. Not even 15 minutes later we headed to the S-Bahn and left the airport - and it would take me four months to return to MUC, but simply because the next two trips would originate and terminate at Nuremberg.
Conclusion
I had already read numerous positive comments about Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air and now I can confirm them. While Aegean is a step ahead in terms of hardware (e.g. IFE screens and 3D airshow), Olympic impressed me with an incredibly friendly and service orientated crew. I may have had bad luck with my Aegean meal, but it's good to see that the carrier still offers hot meals on two hour flights. However, what I found very impressive was the cold meal on Olympic considering that many airlines don't serve any food or just a small item on one hour flights. Olympic was my personal winner, but I would happily fly on both carriers again. I really hope Olympic will remain an independent company after the failed merger with Aegean. However, it has transferred some routes and planes to Aegean recently, so who knows what the carrier will look like in the medium term.
Flying SunExpress was a bit more enjoyable than in January, mostly because the plane was equipped with an advanced airshow. Seating comfort hasn't been improved on the newer birds, but I was very satisfied again with the catering. No doubt, I would fly SunExpress again.
Last but not least, the trip was very successful from an enthusiast's perspective even though it only consisted of three flights: I flew on two new carriers, passed through two new airports and logged a total of 178 new registrations.
Widebodyroga From United States of America, joined Sep 2008, 473 posts, RR: 4 Reply 1, posted (1 year 9 months 11 hours ago) and read 12979 times:
What a great TR, PH! I've always preferred A3 over the old OA but nowadays the new OA is on par with A3.
I can't believe that A3 served octopus! That's why I love them! Having said that, they should have thought that most northern Europeans are not accustomed to such a meal. Maybe A3 didn't do the octopus justice but if you ever go back to Greece, try some octopus on the grill or vinegar-marinated octopus. It is out of this world. On the other hand if you happen to be in Spain, try it a la gallega. You will be converted to an octopus-lover for life
Greeks it seems love their airline food, even on short routes. I am convinced that Greece will be the last place in the world (or at least Europe) where hot-meals will stop being served on board airplanes. Whenever I have to choose between a Greek and a non-Greek airline for an intra-European route, I always choose the Greek one (if the price is the same) because I know I will be fed well.
SunExpress looks like a very solid carrier.
Thanks for sharing this with us PH. Looking forward to your next TR already.
WBodyroga
Visit my aviation page: http://widebodyroga.weebly.com/
Quoting Widebodyroga (Reply 1): I've always preferred A3 over the old OA but nowadays the new OA is on par with A3.
Yes, there's not much left from the old OA.
Quoting Widebodyroga (Reply 1): I can't believe that A3 served octopus! That's why I love them!
Ah, I see...
Quoting Widebodyroga (Reply 1): Maybe A3 didn't do the octopus justice but if you ever go back to Greece, try some octopus on the grill or vinegar-marinated octopus. It is out of this world. On the other hand if you happen to be in Spain, try it a la gallega. You will be converted to an octopus-lover for life
Well, I'm not sure about that...But I will keep you updated!
Quoting Widebodyroga (Reply 1): Greeks it seems love their airline food, even on short routes. I am convinced that Greece will be the last place in the world (or at least Europe) where hot-meals will stop being served on board airplanes.
Interesting thought. Would be interesting to see what TK serves between IST and ATH.
Quoting Widebodyroga (Reply 1): Whenever I have to choose between a Greek and a non-Greek airline for an intra-European route, I always choose the Greek one (if the price is the same) because I know I will be fed well.
luxair747SP From Germany, joined May 2010, 444 posts, RR: 18 Reply 3, posted (1 year 9 months 10 hours ago) and read 12878 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW FORUM MODERATOR
Hi PH,
as usual very nice TR with many good pictures.
The flight on XQ looked very average too me, their service is still not bad for their "holiday-low-cost" operations, actually I dont really know where to put them.
The OA flight surprised me, first of all, such a nice presented meal in Y class on such a short flight, you get hardly that on a c-class flight here in central Europe.
And then I never expected to see Fischer served on an airplane, but its nice to see the local brews in the air, even not on the "right" carrier .
The Aegean flight looked normal with exception of the rather interesting meal, do you know what the other choice was?
Thanks again for this nice report.
Cheers and servus
Johannes
Quoting luxair747SP (Reply 3): The flight on XQ looked very average too me, their service is still not bad for their "holiday-low-cost" operations, actually I dont really know where to put them.
Well, they are also aiming at the large Turkish community in Germany and have introduced many nonstop flights to secondary destinations in Turkey.
Quoting luxair747SP (Reply 3): The OA flight surprised me, first of all, such a nice presented meal in Y class on such a short flight, you get hardly that on a c-class flight here in central Europe.
That's true!
Quoting luxair747SP (Reply 3): And then I never expected to see Fischer served on an airplane, but its nice to see the local brews in the air, even not on the "right" carrier
I can only agree.
Quoting luxair747SP (Reply 3): The Aegean flight looked normal with exception of the rather interesting meal, do you know what the other choice was?
No, I guess they ran out of it.
Quoting eco (Reply 4): Thank you for this wonderful trip report.
Hi Eco, thanks a lot for your feedback!
Quoting eco (Reply 4): It was real pleasure reading about 2 of mine favorite airlines - OA & A3.
That's nice to hear!
Quoting eco (Reply 4): This had really impressed me on my first OA flights but last year I was disappointed - maybe because I expected too much from OA.
Well, one crew member alone can already make a difference.
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2335 posts, RR: 53 Reply 6, posted (1 year 9 months 10 hours ago) and read 12783 times:
Hi PH,
Just as I began to wonder how to spend boring cold Summer evening, your report popped up. Beautiful pictures, exciting flights, nice story, just everything I needed.
I am quite shocked that TK airport authority did not seem to take matters seriously regarding abandoned backpack. Kudos to you and Satchmo for making a point!
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Well, I eat fish of any kind, but seeing pieces of octopus tentacles in my meal wasn't a great experience in the first moment
Now I understand what you were talking about. To be honest, I would have got excited about the tentacles. I just love the yummy chewy sensation of it!
Thanks for enjoyable evening after such a good read! By the way, why did Satchmo not join us last 9th July?
Doona From Sweden, joined Feb 2005, 3707 posts, RR: 14 Reply 7, posted (1 year 9 months 10 hours ago) and read 12759 times:
Great trip report, thanks for a interesting read!
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Parked next to us was SX-OAG, one of three remaining A319s in the fleet:
This caught my eye, the fact that the A319 pictured has two (four in total, I suppose) overwing emergency exits. I knew that Easyjet's A319's had that, but looking on airfleets.net I see that SX-OAG began life with Hamburg International. Anyone know the story on that? Is it simply an option available to airlines who want max out the number of Y seats?
Cheers
Mats
Sure, we're concerned for our lives. Just not as concerned as saving 9 bucks on a roundtrip to Ft. Myers.
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6191 posts, RR: 79 Reply 8, posted (1 year 9 months 9 hours ago) and read 12726 times:
Quoting akhmad (Reply 6): Just as I began to wonder how to spend boring cold Summer evening, your report popped up. Beautiful pictures, exciting flights, nice story, just everything I needed.
Hi Suryo, many thanks for your kind words! I'm glad you enjoyed the report.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 6): I am quite shocked that TK airport authority did not seem to take matters seriously regarding abandoned backpack. Kudos to you and Satchmo for making a point!
Yes, the mentioned people should have reacted immediately.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 6): Who came up with the idea? A truly hidden gem you discovered!
Well, you can find information about it on spotter websites. But access is restricted, I guess we were lucky.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 6): Lovely! You can really compare old and new TK livery!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 6): Could it be among the A320%u2019s I spotted last year in DUS?
I think so, yes, it was among the planes which had been stored there for a while.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 6): Kind of pity that male flight attendants did not wear sleeveless shirt as well.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 6): A319 with an A320 picture?
Yes! 100 points!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 6): Now I understand what you were talking about. To be honest, I would have got excited about the tentacles. I just love the yummy chewy sensation of it!
Ah, I see...
Quoting akhmad (Reply 6): Thanks for enjoyable evening after such a good read!
You're welcome!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 6): By the way, why did Satchmo not join us last 9th July?
I guess he already had other plans on that day.
Quoting Doona (Reply 7): Great trip report, thanks for a interesting read!
Thank you, Doona!
Quoting Doona (Reply 7): This caught my eye, the fact that the A319 pictured has two (four in total, I suppose) overwing emergency exits. I knew that Easyjet's A319's had that, but looking on airfleets.net I see that SX-OAG began life with Hamburg International. Anyone know the story on that? Is it simply an option available to airlines who want max out the number of Y seats?
Yes, it's an available option. Air Berlin and Cebu Pacific also come to mind.
FLIEGER67 From Turkey, joined Sep 2003, 4391 posts, RR: 57 Reply 9, posted (1 year 9 months 9 hours ago) and read 12663 times:
Hi, PH,
well worth the switch to A.net a couple of minutes ago, thanx for the advice.
Really nice pictures and a good idea to catch these combination.
Not that much greek stuff seen here lately, maybe according to the bad strike situation there.
Good pictures also, nothing else expected.
OA looks like really up to date, a really nice impression.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): handed out a tray with a nice cold meal and even said "Enjoy!" I hadn't expected to get so much on that short flight:
Looks nice, and that dessert actually looks right up my alley!
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): However, I made an exception to get a decent shot of the Allianz Arena:
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24929 posts, RR: 60 Reply 11, posted (1 year 9 months 9 hours ago) and read 12575 times:
Hey great report really enjoyable and nice to see Olympic Air still offering a decent professional product. I am about to book some more OA flights myself.
I agree about the A3 and OA differences. Ive just chosen SK over A3 for my flight home from ATH. A3 just don't do it for me and OA don't fly to the route Im flying so SK won. Ive had nicer interiors on OA A/C though . I don't like the grey fabric personally. The OA catering was always good even in the old OA that I flew on very frequently. Greeks love their food.
I don't like the A3 offering of Octopus though and a bad choice for a carrier to offer with an international customer base. I have to say I like the A3 seats though I prefer a firmer seat similar to LH/LX/BD ( new interiors). A3 crew are not the friendliest either one thing Im really happy that Olympic Air excel on .
Thanks for the update on products and who knows what will happen in the future. If a merger happens then I hope they merge the good points of both carriers and keep with the plan of keeping the Olympic brand. Despite the years of decline of the old OA the Olympic brand is strong and worth keeping IMHO. MIG have done wonders with the new airline and I hope this never changes.
Philip
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
Quoting deltamartin (Reply 10): I wonder what the future of these two companies will show, after the failed merger.
Yes, it will be interesting to see what happens. The economic situation in Greece may have bad effects on the two carriers.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 11): Hey great report really enjoyable and nice to see Olympic Air still offering a decent professional product.
Hi Phil, thanks for your comments!
Quoting OA260 (Reply 11): I am about to book some more OA flights myself.
Good to hear!
Quoting OA260 (Reply 11): Ive had nicer interiors on OA A/C though .
OA got numerous planes from different sources within a short period of time, that may be reason for the differences.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 11): . The OA catering was always good even in the old OA that I flew on very frequently.
Interesting, I never had the chance to try the old OA.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 11): I don't like the A3 offering of Octopus though and a bad choice for a carrier to offer with an international customer base.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 11): If a merger happens then I hope they merge the good points of both carriers and keep with the plan of keeping the Olympic brand. Despite the years of decline of the old OA the Olympic brand is strong and worth keeping IMHO.
burj From United States of America, joined Nov 2007, 839 posts, RR: 4 Reply 13, posted (1 year 9 months 4 hours ago) and read 12188 times:
Very neat!
So is octopus something that is eaten a lot in Greece? Where do they even GET octopus? Is there any in the Mediterranean sea or do they get it from the Atlantic ocean?
There are plenty of Greek places here in the U.S. but I've never seen them serve octopus!
Of course I'm in AWE that you get fed meals on European flight!
Widebodyroga From United States of America, joined Sep 2008, 473 posts, RR: 4 Reply 15, posted (1 year 9 months 2 hours ago) and read 12018 times:
Quoting burj (Reply 13): So is octopus something that is eaten a lot in Greece? Where do they even GET octopus? Is there any in the Mediterranean sea or do they get it from the Atlantic ocean?
There are plenty of Greek places here in the U.S. but I've never seen them serve octopus!
Time to show off my knowledge of all things Greek.
Octopus is very common in Greece (it's a Greek word after all; it means "Eight legs"). In fact you won't find a restaurant in Greece (especially in towns by the sea) that DOESN'T serve octopus. Every time I am there (and that's pretty much every time I go to Europe since I fly there to get to Southern Bulgaria) I don't miss the opportunity to have some octopus, mussels and calamari. In the US, with the exception of a few selected places, Greek restaurants serve food that has been "Americanized" to a large degree, and in the process of doing so many dishes have been eliminated, one of them being octopus. In Chicago if one wants to eat good authentic Greek food, they should avoid Greektown and go instead to some lesser known Greek restaurants in the near north side.
Another reason I am surprised A3 served octopus is that octopus is typically rather expensive meat. It's like serving venison or crawfish on a flight.
Visit my aviation page: http://widebodyroga.weebly.com/
aflyingkiwi From New Zealand, joined Nov 2010, 488 posts, RR: 3 Reply 16, posted (1 year 9 months 1 hour ago) and read 11945 times:
Thanks PH for another great report!
All of the carriers you flew seemed to have a very solid product. As you said OA seemed to be the most impressive, I wonder what kind of meals they offer on their longer flights (ATH-LHR, ATH-CDG etc). Also interesting to see that you got octopus on your A3 flight, I guess it's not to your taste but that looks very nice in my opinion.
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6088 posts, RR: 56 Reply 17, posted (1 year 8 months 4 weeks 1 day 23 hours ago) and read 11879 times:
Hi !
Very nice report with very nice pictures ! Amazing how you keep adding carriers !!!
SunExpress looks nice and especially nice with the new generation airshow map! Very nice with a map on a narrowbody aircaft!
Amazing place you found to do spotting from ! It seems perfect and nice that you got so many new numbers ! The shopping mall spotting area seems nice too!
OA seems very nice and surprising that they served a meal on such a short flight. I like the dress for the FAs as well!
A3 seems nice as well but a very odd choice by serving octopus as a dish ! You were very brave to try it!
Looks a very nice short trip with new carriers, nice flights and lots on new registrations!
Looking froward to your next report!
The777Man
[Edited 2011-08-29 23:15:26]
Need a Boeing 777 Firing Order....Further to fly....GA, T5, CI and LX 777s
Quoting burj (Reply 13): So is octopus something that is eaten a lot in Greece? Where do they even GET octopus? Is there any in the Mediterranean sea or do they get it from the Atlantic ocean?
Quoting Widebodyroga (Reply 15): Octopus is very common in Greece (it's a Greek word after all; it means "Eight legs"). In fact you won't find a restaurant in Greece (especially in towns by the sea) that DOESN'T serve octopus. Every time I am there (and that's pretty much every time I go to Europe since I fly there to get to Southern Bulgaria) I don't miss the opportunity to have some octopus, mussels and calamari. In the US, with the exception of a few selected places, Greek restaurants serve food that has been "Americanized" to a large degree, and in the process of doing so many dishes have been eliminated, one of them being octopus. In Chicago if one wants to eat good authentic Greek food, they should avoid Greektown and go instead to some lesser known Greek restaurants in the near north side.
Thanks for the detailled answer, Widebodyroga!
Quoting burj (Reply 13): There are plenty of Greek places here in the U.S. but I've never seen them serve octopus!
In contrast, it's a common dish in Greek restaurants in Germany.
Quoting burj (Reply 13): Of course I'm in AWE that you get fed meals on European flight!
Yes, but is used to be better in the past. I fear that the pressure by LCCs will continue to force legacy carriers to cut down.
Quoting 767747 (Reply 14): Thanks, PH for your latest report!
Thanks for your reply, Matthew!
Quoting 767747 (Reply 14): Looks like a fun few days of flying; Sun Express looks not too bad, and Olympic seems to have really stepped up its game from only a few years ago ...
Yes, OA is quite different from its precedessor.
Quoting 767747 (Reply 14): Never understood when this ritual of clapping on landing began ... Seems to happen only sporadically, but I always find it funny.
Quoting aflyingkiwi (Reply 16): All of the carriers you flew seemed to have a very solid product.
Quoting aflyingkiwi (Reply 16): As you said OA seemed to be the most impressive, I wonder what kind of meals they offer on their longer flights (ATH-LHR, ATH-CDG etc).
Unfortunately, OA sold its slots at CDG and LHR to A3. Several planes have been transferred, too. Olympic has withdrawn almost entirely from Western Europe, only AMS is left as far as I know. The focus is on regional and domestic flights. I'm sure OA used to serve nice meals on these longer flights. I think there have been a few reports here, I remember one in particular by OA260.
Quoting The777Man (Reply 17): Very nice report with very nice pictures !
Hi Lars, many thanks for your comments! Good to hear you enjoyed reading.
What do you think about the security issue at IST?
Quoting The777Man (Reply 17): Amazing how you keep adding carriers !!!
16 new ones so far in 2011, more to follow...
Quoting The777Man (Reply 17): SunExpress looks nice and especially nice with the new generation airshow map! Very nice with a map on a narrowbody aircaft!
Yes, but it's even better to have PTVs with that kind of airshow! You know what I mean.
Quoting The777Man (Reply 17): Amazing place you found to do spotting from ! It seems perfect and nice that you got so many new numbers ! The shopping mall spotting area seems nice too!
I'd love to go there again in a few years.
Quoting The777Man (Reply 17): A3 seems nice as well but a very odd choice by serving octopus as a dish ! You were bery brave to try it!
Well, I was hungry...
Quoting The777Man (Reply 17): Looks a very nice short trip with new carriers, nice flights and lots on new registrations!
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6088 posts, RR: 56 Reply 19, posted (1 year 8 months 4 weeks 1 day 22 hours ago) and read 11818 times:
Hi !
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 18): What do you think about the security issue at IST?
I think it was handled very badly. It should not have been too difficult for the first person you contacted to call the police, especially with the security situation in Turkey.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 18): 16 new ones so far in 2011, more to follow...
Wow! That's very very impressive. I have two new carriers this year.......But I'm still very happy with my 777 flying. Perhaps I should start to try to fly on new airlines as welll ?
The777Man
Need a Boeing 777 Firing Order....Further to fly....GA, T5, CI and LX 777s
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24929 posts, RR: 60 Reply 20, posted (1 year 8 months 4 weeks 1 day 22 hours ago) and read 11820 times:
In the good old days of the Olympic Airways B747 and A300 on the LHR-ATH-LHR routes the catering was the best compared to BA/VS etc... You got Smoked Salmon with Greek salad, hot meals consisting of beef/chicken and a lovely dessert. Hot rolls were handed out and a free bar with a few coffee rounds. Used to love that service. You got proper cutlery and served on nice dishes and cups. I will have to dig out some old pics and that was in Economy !
A meal from Y class LHR-ATH from Olympic Airlines before it was taken over by MIIG. ( still pretty decent ) .
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6191 posts, RR: 79 Reply 21, posted (1 year 8 months 4 weeks 1 day 22 hours ago) and read 11790 times:
Quoting The777Man (Reply 19): I think it was handled very badly. It should not have been too difficult for the first person you contacted to call the police, especially with the security situation in Turkey.
That's what I thought, too. One short phone call would have been enough.
Quoting The777Man (Reply 19): Wow! That's very very impressive. I have two new carriers this year.......But I'm still very happy with my 777 flying. Perhaps I should start to try to fly on new airlines as welll ?
Well, you could also start flying 787 operators?
Quoting OA260 (Reply 20): In the good old days of the Olympic Airways B747 and A300 on the LHR-ATH-LHR routes the catering was the best compared to BA/VS etc... You got Smoked Salmon with Greek salad, hot meals consisting of beef/chicken and a lovely dessert. Hot rolls were handed out and a free bar with a few coffee rounds. Used to love that service. You got proper cutlery and served on nice dishes and cups. I will have to dig out some old pics and that was in Economy !
Very nice, good old days!
Quoting OA260 (Reply 20): A meal from Y class LHR-ATH from Olympic Airlines before it was taken over by MIIG. ( still pretty decent ) .
Yes, I agree. But what is that item on the left in the dessert bowl?
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6088 posts, RR: 56 Reply 22, posted (1 year 8 months 4 weeks 1 day 22 hours ago) and read 11757 times:
Hi !
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 21): Well, you could also start flying 787 operators?
No, I'm The777Man and will leave 787 flying for someone else. That said, I will try to get on a UA 787 early on, hopefully they will fly it to LAX as a part of crew training.
I think I will start flying more aircraft tyoes (which is what I was doing originally before 777 flying) and try new airlines. Besides there are still a couple of more 777 carriers to be flown in Gaurda and Biman Bangladesh and perhaps some more later ?
The777Man
Need a Boeing 777 Firing Order....Further to fly....GA, T5, CI and LX 777s
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6191 posts, RR: 79 Reply 23, posted (1 year 8 months 4 weeks 1 day 21 hours ago) and read 11744 times:
Quoting The777Man (Reply 22): No, I'm The777Man and will leave 787 flying for someone else.
Alright, that's a clear message!
Quoting The777Man (Reply 22): That said, I will try to get on a UA 787 early on, hopefully they will fly it to LAX as a part of crew training.
Sounds good!
Quoting The777Man (Reply 22): I think I will start flying more aircraft tyoes (which is what I was doing originally before 777 flying) and try new airlines.
Yes, why not.
Quoting The777Man (Reply 22): Besides there are still a couple of more 777 carriers to be flown in Gaurda and Biman Bangladesh and perhaps some more later ?
I'm sure there will be a few more - and we shouldn't forget that Boeing may enhance the type and develop new versions.
sultanils From Belgium, joined Mar 2010, 1188 posts, RR: 29 Reply 24, posted (1 year 8 months 4 weeks 1 day 21 hours ago) and read 11729 times:
Hi there PH,
What an interesting story comparing the 2 main airlines from Greece. I remember Olympic Airlines flying to BRU back in the days, then Aegean came also and Brussels Airlines as well has a long history flying into the ancient city. Toom much competition has forced also the 'new' Olympic to bail out of BRU sadly enough. However I am pleasantly surprised to see the new product looks decent enough. Hopefully it can give them the boost they need!
How nice of them to let you in, I like the interior as well
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Luckily, it turned out to be false alarm, but all these airport employees and the police have reacted absolutely unprofessionally. Turkey has been facing terrorism for a long time, so unattended bags at public places should be taken serious at any time.
That's not professional at all. At BRU they have these recorded announcements every now and then about not leaving bags unattended. They don't at IST?
Only too bad to see these nice classic birds sitting idle there...
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Last but not least, the trip was very successful from an enthusiast's perspective even though it only consisted of three flights: I flew on two new carriers, passed through two new airports and logged a total of 178 new registrations.
Congrats on that PH!
Sultanils
Make some noise Rolls Royce!
25 PlaneHunter: Hi Nils, thanks for your feedback! It seems only AMS is left in Western Europe. I hope so, too. The new livery is so much better than the old one. I
26 SPLTA: Hello PH, Great read, as always. Very good pictures as well (both yours and Satchmo's) I have found it especially interesting, since all 3 airlines ar
27 PlaneHunter: Hi SPLTA, many thanks for your comments! I'm glad you liked it! I think Markus mentioned that in his Adana report. I also noticed something similar o
28 dkdaviator: hi PH, Nice report there, and some really good pictures as well. Wow, that looks really nice. I also like the 3D Airshow, looks pretty nice. It is so
29 SloAir: Hi PH, nice to see a report about a trip to Istanbul, just spent the weekend there and enjoyed it very much. A trip report to follow shortly for sure.
30 PlaneHunter: Hi dkdaviator, thanks for your feedback! Well, it looked better than it tasted, though... Yes, I'm still wondering about that. I can only agree. And
31 burj: WOW! Thanks for the info! I get so much from a.net! That is why I love this site and the people here! Sleeveless may look good on a young thin FA...b
32 airbuseric: Hi PH! that's is something I waited for... nice report on IST spotting and the 2 Greek airlines! Good choice. Did the same last year myself, fantastic
33 ba319-131: Hi PH, Nice report and pictures, did enjoy the read whilst having a spot of lunch today - Not a bad airline meal in this day and age. - This looks a g
34 PlaneHunter: I agree with that. But I guess there are various dressing options. The purser on the OA flight wore a light jacket. Yes, I thought about that, too. B
35 airbuseric: I was send away by security staff after making just a few pictures through the glass from the seating area. No discussion possible. After that I foun
36 PlaneHunter: We didn't face any problems at the mall. Not a single police officer or security guard showed up. It's very odd that you were sent away - the seating
37 djb77: Is it just me or do the gray OA seats look rather cheap and nasty and, well, doomed to look grubby very quickly? @ OA260 - I look forward to your SK r
38 FlyingFinn76: Hi PH, A very nice report on your little Mediterranean spotting journey, too bad the weather was not really up to par. Your comparison of OA and A3 re
39 OA260: It was a mixed salad , quite crispy and nice . LOL... Well thats like going to Milan and having a Cappuchino in McDonalds Always best to get a small
40 MSS658: Hi PH Finally found time to reply , another wonderfull report you typed there. A pitty the combination with TK did not work out well, that would have
41 RvXKaz: Hi PH! I don't know why but I enjoyed your TR very much! I'm sure the high quality pictures and interesting commentary didn't hurt. Looks like you've
42 ronerone: Hi PH, Congratulations on yet another great report! It was the best way to fight my extremely rough jet-lag I read it with great interest, as it provi
43 717Flyer: Hi PH, Yet another amazing read - guaranteed "PH-quality". I enjoyed every minute of it! Also very nice comparison between A3 and OA. Both seemed to o
44 Departurex: Hi PH, nice to read your already mentioned report about Sun Express. The whole report was great and very interesting. A really nice combination of thr
45 FlyKev: Hi PlaneHunter. Thanks for taking the time to share your recent trip with us; it looks like you had a great time and some good flights and the photos
46 Palmjet: Hello PH. I read your report last week and have been meaning to post a comment. I really enjoyed it plus your pics (and those of Satchmo's) are their
47 PlaneHunter: Hi P., thanks for your feedback! Yes, I remember you made a comparison, but I'm amazed it was in January already. Well, you get confused by the lag o
48 IL62Mdakar: Thanks for the nice report. Is the balcony in the mall accessibly to everyone? What about security and police if you spend hours there taking photos.
49 mxp: Hi PH thanx for this new trip report. Like all yours i enjoy every sentences of it Just a question about spotting: how is airside in the airport, it i
50 ROGERBCN: Hola PH! Great TR as usual. I love reading your impressions on all those carriers. I was most impressed by both caterings on Greek airlines.... The OA
51 PlaneHunter: Thanks for your comments! Yes, it's a public area. We didn't face any problems. No, I don't think so. Well, it's still recommended to be discrete. Bu
52 Lufthansa747: Great stuff PH as always! Since you asked... Same as any euro flight. MK_INT_IST_YC_HM1 or HM2. In other words the same hot meal you get on any euro f
53 nipoel123: Hi PH, I've started to scan the threadstarter list in the TR section for your username, as your TRs are such a joy to read! Can't wait... Nick
54 PlaneHunter: Thanks, Lari! Sounds very good... ...but some variety would be nice indeed for frequent flyers. Hi Nick, many thanks for your comments! I'm glad you
55 LXM83: Hi PlaneHunter Thanks for your report. Nice comparison of OA and A3. I continue to be amazed about the nice OA service. Never flown them myself, but t
56 EuroWings: Hello PlaneHunter, Superb report with fantastic pictures. It's nice that you made the comparison between OA and A3. Although, I haven't flown on the n
57 infodesk: Hi PH, An enjoyable read. It seems the greek carriers are offering a good service - the seats do look very worn on Olympic but your good meal made up
58 tk747: Great trip report as always . That is great that both airlines offer complimentary meals its a shame to think that this is now so rare in Europe. I di
59 nkops: That drives me nuts for some reason, especially on a routine flight.. very nice report though!!
60 N1120A: I wish A3 would serve something other than beef or lamb on a flight I have with them. Since I don't eat red meat and since Aegean are awful at caterin
61 PlaneHunter: Hi LXM83, thanks for your comments! Hopefully they will keep up that service level. It seems the aerobridges weren't attached to the planes - and I'm
62 lewis: Cool trip report. I was always happy with Aegean, never saw anything bad about them. I have only flown OA domestic on a very short leg. Was surprised
63 PlaneHunter: Thanks for your comments, lewis! Probably I should try grilled octopus one day. I'd definitely try all these Greek beers. PH
64 777way: Octopus meal thats a first, very nice report and pics. BTW why are the OA A340s gated? Quoting SPLTA (Reply 26): Never seen sleevless FA's uniforms be
65 PlaneHunter: Hi 777way, thanks for your feedback! I hadn't seen an airline meal with octopus before that trip either. The jetways aren't attached to the planes, t
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From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6191 posts, 
So we started walking to the other side of the building and soon passed some of the entrance security checkpoints. A young female screener was watching the proceedings at a checkpoint and I took this opportunity to tell her about the situation. However, she didn't show any interest either and just said that we should go to an information desk. 
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